Sepsis is a serious illness that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection. It damages the body's tissues and organs.

Sepsis is a serious illness that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection. It damages the body's tissues and organs, often leading to shock, multiple organ failure, and sometimes death, especially when it is not recognized and treated early. Sepsis is an emergency condition that needs to be recognized and treated on time.

According to Dr. Sayoni Dutta, Consultant Microbiologist at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, sepsis can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk. They include the elderly, pregnant women or women who have recently become pregnant, newborns, hospitalized patients, patients in the ICU (especially those with catheters or breathing tubes), people with weakened immunity, people with chronic diseases and people affected by serious injuries (such as large wounds).

Infections that cause sepsis

Sepsis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections, but it can also be caused by other infections such as viruses, parasites or fungi. Common infections that cause sepsis include pneumonia, UTIs, appendicitis, abdominal infections, infections of the liver or bile duct system, and infections of the brain or spinal cord.

Symptoms and signs

Sepsis is a medical emergency and its symptoms may vary from time to time. Some common symptoms and signs are:

- Fever or low temperature and shivering

- Confusion

- Rapid breathing

- Difficulty breathing

- Fainting or extreme fatigue

- Cold and sweaty skin

- Extreme body pain or discomfort

- Fast heartbeat, weak pulse or low blood pressure

- Low urine output

Preventive measures against sepsis

Preventing sepsis requires timely treatment of infections and good hygiene. The most effective ways to reduce the risk of sepsis are to prevent infections. This includes:

- Good personal hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and water and safe preparation of food

- Avoiding contaminated water or unhygienic toilets

- Getting immunizations recommended by local health authorities

- Eating a healthy diet

- Getting regular treatment for chronic diseases

- Promptly cleaning skin wounds and keeping them covered properly

- Getting timely treatment for any infections

- Providing breastfeeding for newborns

- Hospitals and clinics should follow strong protocols for infection prevention and control

- Using antibiotics correctly for infections

Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news has been written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.