Infection control is a major concern in most hospitals across the United States. Because sick and vulnerable patients are put in close quarters with other sick and vulnerable patients, the risk of spreading infection is significant. The dangers of sepsis cannot be overstated.
Dangers of Sepsis for the Body
One of the worst infection scenarios is sepsis, which can occur when the body is trying to fight off an infection by releasing a flood of chemicals into the bloodstream. If the body produces an out-of-balance response to these chemicals, it can quickly lead to organ damage and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1 million and 3 million Americans develop sepsis each year, most often in the hospital or just after being released from the hospital. Approximately 15 to 30 percent of these patients die because of the disease. When patients are harmed due to hospital negligence, they deserve full and fair compensation.
A recent article in the New York Times cites a new study on sepsis, including who it most affects and its level of treatability. According to the study, the most likely patients to develop the condition are the elderly and the young. In certain patients – especially the elderly – sepsis is often unresponsive to treatment, even early treatment. This defies a common perception that all sepsis deaths are preventable, according to one of the study’s authors. If left undiagnosed, this obviously leaves a deadly impact on the patient.
Nonetheless, many deaths are preventable if healthcare providers carefully monitor patients for signs of sepsis and intervene early with antibiotics and high volumes of IV fluids.
Sepsis Symptoms
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- High heart rate and shortness of breath
- Chills or fever
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme pain and/or discomfort
- Skin that is sweaty or clammy
If you have a loved one in the hospital, you cannot assume that healthcare providers are watching the patient as closely as they should be. If you suspect sepsis, elder abuse, or another problem, please don’t be afraid to speak up. And if you have lost a loved one to a preventable disease or medical mistake, contact an experienced Michigan wrongful death attorney to better understand your rights and legal options.
You may be eligible for a sepsis malpractice lawsuit or Michigan sepsis malpractice settlement.