Brits are being warned not to dismiss the early signs of sepsis
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive.
The charity estimates that 245,000 Brits are affected by sepsis every year, with five people dying from the condition every five hours.
The Trust warns that having severe muscle pain can be an early symptom of sepsis in adults – something that some could dismiss as soreness after a particularly tough session in the gym.
According to the NHS, muscle pain and shivering are signs that blood pressure has dropped ‘dangerously’ low and puts the person at risk of severe sepsis or septic shock.
The Trust warns that passing no urine in a day is also a sign of sepsis, as the blood flow to organs like the kidneys is reduced.
However, sepsis always begins from an infection, when your immune system overreacts to the infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.
Brits are being warned not to dismiss these early signs of sepsis – with one woman even mistaking symptoms for a ‘pulled muscle’. (Image: Kennedy News/@lauracarson708)
This could be from things such as a chest infection, a UTI or even just a cut.
A spokesperson for the UK Sepsis Trust said: “Sepsis always starts with an infection, such as chest infections or UTIs. It is not known why some people develop sepsis in response to these common infections, whereas others don’t.
“There is no single sign or diagnostic test, and sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
“Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and needs emergency treatment, usually in a hospital. The symptoms of sepsis may be vague and not specific, so seek medical advice immediately if you have any concerns.”
One woman from Belfast, Northern Ireland, thought she had pulled a muscle while running when she started having back pain, but it was a UTI that developed into sepsis.
Lauren Carson got a UTI in August and started a course of antibiotics, but said her symptoms did not improve.
The 31-year-old said she started having back pain which she put down to being active, doing activities like running, pilates, and yoga every day.
Lauren also reported having symptoms like brain fog and confusion
But when her back pain left her unable to stand, Lauren called the doctor who ordered her a taxi to the hospital.
Within six hours Lauren went into septic shock and said she is unable to remember anything.
Doctors reportedly told Lauren she only had 24 hours to live if she did not go into surgery, as the infection had spread into her blood.
Lauren said she previously had felt confused and tired but thought it was only because she was expecting her period.
Lauren said: “I thought I had strained a muscle from running but it wasn’t at all. It was because the UTI had developed into kidney stones and I hadn’t realised.
“They said it would go away and to take painkillers but after a week I was really warm, sweating so much, but I just put that down to being on holiday in Majorca.
“I was getting a lot of brain fog and confusion but when you’re coming up on your period, brain fog and confusion can be quite common.
“When I got home from holiday, I couldn’t stand up straight, the pain on my back was so sore I couldn’t walk. I rang and asked to speak to a different doctor and the second doctor ordered me a taxi. I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t strain my back.
“My blood cell levels were so high because the infection was already passing into my blood. It went into sepsis at that point.
“I went to the hospital and I got septic shock within six hours so I couldn’t remember anything at all.
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“I went from having a scan to being completely confused, not remembering anything.
“They needed me to consent for the operation, I didn’t like the idea of going under anaesthetic. But they said if I don’t have the operation, I’ll be dead by Sunday.
“I had to take it. I was basically told I had less than 24 hours to leave if I didn’t take the operation then.”
Lauren had her kidney stones removed and stayed in the Royal Victoria Hospital for five days following her operation.
The financial crime specialist is still in shock from the ‘near-death’ experience and claims the hospital even asked her whether to bring in a priest.
Lauren said: “I had the operation immediately. When I came out, I was told I wouldn’t be able to walk for a couple of weeks.
“I was quite active, I do yoga, pilates, go running, it was a shock, I haven’t been able to do anything like that. It’s changed my entire life from just having a UTI.”
Source – INDIA TV
