Sepsis in Elderly Symptoms
Anyone with sepsis will get very similar symptoms, although they may be slightly different in elderly patients. In this article we explore sepsis in elderly symptoms in more detail.
Sepsis symptoms in adults
Sepsis is a dangerous reaction to an infection. It causes inflammation and clotting inside the body, preventing the normal flow of blood and limiting the supply of oxygen to the organs. Ultimately if not treated in time it will lead to organ failure and death.
The septic inflammatory response the body goes through will produce a range of symptoms. For the typical adult patient, the symptoms of sepsis are:
- High temperature (fever)
- Uncontrollable chills and shivering (rigors)
- Fast heart rate
- Fast, shallow breathing with breathlessness
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Changes to the skin, such as mottled, pale and clammy skin
- Decreased urine output
- Dizziness and faintness
- Confusion
These symptoms will progress and deteriorate. Normally an adult patient will start with a fever, rigors and a fast heartbeat. Next they develop shallow breathing, skin changes, muscle pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. Finally there will be decreased urine output, dizziness/faintness and mental confusion.
Sepsis in elderly symptoms
These symptoms can be similar in elderly patients. However, often the early symptoms are absent. Instead an elderly patient progresses straight to a severe presentation, with the first symptoms to arise being:
- Chills and shivering
- Weakness
- Confusion and delirium
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Changes to the skin, with a dusky appearance
There can also be other symptoms that are not usually associated with sepsis, including urinary incontinence, extreme fatigue, falls and an aversion to food.
Sepsis in young children
Again, the symptoms of sepsis in young children are very similar, although the most notable symptoms are normally fever and reduced urine output.
Failure to spot sepsis symptoms in elderly
Sepsis is especially prevalent amongst the elderly because they have a weaker immune system. This makes it harder for the body to fight infection, resulting in a septic inflammatory response.
Medical practitioners should be aware of the risk posed to elderly people and remain cautious when they present or develop symptoms that could be indicative of sepsis.
The early recognition of sepsis symptoms is essential as it will lead to quick treatment. But if there is a delay, the condition will advance until the organs are severely deprived of oxygen. At this stage the patient will be critically unwell.
Make a compensation claim
If medical practitioners failed to spot the symptoms of sepsis, causing you or your loved one to fall critically ill, there could be grounds for a claim. Contact us for more information.
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