Despite sepsis being a life-threatening and serious complication of infections, which significantly increases with age, it still remains widely unrecognisable. The inability to recognise symptoms in a timely manner means a higher number of negative outcomes are occurring, which may otherwise be preventable if more people learn the signs.
Knowing the signs of sepsis can potentially save a life, especially if you’re a primary carer for a vulnerable loved one. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sepsis awareness, including causes, symptoms, and action.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a complication that occurs when the body’s response to infection escalates too quickly and starts attacking its own tissues and organs. Sometimes confused with blood poisoning and septicaemia, which are conditions where bacteria invade the bloodstream, sepsis is a harmful response to these infections.
Sepsis Trust reports that 48,000 people die from sepsis every year in the UK alone. Without proper treatment, sepsis can quickly result in organ failure and death.
Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis
Being able to spot the signs of sepsis can make the difference between getting timely treatment and death. Sepsis can progress rapidly, so there’s not always time to get an opinion from a GP if you think something is wrong.
If you or anyone around you begins exhibiting the following symptoms, get urgent medical advice:
- Extremely low (below 36°C) or high temperature (above 38°C)
- Low blood pressure and a weak pulse
- Slurred speech and sudden confusion
- A fast heartbeat
- Mottled or discoloured skin
- Severe breathlessness
- Sepsis rash (one that doesn’t go away when you roll a glass over it)
- Loss of consciousness
- Not needing to pass urine as frequently
It’s important to remember that sepsis can be mild, so symptoms might not seem as concerning straight away. However, the quicker treatment is provided during this initial stage, the better the chance for a full recovery.
What to Do if You See Someone With Sepsis Symptoms
If you think you or someone close by is suffering from sepsis symptoms, trust your instincts and call 999. Stay with the person affected while you remain on the phone until emergency services reach you, and keep them comfortable and calm.
The operator will be able to advise you on what to do while you wait. They may recommend paracetamol for a high temperature or fluids to prevent dehydration. Make a note of any medications you give them while you wait, and tell the paramedics as soon as they arrive.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Sepsis?
Anyone can develop sepsis, no matter how old they are or their current state of health. However, some people are at a slightly higher risk of developing sepsis, including:
- People with pre-existing medical conditions that weaken the immune system
- Surgical patients or those who have wounds from a recent incident (e.g. car crash)
- Babies and children or older adults
- Anyone who is already in hospital with a serious illness
Everyone should know the signs of sepsis. However, it’s most beneficial if you or a loved one is at higher risk to ensure you can get emergency assistance at the first sign of infection.
Why Are Older Adults More at Risk of Developing Sepsis?
There are several reasons why older adults are more likely to develop sepsis, including:
- Increased risk of frailty: Ageing immune systems and frailty increase the risk of developing severe infections.
- More time spent in hospital: Older adults are at higher risk of extended hospital stays and operations, leading to weakened immune systems.
- Catheters, feeding tubes and IVs: Repeat insertion of tubes and needles can increase the likelihood of infection.
- Chronic diseases: Diabetes, lung and kidney disease, heart attacks, stroke and hypertension have been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing sepsis.
- Difficulties communicating symptoms: Older adults may experience dementia and confusion, making it tricky to communicate symptoms effectively.
Possible Causes of Sepsis
Bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of sepsis, although fungal, viral and parasitic infections can also trigger the condition. An infection triggers a chain reaction through the body, leading to organ dysfunction.
Here are some possible causes of sepsis:
- Respiratory infections: Infections in the lungs, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Gastrointestinal system: Appendicitis, bowel problems, gallbladder and liver infections can lead to sepsis complications.
- Urinary tract infections: UTIs are particularly common in people who have frequent catheters or are frequently dehydrated.
- Central nervous system: Infections of the brain and spinal cord are difficult to diagnose and therefore increase the risk of sepsis developing.
- Skin infections: Bacteria can enter through skin wounds, inflammation or openings made from needles or tubes.
Sepsis is not contagious, so it can’t spread from person to person. Being around someone who has sepsis doesn’t increase your chance of developing it, although you can spread the infections that cause the disease.
Is Sepsis Life-Threatening?
Yes, sepsis can be life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly and effectively. If not treated early, it can turn to septic shock and cause organ failure. This means that as soon as the initial signs present themselves, hospital admission is essential. You should get antibiotics within six hours of being admitted.
Without professional treatment, septic shock can turn fatal within just 12 hours.
Long-Term Effects After Recovering From Sepsis
Most people make a full recovery from sepsis after timely treatment. However, it can take time to get back to how you used to be. Some people, especially older adults, continue experiencing physical and emotional symptoms for months or even years after the initial infection.
Long-term effects, otherwise known as post-sepsis syndrome, can include:
- Extreme fatigue or weakness, but difficulty sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Frequent illnesses; compromised immune system
- Changes in mood, such as depression
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Caring For a Sepsis Survivor
Everyone’s experience with sepsis and recovery is different, so it can be difficult to know how to care for a loved one who’s gone through it. Staying positive is essential. Your loved one might feel down and stressed about their condition, so your reaction can influence their emotions.
Encouraging a nourishing diet, gentle exercise and social support can significantly improve the speed with which they return to their normal routine. Allow them to do as much as they can independently, as this will boost self-esteem, mental health and confidence.
Help them get a sufficient amount of sleep through a consistent bedtime routine and anxiety-reducing techniques. Consider if they need a new mattress to help them sleep longer and more efficiently, as this can make them feel better during the day.
Looking after a loved one after sepsis can be tough on your own physical and emotional well-being, so take time to care for yourself too. Respite care is a good option if you need a break to tend to other responsibilities or simply prioritise your needs for a while.
How Trinity Homecare Can Help
At Trinity Homecare, we provide bespoke live-in or visiting care to anyone who needs us–including sepsis survivors or those who are at a higher risk of developing infections. Our fully trained carers can monitor symptoms and assist your loved one with recovery after sepsis, helping them get back on their feet after an extended hospital stay.
The care we provide includes:
- One-to-one support at home
- Completely bespoke live-in care that has been tailored to you
- Specialist care for a number of different circumstances
- Home carers carefully matched to your needs
- CQC rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in care services
We understand the idea of sepsis is daunting, especially when your loved one is at higher risk of developing it. Our carers are on hand to provide daily assistance, risk management to prevent infections, and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure quick action in the event of an emergency. Emotional support is also offered to clients and their families.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
