The recent fluctuations in weather, with hot days and cold nights, have led to increased symptoms like coughing, phlegm, and a runny nose. Many people might brush these off as typical cold symptoms, but staying cautious is important. These symptoms could also be warning signs of sepsis, a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate that can reach as high as 60%.
Sepsis Triggers a Systemic Inflammatory Response
Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when a microbial infection leads to a systemic inflammatory response, causing widespread organ dysfunction. If untreated, it can rapidly worsen, leading to organ failure, death, or long-term disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized sepsis as a critical global health issue, responsible for about 20% of worldwide deaths, and is focusing on strategies to prevent it.
Smoking Increases the Risk of Sepsis
Research shows that long-term smokers are at a higher risk of developing sepsis compared to non-smokers. Smokers have a 1.34 times greater risk of sepsis than those who have never smoked, regardless of other health conditions. This suggests that smoking itself increases the risk of sepsis, and the risk is greater the longer someone smokes and the more they smoke.
Golden Time is Crucial
Sepsis has a death risk of 20-35% after it develops, and if it progresses to septic shock, the mortality rate can escalate to 40-60%. This is why the golden hour — the critical window for receiving treatment — is so important. According to the American College of Chest Physicians and other essential organizations of care, starting treatment within the first hour of sepsis symptoms can dramatically reduce the chances of death.
Symptoms Similar to a Cold
The symptoms of sepsis can resemble those of a common cold, but unlike a cold, which typically improves within a few days, sepsis symptoms persist and worsen. Common signs include high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) or hypothermia (body temperature dropping below 96.8°F or 36°C). However, people with weakened immune systems may not have a fever. Sepsis can also cause rapid breathing and a bluish or mottled appearance of the skin due to reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Should You Use Antipyretics?
When you have a fever, reaching for fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen is common. However, in the case of sepsis, these medications can interfere with the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Fever can help the body fight off infections by slowing bacterial growth. Therefore, fever-reducing medications should be used cautiously. If the fever becomes very high or uncomfortable, antipyretics may be needed, but indiscriminate use should be avoided.
Diagnostic Tests for Sepsis
To diagnose sepsis, doctors will conduct blood tests to check for markers of organ dysfunction, such as platelet count, bilirubin levels, creatinine, and oxygen levels in the blood. Additional tests may include urine tests, CT scans, and MRIs. These tests are not done all at once but are typically prioritized based on the patient’s condition and the suspected source of the infection.
Two Main Treatments for Sepsis
Sepsis treatment generally falls into two categories:
Antimicrobial therapy involves administering antibiotics or other medications to eliminate the microorganisms causing the infection. Supportive treatment aims to maintain vital organ functions, buying time for antibiotics and the body’s immune system to combat the infection.
In more severe cases, additional treatments such as vasopressors (to support blood pressure), mechanical ventilation (for breathing assistance), or dialysis (to support kidney function) may be necessary.
Elderly and Infants at Higher Risk
Older adults are more vulnerable to sepsis due to weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions like diabetes, chronic liver disease, and cancer. These factors can complicate treatment and lead to poorer outcomes.
Infants and young children are also at high risk for sepsis. Neonatal sepsis occurs within the first 90 days after birth, while pediatric sepsis can develop after three months of age. Both types can progress to septic shock, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. It’s essential to seek medical care quickly if symptoms of sepsis are observed in infants or children.
Complications May Persist After Treatment
Even after sepsis has been treated, some individuals may experience lingering complications. Common issues include brain dysfunction, acute lung injury, bowel obstruction, cardiovascular problems, and liver damage. Cognitive impairments and a significant decline in quality of life are also possible. Early intervention and proper management are key to minimizing long-term effects and improving recovery outcomes.
Is There a Way to Prevent Sepsis?
While there are no specific methods to prevent sepsis, it can be beneficial to get vaccinated against infectious diseases and manage underlying health conditions.
For individuals with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial, as infections can lead to sepsis. Additionally, habits like biting nails can lead to bacterial infections, so it’s advisable to disinfect any wounds and seek medical attention when necessary.
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