NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond, and it also brought awareness to his cause of death, sepsis.
Normally, the immune system attacks germs in a controlled way. However in sepsis, the immune response becomes widespread and excessive, causing inflammation throughout the body. As a result, that could lead to blood clotting abnormalities, low blood pressure, organ failure, sepsis shock, and death, if not treated quickly.
After battling severe bacterial pneumonia in the weeks leading up to his untimely death, Busch, 41, developed sepsis. The condition lasted just one day and reportedly caused a blood clotting disorder that led to hemorrhagic shock and, ultimately, his death.
Because early identification is critical, remember Septic Alliance’s acronym TIME (Temperature, Infection, Mental Decline, Extremely Ill). More specifically, for temperature, look for a higher or lower body temperature; identify an infection such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stone, or even COVID-19; take stock of your mental state and whether you seem confused or especially sleepy; and for extremely ill, signs that you’ve feeling the worst you have.
Other signs to look for include dizziness, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and labored breathing.
At Stamford Hospital we have a dedicated sepsis team to identify and effectively manage and treat patients in a timely manner. If a patient comes into the emergency department and is suspected to have sepsis, a sepsis alert is triggered so that key members of the hospital can focus on the patient to ensure that the appropriate blood work is tested and antibiotics are given. Together, our multidisciplinary team works with the patient to deliver award-winning care with the best possible results.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have developed sepsis, call your doctor or go to the emergency department for an evaluation.
What Is Sepsis?
The common life-threatening condition affects nearly 1.7 million Americans and contributes to one-third of hospital deaths each year. Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an existing infection, such as pneumonia like Busch.Normally, the immune system attacks germs in a controlled way. However in sepsis, the immune response becomes widespread and excessive, causing inflammation throughout the body. As a result, that could lead to blood clotting abnormalities, low blood pressure, organ failure, sepsis shock, and death, if not treated quickly.
After battling severe bacterial pneumonia in the weeks leading up to his untimely death, Busch, 41, developed sepsis. The condition lasted just one day and reportedly caused a blood clotting disorder that led to hemorrhagic shock and, ultimately, his death.
Risk Factors For Sepsis
The major risk factor for sepsis is an infection of any kind. It is often associated with bacterial infections, though viral and fungal infections can lead to sepsis as well. It will occur in otherwise healthy individuals, but high-risk groups such as older adults, children, patients with diabetes, cancer, or those with weakened-immune systems are more vulnerable.Because early identification is critical, remember Septic Alliance’s acronym TIME (Temperature, Infection, Mental Decline, Extremely Ill). More specifically, for temperature, look for a higher or lower body temperature; identify an infection such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stone, or even COVID-19; take stock of your mental state and whether you seem confused or especially sleepy; and for extremely ill, signs that you’ve feeling the worst you have.
Other signs to look for include dizziness, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and labored breathing.
Sepsis Treatment
Once sepsis is identified, treatment is very complex and may include intravenous antibiotics and fluids as well as routine bloodwork, including monitoring white blood count.At Stamford Hospital we have a dedicated sepsis team to identify and effectively manage and treat patients in a timely manner. If a patient comes into the emergency department and is suspected to have sepsis, a sepsis alert is triggered so that key members of the hospital can focus on the patient to ensure that the appropriate blood work is tested and antibiotics are given. Together, our multidisciplinary team works with the patient to deliver award-winning care with the best possible results.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have developed sepsis, call your doctor or go to the emergency department for an evaluation.
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