Have you ever heard that if you leave an open wound or cut it untreated, it can cause septic? When people say that, they mean to talk about sepsis. Sepsis is a serious medical condition that arises when the body's response to an infection causes inflammation throughout the body.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if left untreated, sepsis can progress rapidly and lead to severe complications, including organ failure and death. The CDC shared that 1 in 3 adults who died in a hospital was suffering from sepsis. Taking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Harish Chafle, Consultant Intensivist, and Chest Physician, Global Hospitals, Parel Mumbai shared, “Recognising the signs and symptoms of sepsis and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to improve outcomes.” Here's what happens if sepsis isn't treated on time, as shared by Dr Chafle:
Septic Shock
If sepsis is not treated promptly, it can progress to septic shock. Septic shock occurs when blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, depriving organs of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to multiple organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
Organ Dysfunction
Sepsis can cause dysfunction in various organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. Without timely intervention, this organ dysfunction can become irreversible, leading to long-term complications or death.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Sepsis can trigger a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where blood clots form throughout the body's small blood vessels. This can lead to excessive bleeding and organ damage, further exacerbating the severity of the condition.
Respiratory Failure
Sepsis can impair lung function, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure. Without appropriate treatment, patients may require mechanical ventilation to support breathing, and the risk of mortality significantly increases.
Hypotension and Hypoperfusion
Sepsis often causes hypotension or low blood pressure, and inadequate blood flow to tissues, known as hypoperfusion. This deprives organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cellular dysfunction and tissue damage.
Multiple Organ Failure
As sepsis progresses, multiple organs can fail due to inadequate blood flow, inflammation, and tissue damage. This cascade of organ failure can be life-threatening and difficult to reverse, especially if treatment is delayed.
Altered Mental State
Sepsis can also have a negative impact on the brain, leading to a state of confusion, disorientation, and even coma.
Death
Ultimately, if sepsis is not promptly treated, it can result in death. The mortality rate for severe sepsis and septic shock remains high, particularly if appropriate medical interventions, such as antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and supportive care, are not administered promptly. According to the CDC, 3,50,000 adults who develop sepsis die of it every year.
Also Read: Sepsis and Pregnancy: Know Possible Complications Of Maternal Sepsis
Dr Chafle concluded, “As timely intervention means myocardial tissue saved in a heart attack and neurons saved in a stroke, similarly time is organ saved in Sepsis.” He underscored that sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Failure to recognise and treat sepsis promptly can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and death. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and difficulty breathing, and seek medical help immediately if there is any suspicion of this life-threatening condition. Early recognition and intervention are critical in improving outcomes and preventing the devastating consequences of untreated sepsis.