What is sepsis: Understanding its early symptoms, severe stages, causes, and prevention tips to manage |
Sepsis can be described as a very dangerous medical condition triggered by an immune system response. In most cases of infection in the human body, the immune system fights only those invading organisms and not all of them. This process of fighting all of them makes it fail by attacking its own cells and organs. This medical condition can be caused by common infections like urinary infections or even pneumonia in patients like older patients, babies, pregnant women, hospitalised patients, or even those who suffer from chronic medical conditions.
Understanding sepsis and its stages
Sepsis is caused by an infection that leads to an uncontrolled response by the immune system. In a normal body, the immune system guards the body against bacteria, viruses, and any other foreign organisms that might affect the body. However, in sepsis, the immune system overacts and starts attacking the body. There might also be blood clots in blood vessels that might limit the supply of blood to different organs in the body. Due to the rapid progression of sepsis, early attention is essential.Stages of sepsisSepsis progresses in three key stages, each representing an increase in severity:
- Sepsis: Bacteria multiply in the blood, leading to inflammation throughout the body. In this stage, early diagnosis and administration of antibiotics are vital.
- Severe sepsis: The inflammation becomes aggravated, and organs start getting damaged. Symptoms can include inflammation or failure of the kidney or liver, trouble breathing, and low blood pressure.
- Septic shock: This is the most severe stage. The blood pressure drops to critically low levels, leading to the possibility of the heart, lungs, and kidneys failing. All the organs might fail, and the person dies.
Symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis may present differently based on age and health status, and it may also be characterised by the following:In adults:
- Fever or low body temperature, with chills
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Rapid heart rate and weak pulse
- Breathing difficulties
- Clammy skin or sweating
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Low urine output
In children and infants:
- Fast breathing
- Convulsions or seizures
- Pale or mottled skin
- Lethargy and difficulty waking
- Low body temperature
- Poor feeding, vomiting, or decreased urination in infants
Early detection is crucial because sepsis can progress rapidly and cause irreversible damage if left untreated.
Causes of sepsis
The condition can be caused by bacterial infections. However, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can also induce it. It can arise as a consequence of infections such as:
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections, especially in those with catheters
- Abdominal infections or appendicitis
- Blood infections (septicemia)
- Skin infections such as cellulitis
- Gallbladder or kidney infections
- Infections of the brain or spinal cord
Hospital-acquired infections are a significant risk factor, particularly for patients in intensive care units or post-surgical recovery.
Sepsis: Who is at higher risk
While sepsis can affect anyone, certain populations are more vulnerable:
- Older adults: Due to a naturally weaker immune system
- Pregnant or recently pregnant women
- Infants and neonates
- Hospitalised patients and those in intensive care
- Individuals with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or liver disease
- People with compromised immune systems, including HIV or cancer patients
Sepsis in babies and older adults
Babies and individuals who are one year or younger can easily be affected by sepsis. Those that are premature as well as those born low-weight are particularly susceptible to sepsis. The signs and symptoms that babies will go through include feeding difficulties, lack of body heat, lethargy, pale skin, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and seizures.Older patients are also at risk owing to immunodeficiency, chronic conditions, or malnutrition. Symptoms of confusion or delirium can be thought of as manifestations of dementia, which results in late presentation. Other underlying causes include disturbances in the balance of the bacteria in the intestines as well as cumulative impacts of chronic conditions. Sepsis in old patients leads to rapid organ damage in the absence of prompt detection.
Prevention tips for managing sepsis
- Taking care of one’s personal hygiene practices
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations
- Treat infections promptly
- Make regular dental check-ups
- Keep a close watch on chronic illnesses
- Immediately attend to all wounds, surgery areas, and infections
