A Little Sepsis History
The term sepsis has origins in early Greek, meaning decay, or the rot of organic matter.
Hippocrates treated similar conditions by cleansing wounds with wine, water, and vinegar, and applying herbs and mineral dressings.
Today’s interventions require urgent, complex, multidisciplinary treatment.
Public understanding of sepsis is low, but the condition affects 1.7 million people in the US annually and should not be treated lightly. According to the CDC, sepsis occurs when the body’s inflammatory response kicks into overdrive. Sepsis begins as a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract, lungs, or on the skin. Without rapid treatment, sepsis can make patients very sick, leading to organ failure, tissue damage, and even death.
Can you prevent sepsis? Although it’s not preventable, everyone can take steps to decrease the risk of getting an infection in the first place by:
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Masking during peak respiratory times or in large crowds
- Keeping up on your vaccinations
Know Your Risk
Anyone can get sepsis, but some folks are at higher risk of developing it, including individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic disease, cancer, those who have had recent surgeries or hospitalizations, and those who are pregnant or post-partum, as well as those who've previously developed sepsis.
Know the Symptoms
Sepsis can be overlooked because the signs appear similar to other common illnesses, like the flu. Monitor for new or worsening symptoms, including:
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- Extreme pain
- Fever or hypothermia
- High heart rate
- Shivering or low temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Weak or racing pulse
“Sepsis is a medical emergency that can progress rapidly from a routine infection to life threatening organ failure,” says Anish Pithadia, MD, system clinical documentation integrity physician advisor, Northern Light Health. “Recognizing the warning signs early and seeking immediate medical attention can make a critical difference in outcomes. Timely treatment gives patients the best chance for recovery and survival. If you think sepsis may be developing, do not wait, act quickly and seek emergency care.”
Northern Light Health follows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recommendations for sepsis management, which provides a streamlined framework for urgent identification and intervention across various care settings. If you think you may have sepsis symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. To learn more about sepsis prevention, visit CDC.gov.