8 in 10 Americans Don’t Know the Symptoms of Sepsis, Survey Shows
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Key TakeawaysA new survey revealed that 81% of Americans are unaware of sepsis symptoms, which can lead to organ failure and death within hours.Sepsis can result from bacterial or viral infections and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics or other interventions to improve survival.Recognizing the symptoms of sepsis using the acronym “SEPSIS” can help you seek urgent medical care.
A new national survey shows that 81% of Americans don’t know the signs of sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency that can lead to organ failure and death in as little as 12 hours.The survey, conducted by the health network MedStar Health, aims to shed light on a condition that takes more lives than cancer every year. At least 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis each year, and 350,000 die from it.“Sepsis takes a life every two minutes. It can look like a routine illness, then quickly change into a severe, life-threatening situation,” said Jennifer Yu, MD, the sepsis physician lead for MedStar Health and a critical care physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.Sepsis happens when the body responds improperly to an infection, Yu added. It can cause widespread inflammation that leads to organ failure, and potentially death if not treated immediately.“Early treatment of sepsis with antibiotics, and sometimes oxygen, improves the chances for survival,” Yu said.Bacterial infections, such as wounds, urinary tract infections, some cuts and scrapes, pneumonia, dental infections, and postoperative infections, can all lead to sepsis, as can viruses such as COVID-19. Most sepsis cases develop outside of a hospital, and being aware of the symptoms can save lives, said Robert Hopkins, MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. He added that most people who develop sepsis have at least one underlying medical condition, such as chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system.The acronym “SEPSIS” can help you recognize the symptoms and seek emergency medical care, according to MedStar Health.S — Shivering, fever, or very coldE — Extreme pain or discomfortP — Pale, discolored, clammy, or sweaty skinS — Sleepy, confusion, or disorientationI — “I feel like I might die.”S — Shortness of breathSepsis can be diagnosed through a medical assessment that evaluates physical signs such as increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and fever, difficulty breathing. Healthcare providers can also obtain blood cultures to look for signs of infection or perform tests that check for organ damage.If you think you have sepsis, it’s important to see a doctor immediately so that treatment can begin right away, Hopkins added.“Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, maintaining blood flow to organs, or surgery,” Hopkins said.
What This Means For YouKnowing the signs of sepsis, such as shivering, confusion, or shortness of breath, can save lives. If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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