New Delhi: Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that poses a major threat to healthcare sector in India. In India the condition is the reason behind around 60 to 80 per cent of deaths occurring on a yearly basis. But what is this condition and how does it occur?
Dr Sayoni Dutta, Consultant Microbiologist, Metropolis Healthcare Limited shared with News9, “Sepsis is a critical condition that arises when the body’s immune system reacts excessively to an infection, leading to severe organ dysfunction. The body’s reaction causes damage to its own tissues and organs, and it can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and sometimes death, especially if not identified early and treated promptly.”
Who is at risk?
Sepsis can affect anyone, but people who are older, very young, pregnant, or have other health problems are at higher risk, including
• Older persons
• Pregnant or recently pregnant women
• Neonates- Neonatal sepsis can happen when a baby is less than 28 days old, and an infection enters the bloodstream. A baby diagnosed within the first 72 hours of birth is considered to have early-onset neonatal sepsis.
• Hospitalised patients
• patients in intensive care units- who are with catheters or breathing tubes. People with low immunity or is suffering from HIV or cancer
• people with chronic medical conditions (for example kidney disease, diabetes, lung disease, cirrhosis).
• Sustain severe injuries, such as extensive burns or large wounds
Infections- Sepsis is usually caused by bacterial infections but may be the result of other infections such as viruses, parasites, or fungi.
Common infections that cause sepsis are:
• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Infection in your appendix (appendicitis)
• Abdominal infection
• Infections of the liver or bile duct system
• Brain or spinal cord infections
Signs and symptoms
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It can have various signs and symptoms at different times.
Common signs and symptoms are-
• Fever or low temperature and shivering
• Confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Convulsions and lethargy
• Cold clammy and sweaty skin
• Extreme body pain or discomfort
• Low urine output
Sepsis SOFA score
The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score assists doctors in diagnosing sepsis by evaluating 2 out of 3 criteria:
• A respiration rate of 22 breaths per minute or more
• A change in mental status
• A systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or lower.
In children under 5 years old, it can lead to feeding difficulties, frequent vomiting, or reduced urine output.
Prevention
Sepsis can be prevented by addressing infections promptly and maintaining good hygiene both at home and in healthcare environments. The most effective way to minimize the risk of sepsis is to prevent infections altogether. Steps include:
• Good personal hygiene, like washing hands with soap and water and preparing food safely
• Steering clear of contaminated water or unsanitary restrooms
• Receiving vaccinations advised by local health authorities
• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintain regular treatment for chronic health conditions.
• Promptly clean any skin wound. Ensure it remains clean and covered while it heals and monitor for any signs of infection.
Sepsis can affect anyone, but people who are older, very young, pregnant, or have other health problems are at higher risk, including Older population, non-pregnant women, hospitalised patients and more Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
