Cough, fever and body aches: sepsis could be hidden behind flu-like symptoms. More than 70,000 people die from blood poisoning every year, which is more than the number of deaths from colon cancer. The dangerous disease is difficult to diagnose, especially at the beginning. The reason: It often hides behind other illnesses, such as pneumonia. However, timely treatment is crucial. The faster medication is administered to the affected person, the greater chance of survival they have. It is therefore important to recognize blood poisoning early.
Recognizing blood poisoning early: What can trigger the disease?
Early detection plays a crucial role in successful sepsis treatment. Unfortunately, those affected often have no idea that it could be blood poisoning. In a large proportion of sepsis caseslife-threatening illnesstriggered by bacteria. They enter the blood through small wounds. In England, for example, the media reported on a young woman and a little girl who tried on new shoes barefoot and became infected.
Diagnosis and treatment
The first symptoms of sepsis can also cause confusion among family doctors: fever, high pulse and sweating are typical of blood poisoning. The patient is also often confused and sleepy. If there is any doubt that it could be a threatening illness, the affected person will be treated as an emergency. Blood tests can provide more information and make diagnosis easier. On average, those who are given antibiotics in the first few hours have a better chance of survival and can avoid complications. But even if the doctor interprets the symptoms correctly, the patient can die. For example, resistant bacteria cannot be treated with certain antibiotics.
Certain preventive measures can provide some protection against blood poisoning.
- Never try on new shoes barefoot. Treat blisters and small wounds in a timely manner.
- If you suddenly have an increased pulse, fever and severe pain, a visit to your family doctor or emergency room is necessary. If you have an open wound, tell the doctor about it.
- Doctors treat the disease with strong antibiotics. Don't be afraid of the medications because they can protect you from septic shock and save your life.
- There is a pneumococcal vaccination. Small children are vaccinated and in this way effectively protected from the dangerous bacteria. Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of sepsis. Adults can also get vaccinated.
