Every now and again, an article appears containing certain information which largely goes under the radar but yet contains such astonishing information that it clearly needs to be read (and taken seriously) by a much wider audience. One such article is that which appeared on the BBC news website recently.
It seems astonishing that around the world for every five deaths, one is caused by sepsis. Whilst it is perhaps a condition which most people have heard about., few understand the serious consequences of contracting it and indeed are eve unaware of its main symptoms.
If you need specialist advice, contact our sepsis compensation lawyers today on 0800 988 8082 or by completing our online contact form.
It is little wonder it is known as "the hidden killer". Sepsis is caused by the immune system going into overdrive. Instead of the immune system fighting off any infection coming into the body, it starts to attack other parts of the system. In effect, it poisons the blood and can lead to catastrophic organ failure which thereafter can lead to death or at least a long-term disability for the victim.
Bacteria and other viruses that cause diarrhoeal infection or lung disease are the main triggers for sepsis. Given the origins of it, it is perhaps not surprising that it is a condition most seen in the low and middle income countries. That said, there are many instances of the disease in the Western world. For example, in the UK, there are around 48,000 deaths from sepsis each year.
In order to combat it and reduce the number of victims, we need to improve access to better sanitation, clean water and vaccines. There also needs to be early detection of it. Further, we ought to know more about the symptoms. These symptoms are slurred speech; extreme shivering; muscle pain; passing no urine in a day; severe breathlessness; high heart rate; and mottled skin. You are also likely to see the victim being lethargic; abnormally cold to touch; breathing very fast with a rash which does not fade when you press it. There is also a potential for the victim to have a seizure or a convulsion.
Given the vast number of deaths from sepsis which were estimated last year to be 11 million worldwide, there needs to be a campaign to promote far wider knowledge of the symptoms. This ought to improve the reaction time in treating the condition. There is no doubt that early treatment with antibiotics or antiviral to clear the infection can make a massive difference.
We have experience in dealing with claims relating to sepsis. We successfully recovered compensation for our client who contracted sepsis after being admitted to hospital. If you or anyone you know has contracted sepsis, you can contact us for advice on 0800 988 8082 or by completing our online enquiry form.
