Sepsis Awareness Month

Every September, we observe Sepsis Awareness Month to educate ourselves and others about this life-threatening condition that can arise from common infections. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early and seeking prompt medical treatment can save lives and prevent long-term complications.

What Is Sepsis?

The Cleveland Clinic describes sepsis as the body’s extreme and abnormal response to an infection. Instead of the immune system helping only the infected area, it triggers a chain reaction that leads to widespread inflammation and blood clotting issues throughout the body. Sepsis, also referred to as septicemia or "blood poisoning" by John Hopkins Medicine, is a medical emergency that leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Facts About Sepsis

According to the CDC:

• Over 1.7 million adults in the U.S. develop sepsis annually.

• At least 350,000 people die from sepsis each year, and sepsis causes approximately 1 in 3 inpatient deaths in the U.S.

• Most cases of sepsis begin before a patient is admitted to the hospital, and up to 1/3 of patients were seen by a healthcare provider during the week prior to hospitalization.

• Septic patients usually have a weakened immune system or at least one chronic condition.

  
  

Causes of Sepsis

The Cleveland Clinic indicates sepsis can begin with infections in various body systems including:

• Respiratory (pneumonia)

• Urinary tract (bladder and kidney infections)

• Skin (wounds and cellulitis)

• Gastrointestinal tract (appendicitis and bowel infections)

• Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord infections)

  
  

These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. According to John Hopkins Medicine, common culprits include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (staph), and some strains of Streptococcus.

Populations at Higher Risk

While sepsis can affect anyone, the Cleveland Clinic identifies certain groups who are more susceptible:

• Individuals aged 65 and older

• Children under 1 year old

• People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, or kidney disease

• Pregnant individuals

• Those with weakened immune systems

• Individuals with severe injuries or burns

• Patients with invasive devices like catheters or breathing tubes

Recognizing the Symptoms of Sepsis

The CDC, Cleveland Clinic, and John Hopkins Medicine all emphasize that sepsis can develop rapidly. If you or someone else exhibits a combination of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold

• Confusion or disorientation

• Extreme pain or discomfort

• Clammy or sweaty skin

• High heart rate or weak pulse

• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing

• Low blood pressure

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rashes that look like bruising

• Bluish discoloration to the skin, lips, fingers, or toes

• Light sensitivity

  
  

For children, Healthline.com adds these additional symptoms:

• Not feeding well

• Irritability

• Lethargy

The Mayo Clinic recommends remembering the acronym TIME to identify possible sepsis:

• Temperature (fever or low body temperature)

• Infection (signs of infection)

• Mental decline (confusion or disorientation)

• Extremely ill (feeling very unwell)

  
  

How Sepsis is Diagnosed and Treated

Healthline.com explains that sepsis is diagnosed using clinical findings (based on history and exam) plus targeted tests: blood work, cultures to identify the germ, x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRI exams, and other tests to check organ function.

Typical treatment includes:

• Immediate antimicrobial medications (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics) to treat the infection

• Fluids and vasopressors to improve blood pressure, blood flow, and organ perfusion

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

• Pain relievers for comfort

• Organ support in severe cases (oxygen, ventilators, and dialysis)

• Surgery when needed to remove an infection source (such as drainage of an abscess)

  
  

Prompt, appropriate treatment dramatically improves outcomes.

Preventing Sepsis

Preventing sepsis begins with preventing infections. John Hopkins Medicine recommends:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until healed

• Stay up to date with vaccinations

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease

• Seek prompt medical attention for infections

• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics

• Follow a healthy lifestyle

Sepsis is a medical emergency that demands swift action. By educating ourselves and others, we can recognize the signs early, seek prompt treatment, improve outcomes, and save lives. Let's work together this September to raise awareness and make a difference.

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