Sepsis – Know the Symptoms
Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition caused by the body’s immune system overreacting to infection, setting off a series of reactions that can lead to widespread inflammation (swelling) and blood clotting. Around 37,000 people are estimated to die of sepsis each year, accounting for 100,000 hospital admissions.
Symptoms of Sepsis usually develop quickly and include:
- a fever or high temperature over 38C (100.4F)
- chills
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
In severe cases you may notice: you feel dizzy when you stand up confusion or disorientation nausea and vomiting.
Facts about Sepsis
- Sepsis is a more common reason for hospital admission than heart attack – and has a higher mortality.
- The most common causes of severe sepsis are pneumonia, bowel perforation, urinary infection, and severe skin infections.
- The most common signs of sepsis are a high fever, violent shivering, fainting, cold and pale hands, rapid breathing, confusion or delirium.
- 37,000 people are estimated to die of sepsis each year in the UK.
- From the time sepsis first takes hold, healthcare workers have just hours to deliver the right care.
For more information on Sepsis visit http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-poisoning/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/What-is-it.aspx