What to know about sepsis: Life-threatening but hard to spot

Key Points:

• Sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by an extreme immune response to infection, kills about 350,000 Americans annually and may account for nearly one-fifth of global deaths, yet it is often overlooked on leading causes of death lists due to its origin as common infections.
• Early symptoms of sepsis are vague and vary widely, making it difficult to recognize; high-risk groups include people over 65, infants under 1, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases.
• Prompt treatment with antibiotics and IV fluids is critical to survival, as untreated sepsis can progress to septic shock, which carries a mortality rate as high as 45 percent.
• Survivors of sepsis may face lasting physical and mental health challenges, such as organ dysfunction, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and often benefit from rehabilitation and psychological support.
• Increased awareness and early recognition of sepsis symptoms are essential to improving outcomes and saving lives, with healthcare providers urged to evaluate patients showing signs like low blood pressure, rapid breathing, or confusion.