SEPSIS AWARENESS: ITS SYMPTOMS
Forrest City, AR, September 19, 2018 – Mortality from sepsis increases 8% for every hour of delay in treatment. Coupled with the fact that the symptoms of sepsis can be vague, it’s no wonder this disease poses such a threat. Rapid diagnosis and treatment, however, could prevent as many as 80% of sepsis deaths.* In order to be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, you must know the symptoms of sepsis.
Many doctors consider sepsis as a three-stage syndrome, beginning with sepsis and progressing through severe sepsis to septic shock. To be diagnosed with sepsis, you must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms, and also have a probable or confirmed infection:
- Body temperature above 101˚ F or below 96.8˚ F
- Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
- Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute
The diagnosis will be upgraded to severe sepsis if you also exhibit at least one of the following signs and symptoms, indicating the possible failure of an organ:
- Significantly decreased urine output
- Abrupt change in mental status
- Decrease in platelet count
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal heart pumping function
- Abdominal pain
The diagnosis of septic shock comes when the patient displays the signs and symptoms of severe sepsis combined with extremely low blood pressure that doesn’t adequately respond to simple fluid replacement.**
But how do you know if you have these symptoms without having a healthcare provider on standby? It’s all about TIME. That’s the acronym the Sepsis Alliance promotes in educating the public about what to Watch for regarding the symptoms of sepsis.
T – Temperature. Higher or lower than normal
I – Infection. Signs and symptoms of a possible infection
M – Mental Decline. Confused, sleepy, or difficult to rouse
E – Extremely Ill. “I feel like I might die,” or severe pain or discomfort
Other common signs and symptoms of sepsis include shivering or feeling very cold, pale or discolored skin, clammy or sweaty skin, disorientation, shortness of breath, or a high heart rate.
Forrest City Medical Center can help you understand the symptoms and know the right questions to ask of yourself or a loved one if you suspect sepsis. “We have a couple of handouts that educate the public about sepsis,” says Angie Vondran, RN, Quality Director and Compliance Officer at Forrest City Medical Center. “One is the TIME handout, and the other handout features a stoplight approach to understanding signs of symptoms.” According to Vondran, the stoplight form features a series of questions to ask yourself about your breathing, your heartbeat, and your energy level among other things. “When you answer these questions about how you feel, you can see if your answers fall in the safe green zone or one of the zones that call for you to take action.” The forms, according to Vondran, are available at the hospital information window, or by calling 870-261-0444.
Early detection and treatment of sepsis increases your chance of surviving this life-threatening condition. Prevention is an even better route, and effective methods of preventing sepsis will be outlined in next week’s health article. To learn more today, call Forrest City Medical Center at 870-261-0147, or visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
* Source: Sepsis Alliance Fact Sheet
**Source: Mayo Clinic: Sepsis