It strikes 1.7 million Americans each year and is responsible for an estimated 250,000 deaths. For those that survive, the lingering effects can be debilitating, including muscle weakness, recurring infections, anxiety and depression, difficulty with memory or concentration, panic attacks and sleeping difficulty.
It’s called sepsis, and September is Sepsis Awareness Month to draw attention to this often overlooked illness.
“Although sepsis is common and potentially deadly, a recent survey found that fewer than half of all Americans have ever even heard of the term ‘sepsis,’” said R. Phillip Dellinger, MD, professor of medicine at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, one of the nation’s leading sepsis experts. “Sepsis is not a selective illness. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, social class or economics status.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction, often caused by infection that leads to septic shock. Signs of sepsis include fever, fast hearteat, weakness, shortage of breath, pain and confusion. In New Jersey hospitals, we’ve engaged in a statewide project to focus our care teams on early detection of sepsis. We know that early identification and treatment of sepsis is key to survival, so our hospitals have adopted standardized best practices for rapid treatment. New Jersey is among the top five nationally in adhering to these protocols.
As the number of sepsis survivors increases, we’re learning much more about the ongoing impact of this illness. The long list of physical and psychological symptoms now has a name: post-sepsis syndrome. The after-effects of sepsis include cognitive impairment that can make everyday tasks like bathing and preparing meals more difficult, along with other symptoms like depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
While there’s a great deal we’re still learning about “life after sepsis,” there’s one thing we’re certain of: early identification of sepsis is critical for improving the odds against this illness. And that’s where we all have a role: individuals educating themselves about sepsis, and healthcare professionals adopting best practices in spotting sepsis early.
To quickly spot the signs and symptoms of sepsis, it’s about TIME (with thanks to the national Sepsis Alliance for this easy-to-remember list). If these symptoms are present and you think it may be sepsis, call your healthcare professional right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
Temperature (higher or lower than normal, possibly with chills or sweating)
Infection (there may be signs and symptoms of infection)
Mental decline (there may be confusion, sleepiness or difficulty rousing the individual)
Extremely ill (feeling very unwell, including severe pain and discomfort).
You can learn more at www.sepsis.org.
