Health staff focus on sepsis
STAFF from across Hywel Dda University Health Board are once again joining the global effort to raise awareness of a lifethreatening illness on World Sepsis Day, tomorrow.
Sepsis is a deadly reaction to infection in any part of the body. The most common sites of infection leading to sepsis are the lungs, urinary tract, tummy (abdomen) and pelvis. It remains the number one preventable cause of death in hospital, although 70% of sepsis starts in the community.
It is estimated to be responsible for 44,000 deaths annually in the UK and causes more deaths than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. This equates to approximately 2,200 people in Wales each year which represents approximately 13% of all hospital deaths.
Anyone who has, or has recently had a fever or a very low temperature and who develops any of the following symptoms, should seek medical advice without delay:
■ Slurred speech, or confusion
■ Extreme shivering muscle pain
■ Passing no urine (in 18 hours or a day)
■ Severe breathlessness
■ Feelings of severe discomfort
■ Skin that is mottled, bluish or very pale
However, the good news is that treatment for sepsis is straightforward and early recognition can save lives.
Dr Phil Kloer, medical director at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “If sepsis isn’t recognised or treated promptly, it can be fatal. Untreated, sepsis usually leads to multiple organ failure.” or