What is Sepsis & What are the Early Warning Signs?

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a severe and potentially life-threatening medical condition. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection leads to widespread inflammation throughout the body. It can result in organ dysfunction and failure. It can affect people of all ages, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment.

Main Causes of Sepsis

A bacterial infection most commonly triggers sepsis, but fungal or viral infections can also cause it. Common sources of infection that can lead to sepsis include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, abdominal infections, skin infections, and bloodstream infections.

Difference Stages of Sepsis

Sepsis is the first stage when the body reacts to an infection. It causes symptoms such as fever, fast heart rate, quick breathing, and changes in mental state.

Severe sepsis occurs when it progresses, leading to organ dysfunction. Signs of organ dysfunction may include low urine output, difficulty breathing, changes in mental status, and abnormal blood clotting.

Septic shock is the worst stage of the virus. It causes a big drop in blood pressure, which can stop enough blood from reaching important organs. It is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical intervention.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Signs include fever or coldness. Other signs include a fast heart rate, quick breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, and less urine. Additionally, tiredness, sickness, throwing up, muscle ache, skin changes, thirst, and trouble talking are also signs. An anagram often used to aid symptom recognition is “TIME,” which stands for temperature, infection, mental decline, and extremely ill.

Treatment and Management Processes

The primary treatment for sepsis involves administering antibiotics to target the infection and providing supportive care. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary. Treatment also includes intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure, oxygen therapy, and medications to support organ function. You may need surgery to remove the source of the infection, such as an abscess.

Sepsis is a serious condition triggered by infections, and it requires immediate medical attention. Recognising the main signs and symptoms, understanding its stages, and taking preventive measures are essential for both patient and healthcare provider. It is crucial for the health and social care sector to be aware of the virus and how to respond.

Sepsis Awareness Course

Our Sepsis Awareness Course gives an overview of the key symptoms and an outlines the basic response when suspecting the virus. The widespread awareness of the condition is incredibly important, in particular for those who work with high-risk individuals. Recognising the symptoms of the virus early increases that person’s chance of survival, as it is life-threatening.

Our Sepsis Awareness course could help you if you are working within the health and social care sector. Learn to recognise early signs and respond promptly to care for someone with the virus.

Register for our Sepsis Awareness training course.