During Sepsis Awareness Month, INTEGRIS Health is raising awareness about sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection and a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
September is Sepsis Awareness Month
During Sepsis Awareness Month, INTEGRIS Health is raising awareness about sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection and a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Health experts emphasize that recognizing the warning signs and seeking immediate medical care can significantly improve outcomes and save lives.
Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes dysregulated, triggering widespread inflammation that can damage tissues and organs throughout the body. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can rapidly progress to organ failure, septic shock and death.
"Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, but many people don't recognize the signs until it becomes life-threatening," says Chelsey Gilbertson, D.O., an emergency medicine physician and chief medical officer at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. "Awareness and early action are critical because every minute matters when treating sepsis."
Sepsis can develop from a wide variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal infections and skin infections.
Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing sepsis, including older adults, infants, people with weakened immune systems and those living with chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes or kidney disease. While not all cases are preventable, healthcare providers encourage individuals to take steps to reduce their risk of infection and sepsis.
"Sepsis can develop from an infection that many people might not initially consider serious, which is why awareness is so important," says David Chansolme, M.D., medical director of infection prevention at INTEGRIS Health. "Knowing the warning signs, staying current on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene and seeking medical care when symptoms worsen can help prevent infections from progressing to sepsis. Early recognition and treatment save lives."
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical because sepsis can progress rapidly to septic shock, increasing the risk of organ damage, long-term complications and death. "Rapid progression is a hallmark of sepsis, as it can escalate quickly and cause organ dysfunction and failure," says Gilbertson. "Administering antibiotics, fluids and other treatments early can limit the infection's spread and mitigate damage. This not only improves survival rates but also reduces the risk of long-term organ damage."
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of sepsis or a sudden decline during or after an infection, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early recognition and prompt treatment can make the difference between life and death. To learn more about INTEGRIS Health emergency and urgent care services, click here.
