2023-07-30 10:33:00
Title: Sepsis: Germany Struggles to Recognize and Combat the Silent Killer
Leipzig (AFP) – Sepsis, commonly known as blood poisoning, continues to be the leading cause of death from infections in Germany. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of lives are lost each year due to the failure in recognizing this deadly disease at an early stage. With the number of fatalities increasing, it is imperative to shed light on the topic and provide crucial information to the public.
Sepsis develops when the body’s defense mechanism against an infection begins to harm its own tissues and organs. Pathogens that spread through the lymph and blood vessels prompt an immune response, flooding the body with messenger substances. Regrettably, this overreaction not only targets the invading pathogens but also damages the body’s own cells and vital organs.
Contrary to popular belief, sepsis is not always triggered by external wounds. The Robert Koch Institute highlights that it most commonly originates from infections in the lungs, abdomen, and urinary tract. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi and viruses including severe cases of Covid-19, can also lead to sepsis.
Recognizing sepsis can be challenging as its symptoms often overlap with other common illnesses like the flu or the common cold. Warning signs include fever, chills, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, severe pain, extreme fatigue, and confusion. While many associate sepsis with the visual of a red line moving towards the heart, known as lymphangitis, this symptom is not always present in patients.
The consequences of sepsis can be devastating. Septic shock, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, can result in multiple organ failure and death if not detected and treated promptly. Even with optimal therapy, only around half of patients survive such a shock. In some cases, amputations or other surgical procedures may be required, and long-term organ damage such as heart and kidney dysfunction can occur. Additionally, sepsis survivors may experience brain and nerve damage, leading to reduced resilience, poor concentration, memory impairment, visual and speech disorders, balance problems, chronic pain, as well as psychological implications like depression and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Alarming statistics reveal that sepsis is the third leading cause of death in Germany, trailing behind cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, estimates regarding sepsis-related deaths differ slightly. The “Germany recognizes sepsis” campaign reports at least 85,000 deaths annually, while the German Sepsis Foundation estimates the number to be over 100,000. Hospitals in Germany handle approximately 320,000 cases of sepsis each year, with a mortality rate of around 25 percent. Experts believe that nearly 20,000 deaths could be prevented with timely detection and intervention.
Certain groups are more susceptible to sepsis, including individuals over the age of 65, children under one year old, individuals with pre-existing conditions like lung and heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems.
While practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing and proper wound care, can help prevent sepsis, vaccinations against diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccination) also play a crucial role in prevention. However, the key lies in recognizing the signs of sepsis and taking prompt action.
In conclusion, sepsis continues to claim a significant number of lives in Germany. Raising awareness about the symptoms, triggers, and consequences of this silent killer is vital to combat the disease. Timely recognition and treatment can save lives and prevent potentially life-altering complications. By prioritizing education and prevention strategies, Germany can reduce the impact of sepsis and ensure a healthier future for its citizens.]
#Blood #poisoning #sepsis