On World Sepsis Day, health experts remind Americans that sepsis strikes 1.7 million people in the U.S. each year and causes more than 350,000 deaths.
Yet despite those staggering numbers, many Americans don’t know what sepsis is or how to recognize it before it turns deadly.
Worldwide, sepsis is responsible for 1 in 10 ICU admissions and remains the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, experts say.
And most cases begin outside of the hospital, making it essential to spot early warning signs at home.
“Sharing your symptoms with a medical professional in the emergency room is crucial and even asking the question, ‘do I have sepsis?’
Health experts remind Americans on World Sepsis Day that 1 in 7 Americans suffer from sepsis. S. annually and results in over 350,000 fatalities.
Many Americans, however, are unaware of what sepsis is or how to identify it before it becomes fatal, despite those startling statistics.
According to a news release from Houston Methodist’s medical director of critical care, Dr. Dot Faisal Masud, “Symptoms can range from rapid breathing, increased rate, fever, chills, and sudden drop in blood pressure.”. “A health care provider should be informed of your symptoms as soon as possible because early detection can mean the difference between life and death. “.
An extreme reaction to an infection is sepsis. An overreaction by the immune system can cause widespread inflammation, which can harm organs and result in death. This harmful reaction can be triggered by even a small infection.
Sepsis continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States and accounts for one out of every ten intensive care unit admissions globally. A. hospitals, according to authorities. Additionally, the majority of cases start outside of hospitals, so identifying early warning signs at home is crucial.
It is advised by doctors to keep the acronym T in mind. I. M. . A. :.
T is an acronym for temperature change, including fever.
For infection, I am.
M stands for change in mental status.
E stands for very bad feelings.
Masud continued, “Symptoms can include fever, chills, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and abrupt drop in blood pressure.”.
Although anyone can get sepsis, some people are more susceptible than others.
youngsters younger than one year old.
Senior citizens.
people who have long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, or kidney disease.
people whose immune systems are compromised.
Sepsis is a serious medical condition. IV fluids and antibiotics are frequently used in treatment.
“In the emergency department, it’s important to share your symptoms with a medical professional. Even asking if you have sepsis can save your life,” Masud stated.
Additional details.
On sepsis, see the Mayo Clinic.
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