Sepsis: A Global and National Problem
A new study of the impact of sepsis worldwide, published earlier this month in The Lancet, has shown that deaths from the condition globally each year are twice the previous estimate.
New global sepsis statistics
Approximately 11 million people are now believed to die from sepsis worldwide every year.
Although a problem for all nations, the hardest hit regions are poor and middle income countries. Sadly, young children are most susceptible to the illness, accounting for 40% of sepsis cases.
Across the UK, sepsis continues to present a major challenge with over 40,000 people dying in the UK from this appalling illness each year.
Around 10,000 UK sepsis deaths every year are thought to be preventable and the emphasis on reducing this number is focussed on the early diagnosis and treatment of the condition through the recognition of symptoms.
Symptoms of sepsis
People who are thought to be suffering from sepsis require antibiotics within one hour of diagnosis of symptoms. Sepsis is the result of the patient's immune system over-reacting to an infection, probably of the lungs or abdomen, and early treatment of the underlying infection is vital.
Responding to sepsis requires medical professionals to be able to recognise the red flag symptoms. In adults, these include the following:
- Shivering or chills
- Breathlessness
- Fast heart rate
- High temperature
- Reduced urination
- Discoloured skin
The patient may also start to become confused as their condition deteriorates.
According to the Global Sepsis Alliance, the most at-risk groups, as well as young children, include people over 60 years of age, people with chronic health conditions and people with a weakened immune system such as those with diabetes.
A failure to respond urgently to an at-risk patient with the symptoms of sepsis may increase the severity of the patient's experience and reduce their chance of survival. It may also be regarded as substandard care and justify the commencement of a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered the horrific impact of sepsis due to a failure to recognise and respond to your symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today to discuss your experience free of charge with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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