This causes tissue damage and organ failure.
Thus, it’s important to identify sepsis symptoms in the elderly as early as possible.
This article explains common symptoms of sepsis and complications that are more likely to affect older adults.
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Of hospitalized adults who died ortransferred to hospice, sepsis may be present in over 50% of cases.
However, in individuals with significant risk factors, sepsis-related deaths may not always be preventableeven with improved care.
Many patients already have incurable underlying diseases or conditions, such as metastatic cancer.
Symptoms of Sepsis in the Elderly
Sepsis happens when the body overreacts to an infection.
So, for sepsis to occur, there first needs to be an infection.
Sepsis is oftenconfused with septicemia, which means an infection has entered the bloodstream.
Sepsis is a complication of septicemia.
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
Most hospitals have sepsis bundles, a protocol of immediate interventions that they can implement quickly to streamline care.
There are several symptoms of sepsis.
Patients generally feel ill and may experience weakness or flu-like symptoms such as fevers and chills.
Previously, the guidelines recommended a screening tool called the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA).
Early treatment will include antibiotics and fluids within the first hour.
Diagnosing Sepsis
If a healthcare provider suspects sepsis, time is crucial.
Fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered within the first hour of suspected sepsis.
Treatment will co-occur with diagnostics and monitoring.
The score ranges from 0-24, with higher scores indicating a higher likelihood of mortality.
If blood pressure is too low, then vital organs do not receive blood flow and can shut down.
Symptoms of septic shock are similar to sepsis.
However, in addition to sepsis symptoms, other symptoms of organ failure are present.
For example, the kidneys tend to be the first organ to shut down.
Septic shock is a medical emergency, and patients are treated in an intensive care unit.
Over one-third of those diagnosed with septic shock may die.
Of the patients who recover, approximately one-third die in the year following their sepsis event.
Additionally, up to 40% of patients are readmitted within 90 days of discharge.
Other complications can include permanent organ damage.
An individual may experience kidney failure after sepsis recovery.
Sepsis may also permanently alter the immune system.Sepsis may also worsenpreexisting chronic conditions.
Additionally, up to half of sepsis survivors may experience a condition calledpost-sepsis syndrome(PSS).
Treatment options and support groups are available.
Summary
Sepsis is a serious condition and delays in treatment increase mortality.
Elderly people, especially those with other health problems, are at additional risk for harmful complications of sepsis.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one has sepsis, seek emergency medical care.
The faster the person is treated, the better the chances are for recovery.
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