Sepsis: Poisoning from Within

Sepsis was in the news recently with the passing of actress Patty Duke.

Jim Henson also died from sepsis in 1990. Those two are just the celebrity victims of this fast-acting killer.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication from infection. Chemicals released into the bloodstream to combat infection can trigger inflammatory responses that can damage organs. It is a ticking time bomb that can be fatal if not caught and treated immediately.

Sepsis is always caused by an infection. It can be from a fungal, bacterial or viral infection, with bacterial infections being the most common cause.

Watch for a combination of these warning signs of sepsis:

• Temperature below 96.8 F or above 101 F
• Heart rate above 90 beats per minute
• Breathing rate higher than 20 breaths per minute
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Pale or mottled skin
• Probably or confirmed infection

If you see a combination of these warning signs, head to the emergency room right away and state that you have some symptoms of sepsis.

Sepsis Alliance founder, Dr. Carl J. Flatley, shares how to prevent sepsis, as well as key warning signs.