Identifying Sepsis In The Emergency Room

Any trip to the emergency room is one that involves seeking treatment for a condition that you believe needs immediate attention. Visiting an emergency room is never a social call nor time to wonder about whether or not you’re going to receive the right treatment for you illness. Identifying sepsis in the emergency room involves understanding what sepsis is, what the symptoms are and getting treatment for a cure as soon as possible. Sepsis in the emergency room can be a concern for those who are at higher risk.

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Understanding Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious condition where the body is trying to fight off an infection that has been spread by the bloodstream. Although it has not been determined with any certainty of the most specific way sepsis is spread, it has been confirmed that bacteria and viruses that get into the bloodstream are the culprits for what causes sepsis to spread. Fungus can also be responsible for how a person contracts sepsis. Just because sepsis travels through the bloodstream does not mean that you have to have a cut or injury to contract it.

Symptoms of Sepsis

Understanding the symptoms of sepsis can help you in the emergency room and other places are well. There are some distinct symptoms that accompany sepsis that doctors and nurses should be on the alert for. These symptoms include:

• Fever
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness
• Pain in the wrists, arms, elbows, back, knees and ankle joints
• Reddish color rash with dark spots on the skin

People at Risk for Sepsis

Anyone can contract sepsis but there are some people who are more at risk than others. They include:

• Elderly. Senior citizens are at higher risk for contracting sepsis because often their immune systems are compromised and they cannot stave off an infection as easily as some others can.
• Newborns. Newborn babies are at higher risk for contracting sepsis because they are just starting at developing an immune system. Like the elderly, they cannot stave off an infection as easily as others, even though their regenerative properties work quickly.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems. If you are being treated for cancer or have AIDS, your immune system is compromised and leaves you more vulnerable that most for sepsis.

If you suspect that you are suffering from sepsis, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Let the intake nurse know what symptoms you are experiencing and advise them that you suspect it is sepsis. Because sepsis can be contagious, it is important to ensure that you are kept away from those who are a high risk for catching sepsis. Additionally, if you believe that you have sepsis, informing emergency room personnel can afford them the opportunity to conduct some tests to determine whether or not you actually have sepsis and begin your treatment as soon as possible.

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Wrongful Death-Related Topics

• Wrongful Death Damages