![]() But most people have a sense if they - or people they know - are getting worse rather than better. It can be hard to spot the earliest signs of sepsis, especially because a lot of the symptoms are the same ones the infection itself causes. They may have chronic conditions that increase their risk. And people who are hospitalized for a long time are at increased risk for sepsis for various reasons. Hospitalization: Being in the hospital increases the chance of getting an infection. Pregnancy: This includes women who are pregnant, have given birth in the past 6 weeks, or who have had a miscarriage or abortion in the past 6 weeks. It often involves a break in the skin, an IV catheter to access the veins, and a urinary catheter. Recent surgery: The chance of sepsis is higher in a person who recently had surgery for many of the reasons already listed. Germs can stick on these devices and enter the body more easily. Or someone may have a Foley catheter in their bladder if they have problems with urination. For example, someone might have a port or PICC line to receive chemotherapy or antibiotics. ![]() Indwelling medical devices: These are inserted inside someone’s body. This makes it easier for germs to enter the body and cause a serious infection. Examples include diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and sickle cell.Ĭhronic infections: Examples of chronic infection include HIV, recurrent urinary tract infections, or open skin wounds that are not healing.īurn/trauma: Broken skin may be a result of trauma or burns. Weakened immune system: A person’s immune system might be weak from conditions (like cancer or autoimmune disease) or medications (like chemotherapy or immunosuppressants).Ĭhronic conditions: Many long-term conditions can affect the immune system. This makes it easier for infections to travel into the bloodstream, which increases the chances of getting sepsis. The risk factors for sepsis include:Īge: Children less than 2 years old and people older than 65 years old often have weaker immune systems. Sepsis can happen to anyone, but some people are at higher risk. But viral infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infections can cause sepsis, too. Sepsis occurs when the immune system starts to damage the body as well.Īny type of infection can lead to sepsis. But this turns the body into a battleground. This includes immune cells and proteins that aim to kill the unwelcome invader. When you’re sick, the immune system launches a defense attack to fight off the infection. Sepsis is caused by the immune system’s response to an infection. But if you know the signs and symptoms to look for, you can make sure you or a loved one gets the necessary medical attention. The early signs can be vague, so many times it’s not obvious until it gets much worse. But sepsis can be hard to spot in the early stages, even for healthcare providers. Early recognition is the key to fast diagnosis, treatment, and survival. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency.
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