Sepsis

In recent years, we at the Saints Community Development Foundation have also lost some people close to us to Sepsis. You can find out more information about Sepsis further down the page, something which the SCDF have supported for over half a decade now.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, causing organ dysfunction. The body’s reaction causes damage to its own tissues and organs and it can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

WHO CAN IT AFFECT?

Sepsis can affect anyone, but people who are older, very young, pregnant or have other health problems are at higher risk.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SIGNS?

Sepsis is a medical emergency. It can cause different signs and symptoms at different times. People who think they may have sepsis should seek medical care right away.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Fever or low temperature and shivering
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Clammy and sweaty skin
  • Extreme body pain or discomfort
  • High heart rate, weak pulse or low blood pressure
  • Low urine output

WHO IS AT RISK?

Anyone affected by an infection, severe injury, or serious non-communicable disease can progress to sepsis but vulnerable populations are at higher risk including:

  • Older persons
  • Pregnant or recently pregnant women
  • Neonates
  • Hospitalized patients
  • Patients in intensive care units
  • People with weakened immune systems (for example HIV, cancer)
  • People with chronic medical conditions (for example kidney disease, cirrhosis)

Symptoms in children include:

  • Fast breathing
  • Convulsions
  • Pale skin
  • Lethargy
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Feeling cold to the touch.

In children under 5 years old, it can cause difficulty feeding, frequent vomiting or lack of urination.

You can find out more information about Sepsis by visiting the World Health Organisation (WHO) website online here.

There is also more information about Sepsis available on The UK Sepsis Trust site here. The SCDF Partnered with the trust back in 2019, which you can find out more information about here.

You can read more about previous Sepsis programmes that the SCDF have promoted in the past here.