Sepsis awareness stressed

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September 15, 2016 - 12:00 AM

Polly Barker describes sepsis as one of society’s least-known, but most dangerous, health issues in Kansas and beyond.
Barker, infection prevention nurse at Allen County Regional Hospital, told the Register about September’s designation as Sepsis Awareness Month.
Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and potentially life-threatening response to an infection, Barker explained.
It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection can trigger widespread inflammation, which leads to blood clots and “leaky” vessels.
This, in turn, leads to impaired blood flow, damaging the body’s organs by depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.
In short, “it’s a bad, bad deal,” Barker said.
While sepsis numbers aren’t necessarily more prevalent than in years past, awareness and detection have climbed steadily as more advanced health care measures are developed.
The problem with sepsis is its high mortality rate. Upwards of half of all who suffer from sepsis will die from its complications, Barker said.
For comparison’s sake, “this is higher than heart attack and stroke,” Barker said. “It’s even more frequent than prostate cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined.
“And we see, on average, two or three cases of sepsis each week at Allen County,” she said.
Barker has had an extensive career in nursing with experience in medical and surgical nursing, critical care, home health/hospice and in a nursing home. She also worked for 10 years as a nursing home surveyor.
Barker is a 1976 Iola High School graduate and a 1980 graduate of Wesley School of Nursing in Wichita. She’s been infection prevention nurse at ACRH since February 2014.

SEPSIS affects people of all ages, but the very young and the very old, or those with chronic health problems, such as diabetes, cancer and kidney disease, are most at risk. Those with severe burns or trauma also are more susceptible.
Sepsis is best treated when recognized as quickly as possible, but signs and symptoms sometimes are hard to detect, which adds to its toxicity.
Sufferers may have either abnormally high, or low, body temperatures, rapid pulse rates or rapid breathing. Elderly sufferers also may develop chills and confusion.
Doctors must act promptly to administer antibiotics and fluids. Medication to increase a person’s blood pressure also may be necessary, Barker said. Likewise, a sufferer may also be placed on a ventilator, if necessary.

LONG-TERM effects of sepsis run the gamut.
Many who survive recover completely, Barker said, and return to their normal, healthy routine.
But others, particularly those with chronic illness, may experience permanent organ damage, such as kidney failure and lifelong dialysis treatments.
“There’s also some evidence that an episode of severe sepsis disrupts a person’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to future infections.”
The key to prevention is to stop infections in the first place, she explained.
One way is by getting flu and pneumonia vaccines.
“Then there is hand washing,” Barker said. “Many, many infections can be prevented by good hand hygiene, either with soap and water or hand sanitizer.”
Proper treatment of all wounds, even scrapes or cuts, also is vital.
“Any infection should be taken seriously,” she stressed. “Do not just hope it will go away.”
Those treated for infections should take all of their prescribed antibiotics.
On the other hand, “do not expect antibiotics to be effective for a viral infection,” Barker said. “They won’t help at all, and, in fact, increase your risk of developing resistant bacteria.”
Those who are sick are advised to stay away from others, to prevent spreading. Additionally, those who have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy have compromised immune systems, Barker said.
In any event, “do not hesitate to tell your provider that you are concerned about sepsis,” she said.
For more information, call Barker at 365-1000.

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