2024-04-25 18:00:00
As head of the emergency center at Bethesda Agaplesion Hospital in Wuppertal, I am faced with the challenging task of treating life-threatening illnesses and saving lives every day. Recently, I remember one instance in particular.
We received an emergency call from a family whose mother was not feeling well. When we arrived at the scene with the ambulance, we found a woman with a fever and confusion. At first we suspected the 76-year-old had pneumonia, but the diagnosis was: pneumonia as the cause of sepsis, also colloquially known as blood poisoning.
Sepsis is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. It occurs when an infection in the body is not properly controlled and spreads to the blood. When it comes to blood poisoning, many people immediately think of the famous “red line” on the arm or leg, which can cause death as soon as it reaches the heart. However, this is a common misconception. Most of those affected do not show this symptom at all. Overall, the symptoms can be very different: from fever and chills to difficulty breathing and confusion. Often the symptoms are not clear and can be easily confused with other diseases.
In this case, the patient showed patchy skin discoloration on her hands and feet, which is an alarming sign of sepsis. Through precise examinations and differential diagnostics, we were able to detect blood poisoning quickly and in good time.
If sepsis is suspected, every minute counts. Early treatment can mean the difference between life and death. We immediately performed a comprehensive examination, took blood samples and started life-saving therapy. The patient was taken to the intensive care unit. Here we gave her high doses of antibiotics to fight the infection. We support your organs with targeted measures to stabilize the body. It was a race against time to contain the spread of the infection and save the patient’s life. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our multidisciplinary team, the patient was able to successfully overcome the sepsis and recover.
Sepsis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or health status. However, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. The main causes of blood poisoning are diseases such as inflammation of the lungs, peritoneum or urinary tract. But even harmless everyday injuries like a scratch, scratched mosquito bite or scraped knee can be enough to cause blood poisoning.
Good hygiene and quick action at the first signs of sepsis can help reduce the risk. The risk groups mentioned should be vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcus and corona. This can prevent or weaken many infections that can lead to blood poisoning.
My experience in emergency medicine has shown me that quick action and early diagnosis are critical. If sepsis is suspected, you should seek medical help immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of recovery.
Dr. Gunnar Kalund is head of the emergency center at Bethesda Hospital and chief emergency doctor for the city of Wuppertal
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