Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the UK, with as many as five people dying of the condition every hour according to the UK Sepsis Trust. The condition can be treated if caught early enough, which is why it's important to be able to identify warning signs right away.
Michael Carson, a senior litigation executive at Patient Claim Line, a leading UK medical negligence law firm, has shared advice on the 'red flag' symptoms of sepsis and what patients can do if their doctor has missed the symptoms of sepsis.
Read more: 'My son died 20 years ago and I've finally had an apology from the hospital'
What causes sepsis?
"Sepsis is not a disease, or something you can ‘catch’. It comes about from the body's response to an infection, and the response starts to damage the tissues and organs of the body. This is a very serious and life-threatening issue, as it can cause organs to function poorly and abnormally, leading them to fail."
Sepsis occurs in three stages:
- Uncomplicated sepsis caused by infections, such as influenza or dental abscess. This is very common and does not usually require hospital treatment and a full recovery is made.
- Severe sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection has started to interfere with the function of vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs or liver.
- Septic shock occurs in severe cases of sepsis, when blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level, preventing vital organs from receiving enough oxygenated blood.
What are the red flag symptoms of sepsis to look out for?
"For adults, red flag symptoms can be someone in a confused state, possibly with slurred speech. They may be shivering and feel cold, but have a temperature and clammy, sweating skin. Heart rate can be raised, and blood pressure will be lower than normal. They may also have shortness of breath.
"For very young children or babies, it might be a child that is sleepier than normal, or difficult to wake. When awake, they may not eat or play as usual. They may also have shortness of breath, so they grunt when breathing, or breathe very fast. Urgent treatment is needed as sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in the UK."
How is sepsis diagnosed?
"Sepsis can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, as the many different symptoms can sometimes be vague or seem like other illnesses, such as flu or pneumonia. Many hospitals have a 'pathway', which is a guide for diagnosing and treating sepsis.
"A common protocol for treatment is known as the 'Sepsis Six'. Although the wording may vary slightly from hospital to hospital, the treatment is essentially the same. The protocol highlights that the actions all need to be undertaken within one hour of diagnosis."
What can happen if my sepsis treatment is delayed?
"Sepsis is life-threatening. Delays in treatment can lead to organ failure or damage, which could be irreversible. It can also affect circulation leading to loss of limbs or extremities such as fingers and toes.
What are my legal rights if my doctor has misdiagnosed sepsis?
"It is important to note that a misdiagnosis does not always mean somebody has been negligent. The human body is very complex, and varying symptoms can mean that it was reasonable for a doctor to think an illness or disease was something else.
"You have the right to bring a claim for compensation against the hospital, private doctor, or GP who missed the diagnosis, or gave an incorrect diagnosis. Compensation for personal injuries varies immensely between individuals, based on the injuries caused and the lasting effects on you.
"In cases involving sepsis, there can be a wide range of outcomes. In a case where hospital treatment was required but was successful, without any consequences for future health, then the case may settle for a sum of around £5,000. In a case in which there have been devastating consequences, such as loss of limbs, then the claim will need to include equipment and care for a lifetime, and damages may very easily exceed £1,000,000."
READ NEXT
- The brilliant four-year-old boy with a devastating muscle-wasting condition that will cut his life short
- Living nightmare sees 22-year-old left unable to walk or talk
- My identical twin sister had a cough and died suddenly just a week later
- Children's hospice Ty Hafan facing eye-watering £500,000 rise in its energy bill
- Man sues health board for £200,000 over claims lack of treatment led to life-changing complications
