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What is sepsis? The condition that can kill a healthy adult ‘within hours’

What is sepsis, and how does it affect people?
What is sepsis, and how does it affect people?

Sepsis deaths in the north and north-east have reached their highest in years – but what is it, and how do you avoid it?

The condition claims more lives than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.

And in the last year alone, almost one person a day in Grampian, Highland and the islands died from sepsis.

Also known as blood poisoning, it happens when the body’s fight against an infection “spirals out of control”.

Within just a few hours it can lead to organ failure, a need for amputations or even death.

How many people get sepsis?

New figures show that thousands of people are taken to hospital with sepsis in the north and north-east every year.

More than 2,200 needed treatment on the wards for it in the 12 months to April – around six admissions per day.

In the same time period, 302 people died from the condition.

This was the highest single-year total in the last five years, and the equivalent of around one-in-seven patients.

What are the signs of sepsis?

High/ low temperature

As the body fights the infection, you could develop a fever. Or your temperature could plummet, bringing on hypothermia.

Uncontrolled shivering

If your temperature falls, you could start shivering. It’s your body’s way of trying to get warm.

Confusion

Sepsis can cause difficulty breathing, lowering oxygen levels in your blood. This can lead to episodes of confusion.

Passing little urine

Changes in pressure could stop blood flowing to your organs, causing them to fail. If it affects the kidneys, it will limit the amount of urine produced.

Blotchy or cold limbs

As nutrients struggle to make it through your body to your hands and feet, the tissue can start to die. They could turn blotchy, blue or black and may need amputated.

What can we do about it?

A major campaign has been launched throughout Scotland to make more people aware of sepsis.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Sepsis Research Feat founder Craig Stobo, unveil the new sepsis awareness campaign.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Sepsis Research Feat founder Craig Stobo, unveil the new sepsis awareness campaign.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf says it’s crucial people learn the signs.

“Treatment within one hour of recognition has led to mortality rates among those identified at this stage falling by 21% since 2012,” he explained.

And the chief operating officer of charity Sepsis Research Feat, Colin Graham, said: “It is a devastating condition that can kill a previously healthy adult in hours.

Colin Graham, chief operating officer of Sepsis Research Feat.
Colin Graham, chief operating officer of Sepsis Research Feat.

“Even those who survive are often left with long term physical or psychological effects.

“We’re asking everyone in Scotland to get involved by sharing our awareness campaign and learning the five key symptoms to help save lives.”

 

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