Sepsis is not an uncommon condition. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, over one million people in the United States become septic each year. Many people are not familiar with what sepsis is and how it can affect their health, including vision. September is Sepsis Awareness Month and it’s a great time to learn more about this condition. |
What is sepsis?
Basically, your body overreacts to an already present infection. Many types of infections can progress and lead to sepsis, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
- Extreme pain
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
Medical tests may reveal the following:
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced oxygen level
- High heart rate
- Increased white blood cell count
- Elevated lactic acid
- Low urine output
Sepsis can progress quickly and lead to organ failure. The lungs, kidneys, and liver can all become affected. Once one organ fails, others may quickly follow, which makes the condition hard to treat.
Almost all people that develop severe sepsis require care in the intensive care unit. Treatment may include antibiotics, medications to help maintain blood pressure, fluids, and ventilatory support to help with breathing.
What increases your risk of sepsis?
For example, babies under the age of one and adults over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of sepsis. People that have a weakened immune system or a chronic illness are also at a high risk of developing sepsis after an infection.
How sepsis can lead to vision problems
Even when someone survives severe sepsis, it can leave them with permanent medical problems. It is estimated that up to half of people with severe sepsis suffer from post-sepsis syndrome.
Complications after sepsis can be widespread. Although not as common as other issues, problems with vision can also occur. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found some people with sepsis develop an intraocular infection called endogenous endophthalmitis. The infection from the organism that led to the initial infection may spread to the eye. Pain and redness in the eye in a patient that has sepsis requires prompt medical attention to prevent vision loss.
Prevention
- Get vaccinations: Immunizations can reduce your risk of various illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, and whooping cough. By decreasing the risk of diseases, you reduce your risk of sepsis.
- Take care of wounds: Treating wounds can prevent an infection from developing.
- Treat infections: If you have signs of an infection, especially a bacterial infection, seek treatment. Getting prompt treatment for an infection can prevent the development of sepsis.
Sepsis can be a very serious condition. But by reducing your risk of infection and recognizing signs of sepsis immediately, you can decrease your risk of complications. If you think you have any symptoms of sepsis you should seek emergency care immediately.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please phone our office at 508-746-8600.