Sepsis Awareness
The Critical Role of Early Diagnosis in Saving Lives

→ Stay INformed to make an informed choice

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The Risk of death from sepsis increases by as much as 8% for every hour that treatment is delayed.

September is the Sepsis Awareness Month. Stay informed. Information saves life.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system responds overwhelmingly to an infection. While the body is trying to fight the infection, the response can go into overdrive, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and organ failure. Sepsis can be triggered by infections in various parts of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, urinary tract, or even skin infections.

Though it can affect anyone, sepsis is particularly dangerous for infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Without timely treatment, it can escalate quickly and become fatal. This is why early diagnosis is critical—it could be the difference between life and death.

What is TIME?

TIME is an acronym used in sepsis care to help remember key aspects of managing sepsis:

T – Temperature: Monitor for abnormal body temperatures, including fever or hypothermia, which can indicate a severe infection.
I – Infection: Identify and address the source of infection quickly. This often involves administering antibiotics and performing blood tests to determine the cause.
M – Mental Decline: Watch for signs of confusion, disorientation, or a decreased level of consciousness. These can be critical indicators of sepsis affecting the brain.
E – Extremely Ill: Look for signs of severe illness, such as extreme weakness, rapid breathing, and low blood pressure, which suggest the body is under significant stress and may be going into septic shock.

Using the TIME acronym can help ensure that these crucial aspects are not overlooked when diagnosing and treating sepsis.

Sepsis in India: A Growing Health Concern

A new study, the Sepsis in India Prevalence Study, reveals that over half of ICU patients in India suffer from sepsis. Conducted by researchers from The George Institute for Global Health, this study highlights alarming trends regarding sepsis, antimicrobial resistance, and death rates in India.

The study, titled “Estimates of Sepsis Prevalence and Outcomes in Adult Patients in the ICU in India: A Cross-sectional Study,” involved 35 ICUs across the country, led by a team of researchers from both India and Australia. Dr. Bharath Kumar, who led the Apollo team participating in the research, reported that 56.4% of ICU patients (382 out of 677) had sepsis on the study day, a higher rate than previous estimates in Indian ICUs.

The primary cause of sepsis in 79% of cases was bacterial infections, while 14% were due to fungal infections. Additionally, around 45% of infections were caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, significantly complicating treatment. According to A/Prof Naomi Hammond, lead author of the paper, the death rate within 30 days and the rate of discharge against medical advice were significantly higher among the sepsis patients compared to those without sepsis.

Symptoms of Sepsis

Sepsis can present with a range of symptoms, often starting with those of an infection and then progressing to more severe signs. Common symptoms include:

Fever or Chills: A high temperature or feeling unusually cold can be early signs of sepsis.
Rapid Heart Rate: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) is a common symptom as the body tries to fight the infection.
Rapid Breathing: Sepsis can cause you to breathe faster than normal (tachypnea) to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Confusion or Disorientation: Changes in mental status, such as confusion, disorientation, or difficulty waking up, are critical signs of sepsis.
Extreme Weakness: Feeling unusually weak, fatigued, or having difficulty standing up or moving around can indicate sepsis.
Low Blood Pressure: Sepsis can lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.
Clammy or Sweaty Skin: Skin may feel cool and clammy, or be covered in sweat.
Nausea or Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or vomiting can also be present.
Decreased Urine Output: Reduced urine output can signal that the body is struggling to maintain normal functions.
Pain or Discomfort: Unexplained or severe pain in the body, particularly in the abdomen or muscles, may be a symptom.

Early recognition and treatment are crucial for sepsis. If you or someone you know is showing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Early Diagnosis: The Key to Saving Lives

Sepsis is tricky because it mimics symptoms of common infections. Fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and weakness are often mistaken for other ailments. Unfortunately, this delay in recognizing sepsis can have deadly consequences.

That’s why early diagnosis is crucial. At North City Diagnostic Centre, we emphasize early testing for infections, especially if someone is showing symptoms that could indicate sepsis. Blood tests such as blood cultures can identify the type of infection causing sepsis, while imaging tests like CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds can help detect the source of the infection, such as pneumonia, an abscess, or a kidney infection.

Diagnostic Tests Offered at North City Diagnostic Centre

Blood Cultures: These are the most critical tests in identifying bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. If an infection is present, blood cultures help determine the specific pathogen, leading to accurate and timely treatment.
Procalcitonin Tests: This test helps identify bacterial infections that may lead to sepsis and guides the need for antibiotics. Elevated levels of procalcitonin in the blood can be an early marker of severe infection.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC test can show if the body is fighting an infection by measuring different components of the blood, including white blood cells, which increase during infection.
Imaging Tests:
- CT Scans: CT scans help detect infections in the lungs, abdomen, or pelvis, common areas where sepsis can develop.
- Ultrasound: This can identify infections in organs like the liver or kidneys.
- X-rays: X-rays are often used to diagnose lung infections, which can quickly turn septic if untreated.

By utilizing these advanced diagnostic tools, North City Diagnostic Centre ensures that potential cases of sepsis are identified early, giving patients a better chance of survival.

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Why Early Diagnosis Is a Game-Changer

Sepsis progresses through different stages, each more dangerous than the last. In the early stages, infections might seem manageable. However, if it escalates into severe sepsis, it can lead to organ failure, followed by septic shock, a life-threatening condition where blood pressure drops drastically, leading to death.

