The silent medical emergency you need to know about

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A life-threatening condition that often goes unnoticed, sepsis kills approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. annually

The condition occurs when the immune system has an extreme response to an infection or injury. This overreaction can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, sepsis affects 1.7 million adults in the U.S. every year, many of whom have at least one underlying medical condition.

Kristie Fancher is a nurse at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and a member of the Sepsis Response Team. She said they see sepsis cases daily in the emergency room, sometimes multiple times a day.

Nationally, about 1 in 3 hospital deaths are linked to sepsis.

Symptoms of sepsis may be subtle, but they escalate quickly. Please note the following:

• Shortness of breathe

• Fever, chills, or clammy, sweaty skin

• Extreme pain or discomfort

• Confusion or disorientation

• Elevated heart rate or weak pulse

If you suspect an infection and experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

“We immediately put a lot of hands on you and started testing your blood to make sure you didn’t have an elevated white blood cell count,” Fancher said of patients arriving at the hospital with suspected sepsis. organ dysfunction and tests to see if there is an infection in the bloodstream Vital signs are critical because they tell us how advanced the infection or sepsis is, and we will administer fluids to help flush the system if it is safe to do so.

Although anyone can develop sepsis, certain groups are at greater risk, including:

• People aged 65 and over

• Babies and young children

• Pregnant women

• Patients with weakened immune systems

Preventing sepsis starts with good hygiene and wound care. Keep cuts clean and covered until they are completely healed. Most importantly, recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis and act quickly. Early intervention can save lives.