CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System recognizes Sepsis Awareness Month

Gov. Greg Abbott is recognizing the sepsis program at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System with a state proclamation declaring September as Sepsis Awareness Month.

The health care system recognizes this important observance by educating the community about the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

In the U.S., more than 1.7 million people are affected by sepsis each year, which means someone develops sepsis every 20 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sepsis is a serious medical condition. It is the body's response to an ongoing infection, which occurs when the body’s immune response begins to damage its own tissue. It can lead to tissue damage, shock, organ failure and, if not treated promptly, death.

"Eighty percent of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and treatment," said Jaime Wright, sepsis coordinator for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth’s. “Early recognition and prompt medical intervention are crucial in saving a septic patient.”

To help recognize the urgent signs of sepsis, she explained the acronym TIME:

• T: Temperature - Is your body temperature higher or lower than normal?
• I: Infection - Do you have signs and symptoms of an infection?
• M: Mental decline - Are you feeling confused or excessively sleepy?
• E: Extremely ill - Do you have a severe feeling of pain or discomfort, or do you feel like you might die?

In addition, Wright said there are other symptoms to watch for: a sore throat or mouth sore, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, burning or painful urination and a new or worsening cough.

She said patients should properly treat any infections they might have.

“Take the appropriate oral or topical antibiotics and keep cuts and wounds cleaned,” she said. “Sepsis can become the result of all infections, internal or external. It’s essential to remember it can affect anyone, regardless of your age or health.”

If a patient arrives to the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth emergency department showing signs of sepsis, a multidisciplinary team will expedite an assessment and start them on the appropriate treatment.

She said if someone believes they may become septic, it is imperative they seek medical attention immediately.

“My hope is to encourage the community to be proactive in recognizing the signs of sepsis,” Wright said. “Not enough people truly understand how serious this condition is. Treating sepsis in an appropriate amount of time is crucial in saving the patient’s life.”