In 2006, Cheryl Douglass, who had recently retired, returned home one afternoon and suddenly started feeling ill. It was as if she had the flu. She sat in an emergency department for hours waiting to be attended to. She, however, woke up two months later from a coma with no recollection of what had happened.

While she was unconscious, her husband, Paul, and her doctors had to make the painful decision to amputate her hands and feet to save her life. It has taken years of physical therapy and relearning basic life skills, but Cheryl has somewhat recovered and is determined to help others survive sepsis.

Cheryl, with her husband Paul, shared their story at the Southern Maryland Sepsis Collaborative hosted by MedStar St Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, United States of America, saying they had never heard of sepsis until that unfortunate incident and had no idea what to do. “If people know the symptoms, they are more likely to go to the doctor,” said Cheryl.

Now, sepsis is a serious global health problem with high incidence, affecting millions of people annually. While the exact prevalence varies, studies indicate that it affects a substantial portion of the hospitalized population, particularly in Intensive Care Units. It is a major cause of death, with an estimated 49 million cases and 11 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Incidence and mortality rates are higher in lower-middle-income countries, and children, especially in those countries, are disproportionately affected by sepsis, with 85% of cases and deaths occurring in these settings.

Sepsis incidence in Nigeria is equally significant, particularly among newborns, with high mortality rates. Studies show prevalence rates vary, with one study reporting a 66.2% prevalence among patients admitted to a resource-limited hospital meeting sepsis criteria. Neonatal sepsis is a major contributor to mortality, with some studies indicating prevalence rates of 5.90 to 7.04 per 1000 live births.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is triggered by the body’s overwhelming and damaging response to infection and occurs when the body’s immune system, instead of effectively fighting off an infection, releases chemicals into the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation. This inflammation can damage multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs, and can lead to organ failure. Sepsis is, therefore, a medical emergency that requires prompt attention to avert serious complications and possible death.

Most cases of sepsis are triggered by bacterial infections, but viral and fungal infections can equally be the source. These infections can originate in various parts of the body, including the urinary tract, abdomen, skin, and lungs (pneumonia). Although sepsis is not contagious, the same cannot, however, be said of the underlying infections.

Now, sepsis can be categorized into stages or types based on its severity and the underlying cause. The traditional stages, in this regard, are sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. It can equally be categorized by the type of infection causing it: bacterial, viral, or fungal. Some research suggests the existence of distinct subtypes of sepsis based on patient characteristics.

The sepsis stage is often the initial stage where the body’s response to an infection becomes systemic, leading to inflammation throughout the body; the severe sepsis stage is characterized by organ dysfunction in addition to the systemic inflammation; and septic shock is the most severe stage, marked by dangerously low blood pressure despite adequate fluid resuscitation and the potential for multiple organ failure and death.

Sepsis symptoms can be subtle and vary from person to person, but common signs include a high fever or, in some cases, a very low body temperature; a heart rate that is faster than normal, also known as tachycardia; breathing faster than usual, also known as tachypnoea; changes in mental clarity, such as confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness; and a drop in blood pressure. Other symptoms include clammy or sweaty skin, or blotchy, pale, or greyish skin; severe pain, especially in the limbs or abdomen; reduced urination or an urge to urinate; and vomiting, nausea, light sensitivity, and lethargy.

Sepsis can affect various organs, leading to kidney failure, lung damage (acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS), heart complications (including heart failure and myocardial ischaemia), and brain damage. Even if one survives sepsis, there can be post-sepsis syndrome, which is a collection of long-term physical and psychological effects that can persist for months or even years.

The truth is that age is a factor that increases the risk of sepsis, as extremely young or elderly people are more vulnerable. In addition, conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressant medications can increase the risk. And people with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or other chronic conditions are equally at higher risk. Furthermore, a history of severe infections can also make people more susceptible to sepsis.

Now, it is crucial to seek urgent treatment when you observe the symptoms, as sepsis can progress rapidly and cause organ damage or even death if not treated quickly. And starting treatment within the first hour of suspected sepsis can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of severe complications. So, seek immediate medical attention if you suspect sepsis, especially if you have an infection and experience the aforementioned symptoms like fever, chills, confusion, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or extreme pain.

As of today, sepsis remains one of the world’s most urgent and misunderstood health threats. While medical teams work to refine treatment protocols, the power of prevention and early detection lies in the hands of each of us. Recognizing the warning signs, such as fever, extreme pain, or confusion, and seeking immediate medical help, we can turn a silent emergency into a survivable one. This is a call to action for every family and a reminder that awareness is the first and most vital step toward protecting ourselves and those we love, especially when it comes to sepsis.

Ojenagbon, a health communication expert and certified management trainer and consultant, lives in Lagos. (Daily Trust)