Thirteen key signs of sepsis where medical help is needed immediately
People are being warned of 13 key signs of sepsis, which could indicate to get medical help right away.
The dangers from the condition should never be underestimated, and with today being World Sepsis Day, it's highlighted that one in five deaths globally are associated with sepsis.
But while it can be extremely severe, it is not always easy to spot. "Sepsis is life-threatening. It can be hard to spot,” stated the NHS. “There are lots of possible symptoms. They can be like symptoms of other conditions, including flu or a chest infection. If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts.”
And people are warned that while it is rare, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death if it is not treated quickly. Sepsis is caused by complications of infections, and that can be down to many factors.
The immune system usually keeps an infection limited to one place. This is called a localised infection. To do that, the body produces white blood cells. These travel to an infection site to destroy the germs, triggering tissue swelling, known as inflammation. This helps to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading.
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However, an infection can spread to other parts of the body if the immune system is weak or an infection is severe. Widespread inflammation can damage tissue and interfere with blood flow. When blood flow is interrupted, blood pressure can drop dangerously low. This stops oxygen from reaching the organs and tissues.
Sepsis symptoms where people should seek medical help
- loss of consciousness
- severe breathlessness
- a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
- a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation
- slurred speech
- cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
- chills and shivering
- severe muscle pain
- feeling dizzy or faint
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea
Sepsis can be triggered by an infection in any part of the body, but the most common sites of infection are in the lungs, urinary tract, stomach and pelvis.
There are many cases of the sudden devastating impacts of sepsis. Last December, Beth Budgen started out with what she thought was just an ordinary winter cold.
But on Christmas Eve, she was rushed to hospital after experiencing pain in her side and vomiting blue liquid. Following a number of tests, it was discovered she had been battling Strep A before contracting sepsis, and was on the brink of death.
The 46-year-old spent the next six weeks fighting to survive in a coma, entirely missing Christmas Day and New Year. And when she finally awoke in 2023, she was dealt the devastating blow of being told she needed to have both of her legs amputated, and possibly her hands.
Having been released from hospital last week, Beth is now adapting to her new way of life and feels that she has been given a second chance to support sepsis survivors.
Beth, from Hampshire, said: “I’d had a cold before Christmas, but didn’t think anything of it. I was actually feeling a bit better by Christmas Eve. My sister insisted on calling for help, and it saved my life. I was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis and spent the next six weeks in a coma. I completely missed Christmas and New Year. It’s been traumatic to lose my legs, but I also feel it happened for a reason. When I am well enough to work again, I’d like to support other amputees and raise awareness of sepsis. This is my second chance at life, and I’m going to make it count.”
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