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Understanding Sepsis: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

By Amanda Hart, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, Emergency/Sepsis Clinical Nurse Specialist
Amanda Hart, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CEN headshot
By: Amanda Hart, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, Emergency/Sepsis Clinical Nurse Specialist

Sepsis develops when your body’s extreme response to an infection causes organ damage. When a person is septic, the body releases chemicals into the blood that trigger widespread inflammation, which can impair blood flow and lead to tissue damage, organ failure, or death.

Even though this serious condition affects millions each year, many people may not recognize the symptoms of sepsis until it’s too late. During Sepsis Awareness Month, recognized each September, our Tower Health staff is committed to sharing vital information about the signs of sepsis and how it’s treated.

Test your knowledge. Take our sepsis quiz below.

True or False: What You Need to Know about Sepsis

Sepsis is the most common diagnosis at Phoenixville, Pottstown, and Reading Hospitals.

True. Sepsis is the number one cause of hospitalizations in the United States and is the number one diagnosis at Phoenixville, Pottstown, and Reading hospitals. In the past year, our team has treated more than 5,700 patients with sepsis. Of those, more than 91 percent admitted for care developed sepsis before arriving to the hospital. 

You can only get sepsis from a hospital setting.

False. Almost any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract, cellulitis, and appendicitis. The flu can also lead to sepsis. 

Sepsis only affects older adults.

False. Anyone can develop sepsis at any age.  However, those most at-risk include children younger than age one, adults age 65 or older, and individuals with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.

Sepsis can be prevented.

True. Prevention of sepsis includes washing hands, getting vaccinated, and keeping cuts or wounds clean and covered until healed. Prescribed medications for infections should be taken as directed unless a medical professional tells you to stop sooner.

There are no symptoms or warning signs for sepsis.

False. While there is no single symptom of sepsis, signs of sepsis can include a combination of the following:

  1. Confusion or disorientation
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. High heart rate
  4. Fever or shivering - or feeling very cold
  5. Extreme pain or discomfort
  6. Clammy or sweaty skin

 

Due to the severity of the illness, our Tower Health teams routinely screen patients for sepsis, implement a nursing protocol when a patient meets the criteria, and activate our Rapid Response Team Sepsis Alert, when necessary. 

However, sepsis is preventable and treatable in most cases with early recognition. Being aware of sepsis and recognizing the symptoms are critical for treatment. Remember that time is critical, and the “T.I.M.E.” acronym can help serve as a reminder of the symptoms.

Think T.I.M.E. and Spot Sepsis Quickly

  • T - Temperature: Fever or chills
  • I - Infection: Signs of an infection, such as pain, redness, swelling, or discharge
  • M - Mental decline: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or lethargy
  • E - Extremely ill: Feeling very sick, weak, or in severe pain

Learn More About Sepsis

CDC: About Sepsis