The faster sepsis is diagnosed, the better the chances of survival. With diagnostic services like blood cultures and imaging tests at North City Diagnostic Centre, healthcare providers can quickly determine the cause of infection and begin appropriate treatment.

Moreover, early diagnosis minimizes complications, reduces hospital stays, and lowers the overall cost of treatment. According to World Sepsis Day data, timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce mortality by as much as 50%. This highlights the need for increased awareness and regular testing.

Steps to Prevent Sepsis

While sepsis can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Vaccination

Ensure that you and your family are vaccinated against infections that can lead to sepsis, such as the flu and pneumonia.

Good Hygiene

Simple practices like regular handwashing can prevent infections that may escalate into sepsis.

Timely Treatment of Infections

If you suspect you have an infection, don’t wait. Seek medical advice promptly. Early treatment reduces the risk of the infection progressing to sepsis.

Regular Testing

If you have a condition that weakens your immune system, or if you’ve recently had surgery or a severe infection, consider regular testing for potential infections. North City Diagnostic Centre offers a range of tests that can detect infections before they become serious.

Preventive Healthcare Save Lives – Get Regular Health Check-ups

The Role of North City Diagnostic Centre in Sepsis Awareness

At North City Diagnostic Centre, we are committed to raising awareness about sepsis and providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services to detect infections early. We offer a comprehensive range of tests, from pathological tests to advanced imaging techniques, to help diagnose sepsis in its early stages. Our expert team ensures that results are fast, accurate, and followed by proper guidance for further medical care.

We also believe in educating our patients. Sepsis can be prevented if infections are treated early. If you or a loved one show symptoms of a severe infection, we recommend immediate testing to rule out or detect sepsis. Delaying tests can put lives at risk.

When to Visit North City Diagnostic Centre

If you have symptoms like high fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, or confusion, and have recently had an infection, injury, or surgery, it’s crucial to get tested immediately. Early detection could be life-saving.

Our diagnostic services include:

Blood tests to detect infections.
Imaging tests to find the source of infections in the lungs, abdomen, or other areas.
Expert consultations for the best medical advice following your test results.

10 FAQs on Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious medical condition where the body has an extreme response to an infection. The immune system, instead of fighting the infection, begins to attack the body’s own organs and tissues. This can lead to organ failure, septic shock, and even death if not treated immediately.
What causes sepsis?

Sepsis can develop from any type of infection, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It typically starts with infections in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system, but if untreated, it can spread throughout the body and lead to life-threatening complications.
What are the early symptoms of sepsis?

The early signs of sepsis often resemble flu-like symptoms and include a high fever or low body temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, disorientation, clammy or sweaty skin, and extreme weakness. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical attention is crucial for survival.
How is sepsis diagnosed?

Sepsis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests. Blood tests, including blood cultures, are essential to identify the type of infection causing sepsis. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds may also be used to locate the source of the infection. At North City Diagnostic Centre, we offer all these tests for comprehensive sepsis diagnosis.
Who is most at risk for sepsis?

Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include infants, elderly people, individuals with weakened immune systems (such as cancer patients), those with chronic conditions like diabetes, and patients recovering in intensive care units (ICUs). In India, sepsis is notably prevalent in hospital ICUs.
How can I prevent sepsis?

Prevention includes timely treatment of infections, vaccination (such as against pneumonia and flu), proper wound care, and practicing good hygiene like regular handwashing. Seeking early treatment when an infection is suspected is critical to prevent it from escalating to sepsis.
Can sepsis be treated?

Yes, sepsis can be treated, but early detection is key to effective treatment. It typically requires hospitalization, where antibiotics are administered to fight the infection. Intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and sometimes surgery to remove infected tissue may also be necessary. The earlier sepsis is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
What tests does North City Diagnostic Centre offer for sepsis?

At North City Diagnostic Centre, we provide a range of diagnostic tests essential for the early detection of sepsis. This includes blood cultures to identify the infectious organism, complete blood counts to check for infection markers, and imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays to pinpoint the source of the infection.
What happens if sepsis is left untreated?

Untreated sepsis can rapidly progress to septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously low, leading to organ failure and potentially death. The longer sepsis goes undiagnosed or untreated, the higher the risk of long-term complications, including permanent organ damage or amputation due to tissue death.
How common is sepsis in India?

Sepsis is a major health concern in India, particularly in hospital ICUs, where one in two patients can develop this condition. According to recent studies, sepsis-related mortality rates are high in India, largely due to delays in diagnosis and treatment, as well as antimicrobial resistance. Raising awareness and improving early diagnosis can save many lives.

Sepsis is a serious condition that can strike anyone, anytime. But with increased awareness, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment, the odds of survival improve dramatically. At North City Diagnostic Centre, we are here to provide the tests you need to catch infections before they turn into life-threatening conditions like sepsis.

Stay informed, stay safe, and if in doubt, get tested early. Visit North City Diagnostic Centre for all your sepsis-related tests and ensure that infections don’t take control of your life. Your health is in your hands—get tested today!

At North City Diagnostic Center we offer personalized testing schedule that aligns with your medical history and risk factors. Consistent monitoring can be invaluable for early detection and effective management of arthritis. It’s not just about how often you test but making sure that the tests are aligned with your overall health profile for maximum benefit.

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