It can start with something as simple as a scratch or a bite, but the consequences of contracting sepsis can be devastating. Five people in the UK die every hour from the condition, which is caused by a reaction to an infection.
Being diagnosed with sepsis or knowing someone who has, can be absolutely terrifying. Harry Potter star Warwick Davis recently revealed he gathered his family to say goodbye to his wife Sam in case she didn’t make it after she was diagnosed.
The actor told The Sun that his wife Sam’s health dramatically declined ahead of a 2019 family caravan holiday. She had put it down to over-exertion, but when her symptoms went from itchiness and exhaustion to being unable to stand, Davis called an out-of-hours doctor. He told the newspaper: "Fortunately for us, our doctor recognised Sam’s symptoms and told us to head to A&E immediately with a suspected case of sepsis."
Read more: Lanarkshire dad almost died three times from sepsis after grazing knuckles while tinkering with car
Doctors treating Sam found a scar from a recent spinal surgery that was red and inflamed. Tests found A Streptococcus bacteria and meningitis infection, which had caused the deadly infection sepsis.
In response to telling his family's story, Davis urged people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of sepsis and said on Twitter: "In these times, when someone’s poorly, it’s automatic to think Covid but please don’t overlook Sepsis."
What is sepsis?
According to the Sepsis Trust, sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury. Normally the immune system fights infection, but sometimes, for reasons not yet understood, it attacks our body’s own organs and tissues.
The condition causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and attack tissues and organs, which can be lethal and lead to amputations. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death. Yet with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Around 40% of all sepsis survivors suffer permanent, life-changing after-effects. The NHS says that the long-term effects are sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome, and can include:
- feeling very tired and weak, and having difficulty sleeping
- lack of appetite
- getting ill more often
- changes in your mood, or anxiety or depression
- nightmares or flashbacks
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Symptoms of sepsis in adults
The Sepsis Trust urges people to seek immediate medical attention or the help of another adult who can call for help if any of these symptoms occur.
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine (in a day)
- Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you’re going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
Symptoms of sepsis in children
Children are just as able to contract sepsis as adults are. The NHS says that parents of young children and babies should be aware of these symptoms:
- blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
- a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
- not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
If a child or baby has any of these symptoms, parents should call 999 or go straight to A&E and ask "could it be sepsis?".
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