What Is Sepsis and How Can Alma Health Help?

For the most part, all know how the immune system works, right? Your immune system fights off germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. to help prevent an infection. Although we’re sometimes prescribed medications to help fight off these infections, our immune system is our body’s’ first defence against illness. But sometimes, for reasons we’re yet to understand, the immune system begins to turn on itself—it begins fighting itself. This is what is referred to as sepsis.

Stages, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Sepsis

There are 3 stages, starting with sepsis which progresses to severe sepsis, and then into septic shock.

While most people recover from mild sepsis and never progress to the next stage, if it does progress to septic shock though, the mortality rate is 50%. And a diagnosis of severe sepsis places individuals at a higher risk for future infections.

As sepsis worsens, blood flow becomes impaired leading to problems in the brain, heart, and kidneys. Blood clots are also common which can lead to organ failure and tissue death.

So what are the symptoms of sepsis?

• S – shivering, fever, or very cold
• E – extreme pain or discomfort
• P – pale or discolored skin
• S – sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused
• I – “I feel like I might die.”
• S – shortness of breath

Find other common symptoms here.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

Two of these symptoms must be present along with a probable or confirmed infection:

• Temperature above 101F or below 96.8F
• Heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute

Who is At-Risk for Sepsis?

Sepsis is most commonly diagnosed in the very young and very old whose immune systems are not functioning at their peak. It’s also common and more dangerous for those who have a compromised immune system. Wounds or injuries such as burns can also increase the risk for developing sepsis. Use of invasive devices, which a catheters and breathing tubes can also lead to a higher risk.

How Can Alma Health Help?

When loved one becomes sick it can be difficult on the family helping them transition back to home-life while getting them the care and attention they need. This task can become even more troublesome when there is a higher risk for sepsis. That’s where Alma Health can help.

Alma Health’s Service Coordinators can work with you to develop a Service Plan. We’ll help give you peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands, and give your loved one get the care they need in the comfort of their own home! We’ll do everything from locating to coordinating services. Contact our office for a free consultation.

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    [post_date] => 2017-06-14 10:19:33
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-06-14 14:19:33
    [post_content] => For the most part, all know how the immune system works, right? Your immune system fights off germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. to help prevent an infection. Although we’re sometimes prescribed medications to help fight off these infections, our immune system is our body's’ first defence against illness. But sometimes, for reasons we’re yet to understand, the immune system begins to turn on itself—it begins fighting itself. This is what is referred to as sepsis.


Stages, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Sepsis
There are 3 stages, starting with sepsis which progresses to severe sepsis, and then into septic shock.

While most people recover from mild sepsis and never progress to the next stage, if it does progress to septic shock though, the mortality rate is 50%. And a diagnosis of severe sepsis places individuals at a higher risk for future infections.

As sepsis worsens, blood flow becomes impaired leading to problems in the brain, heart, and kidneys. Blood clots are also common which can lead to organ failure and tissue death.

So what are the symptoms of sepsis?

 	
S - shivering, fever, or very cold
 	
E - extreme pain or discomfort
 	
P - pale or discolored skin
 	
S - sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused
 	
I - “I feel like I might die.”
 	
S - shortness of breath

Find other common symptoms here.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

Two of these symptoms must be present along with a probable or confirmed infection:

 	
Temperature above 101F or below 96.8F
 	
Heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
 	
Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute

Who is At-Risk for Sepsis?
Sepsis is most commonly diagnosed in the very young and very old whose immune systems are not functioning at their peak. It’s also common and more dangerous for those who have a compromised immune system. Wounds or injuries such as burns can also increase the risk for developing sepsis. Use of invasive devices, which a catheters and breathing tubes can also lead to a higher risk.
How Can Alma Health Help?
When loved one becomes sick it can be difficult on the family helping them transition back to home-life while getting them the care and attention they need. This task can become even more troublesome when there is a higher risk for sepsis. That’s where Alma Health can help.

Alma Health’s Service Coordinators can work with you to develop a Service Plan. We’ll help give you peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands, and give your loved one get the care they need in the comfort of their own home! We’ll do everything from locating to coordinating services. Contact our office for a free consultation.
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