The major sign of silent killer that you might notice when you speak – with 3,000 deaths in Ireland each year
SYMPTOM CHECK The major sign of silent killer that you might notice when you speak – with 3,000 deaths in Ireland each year
HSE bosses have alerted the public to a silent killer that can sometimes be challenging to identify.
There were 15,722 cases of sepsis and septic shock diagnosed in Irish hospitals, with a mortality rate of almost 20 per cent in one year.
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Sepsis a life-threatening complication of an infection
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The HSE shared signs and symptoms to look out for
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Sepsis, a life-threatening complication of an infection, can be deadly.
The HSE said: 'Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. It can be life-threatening. Don't miss the signs.'
While most people make a full recovery if it's identified and treated quickly, others may not be so lucky.
Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
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One in five Irish people who develop the condition die from it.
It can be hard to tell if you have sepsis but 'trust your instincts'.
The health experts urged people to look out for slurred speech or confusion, extreme shivering, muscle pain, fever, passing no urine, breathlessness, feeling like you're going to die or discoloured skin.
Fever is the symptom most associated with sepsis but can be easily confused with other conditions.
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The symptoms can be like other conditions, including flu or a chest infection, making it difficult to identify the life-threatening disease.
Some of the symptoms of sepsis are similar to meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
The signs and symptoms of sepsis to look out for, according to The UK Sepsis Trust
Those with sepsis may not have all these symptoms, even if they have just one symptom of the list - they are urged to get urgent medical help.
It's advised to seek medical care if an adult or older child has had an infection and:
is acting confused, slurring their speech, not making sense or not their usual self
has difficulty breathing, breathlessness or is breathing very fast
their lips are blue or slightly blue
pounding in their chest
has hands and feet that feel cold, clammy and look pale
feels dizzy, faint or loses consciousness (passes out)
is not peeing as much as normal - for example, not peeing for a day
has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
has severe muscle pain
is complaining of severe leg pain or difficulty standing
is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse.
If you have one or more of these, get urgent medical help.
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Parents should also seek medical help if a baby or child under five has:
has blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
is being very sluggish, unusually sleepy and hard to wake
feels unusually cold to touch
has had no pee or wet nappies for more than 12 hours
is breathing very fast
has fits or convulsions
has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
has an infection, is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse.
Little ones may not have all these symptoms but even if they have just one, get urgent medical help.
It's not always possible to prevent sepsis from occurring but there are steps you can take to help prevent infections that can lead to sepsis.
Everyone is urged to keep up to date with vaccines, particularly for babies, children, people over 65 and pregnant women.
It's advised to wash your hands regularly and keep yourself clean - also clean and care for any wounds.
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HSE ADVICE:
Contact a GP urgently if you or someone you care for has an infection and: a high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or above)
a low body temperature (below 36 degrees Celsius)
chills and shivering
a fast heartbeat
problems with or changes to your breathing
is feeling or acting differently from normal
is vomiting
a headache
is feeling unwell
Some of the symptoms of sepsis are similar to meningitis.
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Fever is the symptom most associated with sepsis
Credit: Getty
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