How is Sepsis Diagnosed?
Doctors and Nurse Practitioners diagnose sepsis based on examining the patient for signs of infection, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, confusion or altered brain function and difficult or fast breathing. They will also perform blood and/or other tests to confirm infection.
If you have sepsis there is a priority to receive treatment as soon as possible.
Because sepsis progresses quickly, you may require other tests or treatments:
catheter insertion in your veins to give you fluids and antibiotics
surgery to remove areas of infection
treatment in the intensive care unit, including:
a machine to help you breathe
a machine to help with kidney function
medication to support low blood pressure or heart function
40% of sepsis survivors will be re-hospitalized within 90 days of leaving the hospital.
One-third of sepsis survivors die within a year.
FACT:
Sepsis is the leading cause of hospital re-admission and healthcare costs.
To learn more about sepsis, join us on September 13th (online or in-person) at our event, Transforming the Trajectory of Sepsis.
