September is Sepsis Awareness Month

By: Stefanie Goodman, MSN, BS, RN

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that originates from an infection inside the body. As part of the body’s natural response to the infection, it can have an overreaction causing organ dysfunction and, in some cases, lead to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1.7 million adults in the United States will develop sepsis and nearly 270,000 of those will die from this condition.

Those who are more at risk for sepsis include young children, elderly, individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, lung disease, kidney disease and cancer, and individuals who have a decreased immunity and cannot fight off infections easily.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. It is critical for those who have signs and symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. The Sepsis Alliance uses the acronym “It’s About TIME” to help identify signs to look for:

• Temperature. The temperature may be elevated or below normal.
• Infection. Pneumonia, digestive system and urinary system infections are common infections that can lead to sepsis.
• Mental decline. The individual with sepsis may experience confusion, sleepiness or be more difficult to wake from sleep.
• Extremely ill. This includes severe pain or discomfort and shortness of breath.

Other signs of sepsis include an elevated heart rate, decreased blood pressure and clammy, sweaty skin. Individuals may or may not experience all these signs and symptoms, but in any combination, they should be taken seriously and addressed immediately with a health care provider.

When sepsis is suspected, the healthcare provider may order diagnostic testing such as blood tests, urine tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and imaging exams such as x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatments for sepsis include intravenous fluids, medications to treat the infection, medications to help with hypotension and oxygen support. Many patients will require hospitalization.

Here are ways to help prevent sepsis:

• Good hand hygiene is essential to stop the spread of infections. The CDC recommends that all surfaces of the hands be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hands should be wash before and after handling food, before and after going to the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, after touching animals and after being out in the community.
• Wounds should be kept clean and protected.
• Immunizations should be kept up to date. Individuals should check with their health care providers to determine what immunizations are needed.
• Seeking early treatment for a suspected infection is, also, a key to preventing the development of sepsis.

If you are displaying signs or symptoms associated with sepsis, seek medical attention immediately.