Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that hits people, whether young or old. It occurs when the body’s response to infection involves the tissues and organs, which leads to the deterioration of their function.
Causes
Infection stands as the primary causes of sepsis. According to NHS UK, sepsis can be a result of an infection anywhere in the body. As per the publication, the most usual infection sites include the lungs, urinary tract, abdomen, and pelvis. Also, the condition may develop if the person is confined in the hospital due to surgery and urinary catheter insertion. Chronic hospitalization also counts as a common cause of sepsis.
The kinds of infection linked to sepsis also vary. As per the publication, they include lung infection or pneumonia, appendicitis, peritonitis or the infection of the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the interior of the abdomen), urinary tract infection (infection of the kidney, urethra, urinary bladder), cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts), cholecystitis (infection of the gall bladder), skin infections like cellulitis secondary to intravenous catheter inserted through the skin, post-surgical infections , meningitis or infection of the brain, encephalitis or infection of the nervous system, and osteomyelitis or bone infection, endocarditis or infection of the heart, and the viral infection influenza, in some cases.
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sepsis affected a sum of around two million people in 1999 to 2014. As per the publication, six percent of the mortality cases had sepsis-related deaths and 22 percent had sepsis as the underlying cause of mortality. In 2004 to 2009, researchers used four approaches to analyze data for identifying adult patients with sepsis. As per the publication, the annual bracket of published mortality associated with sepsis was 15 to 40 percent more than the yearly estimates during the given period.
Signs and Symptoms
Sepsis presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to Health Line, symptoms include a fever of 96.8 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, heart rate more than 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate more than 20 breaths per minute, and probable or confirmed infection. Other signs and symptoms include patches of discolored skin, reduced urine output, changes in mental status, low platelet count, difficulty of breathing, abnormalities in the heart’s functions, chills, unconsciousness, and extreme weakness.
Home Remedies
While medical management with antibiotics is available for sepsis, the following home remedies can also be considered.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one remedy for sepsis. According to Style Craze, it is an herb, which has been used since the beginning of the ancient civilization. As per the publication, turmeric contains the ingredient curcumin, which increases the protein levels in the blood. When supplied with a boosted amount of protein, the body will be more able to combat various kinds of infection. The herb also helps counter swelling, which is part of the inflammatory process. To use, as per the publication, a pinch of turmeric is added to the dishes while cooking. As an alternative, a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to boiled or cooled water, before it is consumed.
Garlic
Garlic is another remedy for sepsis. According to Earth Clinic, garlic contains the compound allicin, which decreases inflammation in the body. Garlic also helps combat infection and raise the function of the immune system. To use, a clove of garlic is peeled, chopped up, and mixed with a tablespoon of honey. The mixture is consumed every morning to enhance the body’s capacity to fight infection and manage sepsis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also helpful in fighting sepsis, as per Earth Clinic. It boosts the body’s defenses against sickness and infection and it also promotes the function of collagen, a cement-like substance, which connects loosely connected cells and tissues. Vitamin C can be taken as a supplement, although it is also present in food options like citrus fruits.
Sepsis primarily needs medical management, since it is life-threatening. However, home remedies help if the condition occurs immediately or outside a medical setting.
Source: findatopdoc.com
