Early diagnosis is the answer to sepsis
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, claiming the lives of 1 in 5 people. Known as a “systemic infection,” it causes 11 million deaths per year, according to data from the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases (SBI); in Brazil, sepsis is the leading cause of in-hospital deaths.
Infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, are the causes of sepsis. The infection can start anywhere in the body, such as in the lungs or even on the skin. When these microorganisms enter the bloodstream, the organs must function at a reduced capacity because they receive less oxygen. If left untreated, it can progress to septic shock—the most advanced stage of sepsis—and, consequently, lead to death if not treated in time.
Although this condition can affect people of all ages, there are high-risk groups, such as premature infants and children under one year of age, the elderly, and patients with illnesses or undergoing treatments that compromise the immune system, as well as those with chronic diseases, transplant recipients, or hospitalized patients taking antibiotics.
Another statistic from the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases (SBI) reveals that approximately 670,000 people are diagnosed with sepsis annually in Brazil, of whom 240,000 ultimately die. And yet, according to a 2017 Datafolha survey conducted at the request of the Latin American Sepsis Institute (ILAS), more than 80% of Brazilians are unaware of this disease.
Since there are no specific tests to diagnose this disease, well-established criteria are used; it is diagnosed based on an evaluation of symptoms combined with the results of complete blood counts and urine tests, among other tests. Therefore, it is essential to go to the emergency room so that a doctor can evaluate your condition and begin the appropriate treatment. Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies that require immediate attention; the patient must be treated right away.
Fun fact: Recognizing the importance of this issue to the global population, the Global Sepsis Alliance proposed World Sepsis Day (WSD) in 2012, which is observed annually on September 13. In Brazil, the Latin American Sepsis Institute (ILAS) coordinates awareness efforts. The campaigns are aimed at both healthcare professionals and the general public.
It is important to note that the infections that cause sepsis are not acquired only in hospitals. Therefore, precautions must be taken in any setting!
Wash your hands and wrists with soap when you come home from outside or when visiting sick people, keep your vaccination record up to date, and do not self-medicate, especially with antibiotics, because bacteria can become resistant to available antibiotics, leaving no treatment options when they are truly needed. If you have any questions, consult your doctor.
Pay attention to your body's signals!
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