Sepsis

Health

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection. It occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overwhelmed and starts to damage its own tissues and organs. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing severe complications, including organ failure, long-term health issues, and even death.

Why Is This Important for People with ID/DD?

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities may have a higher risk of infections and timely identification and treatment of sepsis are essential to reduce the risk of serious complications. People with ID/DD might face challenges in communicating symptoms making it vital for caregivers and healthcare providers to be vigilant in identifying early signs of sepsis.  Common risk factors for sepsis in people with disabilities include weakened immune systems, malnutrition, poor hygiene care, mobility issues (increased risk of pressure sores, UTI’s, and inability to move secretions in the lungs), invasive medical procedures (catheters, feeding tubes,) all of which can introduce bacteria into the body.

PREVENTION

  • Vaccination: Getting vaccinated for illnesses like influenza and pneumonia can help reduce the risk of infections that may lead to sepsis.
  • Proper Hygiene: Always wash hands thoroughly and wear gloves when handling open wounds, no matter how small. Infections from wounds can progress rapidly to sepsis if bacteria enter the body.
  • Wound Care: Notify your healthcare provider about any wounds, even minor ones, so they can assess and provide proper care
  • Recognize Symptoms Early: Understanding sepsis and being able to recognize its symptoms (e.g., fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, or decreased urine output) can help in early detection and treatment, potentially preventing severe outcomes.
  • Act Quickly: Sepsis is treatable if caught early, so if sepsis is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce the risk of complications.
  • Create a Treatment Plan: For individuals with existing infections (such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections), make sure a clear treatment plan is in place that includes signs and symptoms of sepsis. Caregivers should understand the plan and know how to act if symptoms worsen.

Helpful to Know

  • Common Early Signs/Symptoms of Infection: Early recognition in key to minimize the development of sepsis. Common symptoms include fever or chills, increased heart rate or rapid breathing, redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of infection, pain or tenderness, fatigue or weakness, pus or drainage from a wound, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, and muscle aches.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) – Commonly Misdiagnosed: Elderly individuals are commonly misdiagnosed because their symptoms may differ from typical UTI symptoms. UTI’s are more common in females and elderly individuals often present with symptoms of as confusion, agitation, or changes in behavior instead of the usual pain or discomfort during urination. Additionally, elderly individuals with UTIs are less likely to develop a fever, which can make the infection harder to identify and may delay proper treatment leading to urosepsis.
  • OPWDD Preventing Sepsis: Poster of Signs/Symptoms
  • OPWDD Health and Safety Alert: Preventing Sepsis
  • OPWDD Health and Safety Alert: UTI Prevention