"He died due to an infection."
This is very common phrase in most parts of the world pertaining to the cause
of death. However very few understand that 90% of the deaths due to infections
are a result of sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening condition that occurs when
the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. This
results in inflammation throughout the body leading to several complications
including multiple organ failure and eventually death.
‘World Sepsis Day is held on 13th September of every year to increase awareness and fight sepsis all around the world.’
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is the body's
extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening condition and
without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ
failure, and eventually death. Sepsis happens when an infection you already
have in the body triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.
Causes
Infections that
are most closely linked to sepsis:
Microorganisms
that are most likely to cause sepsis
- Most are caused by bacterial infections but may also be caused
due to fungal or viral infections
- Staphylococcus
aureus
- Escherichia
coli
Risk Factors
Anyone with an
infection has a risk of sepsis but the risk is more prominent in certain
individuals and age groups:
- Children and adults above the age of 65
- Individuals with a weak immune system
- Individuals with wounds and burns
- Individuals who already have invasive devices in
their bodies; for example catheters or breathing tubes
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions like
diabetes or kidney disease
Symptoms
These symptoms,
if observed after infection may be indicative of sepsis:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Low urine output
Prevention:
"Preventing
infections is the best way to prevent sepsis"
- Vaccination against pathogens
- Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics
- Maintain hygiene
- Early detection
World Sepsis Day and its Mission
It is an initiative by the
Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) and was established in the year 2012. GSA is a
not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide global leadership to
reduce the worldwide burden of sepsis. The aim of GSA has been to raise
awareness for sepsis worldwide and reduce sepsis deaths by 20 % by 2020.
How can you
Contribute?
- Set up public events: Information pamphlets,
stalls, creative baking events, pink picnics, and sport events like
marathon.
- Training in Hospitals: Awareness stalls for
hospital staff and sepsis training programs.
The easiest way to contribute is to sign the
petition to fight sepsis and share it with family, friends and colleagues:
https://www.world-sepsis-day.org/sign
This year, the WHO and GSA are conducting a WSC
Spotlight congress. This is a free online program where about 25 experts in the
field share their opinions. This time around the topic is
Maternal and
Neonatal Sepsis.
What is Maternal and
Neonatal Sepsis?
The risk of sepsis is drastically high in pregnant
women and neonates. If sepsis develops during pregnancy, while giving birth or
after abortion, it is called maternal sepsis. Sepsis is one of the main causes
of maternal death. 35,000 women die every year due to maternal sepsis
complications.
Neonates are usually referred to babies that are
less than four weeks old. Since they still do not have a well-developed immune
system, the risk of infection is very high.
Here is an
opportunity to fight for human life and well-being.
References :- Sepsis -
(https://www.world-sepsis-day.org/)
- Sepsis - Symptoms and causes - (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20169787)
Source: Medindia
Careers
