Signs of sepsis in the elderly
Sometimes between the winter flu, spring cold and hay fever we opt to ‘soldier on’ instead of burdening our GP with what may turn out to be little more than a runny nose. However, if you are feeling particularly unwell, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of sepsis – and when you should seek help
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection, which, without quick treatment, can lead to multiple organ failure and death. According to the UK Sepsis Trust, there are around 250,000 cases of sepsis a year in the UK. Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, sepsis can be particularly devastating for older people whose immune systems are weaker. The threat of sepsis can also be greater for the elderly as the risk for infection is higher when foreign objects are placed in the body – for example, a catheter or breathing tube.
If caught early, sepsis can be controlled by antibiotics. Here are the early symptoms to be aware of, according to the NHS website:
- a high temperature (fever) or
- low body temperature, chills and shivering,
- fast heartbeat
- fast breathing.
It is worth noting that many of the symptoms of sepsis are also associated with meningitis.
Septic shock
If early symptoms of sepsis aren’t recognised then symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock develop. These can include:
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- A change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Severe muscle pain
- Extreme breathlessness
- Less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day
- Cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- Loss of consciousness.
When to get medical help
Seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111 if you’ve recently had an infection or injury and you have possible early signs of sepsis. Read more about sepsis on the NHS website here.
With a background spanning over two decades in the field of marketing, I have had the privilege of working across diverse industries, ranging from insurance to sports, technology, and health & well-being.
While my previous experience did not directly involve care services, I have acquired a deep understanding of the sector’s needs and challenges through my wife. For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to providing the highest level of support to her clients as a compassionate caregiver.
Witnessing the profound impact that committed caregivers have on their clients’ lives when the opportunity arose to join the esteemed team at Unique Senior Care, it was an easy decision for me to make.
During my free time, you may find me leisurely strolling across fields with a metal detector in hand, eagerly exploring the possibility of unearthing hidden treasures. Alternatively, I love nothing better than making the most of our National Trust membership and cherishing precious moments spent with my family.
I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the Unique Senior Care team, where I can bring my expertise to the table and share a sincere passion for enhancing the lives of those we serve.
