With sepsis, time is of the essence - the earlier therapy begins, the better the chances of survival and the sooner the most serious consequences can be minimized.
Sepsis or blood poisoning is the most serious form of infection. It occurs when the body's own defense mechanisms are no longer sufficient to contain a local infection - as was the case with Til Schweiger, who suffered blood poisoning due to a leg injury. This causes the pathogens to enter the bloodstream and activate the body's own defense systems, especially the immune and coagulation systems. This not only leads to the fight against the pathogens, but can also damage vital organs such as the lungs, heart and kidneys. The consequences can be multiple organ failure and septic shock, as the well-known actor Fritz Wepper is said to have experienced. If sepsis is treated too late or not adequately, it can have serious health consequences.
Act immediately: Signs of sepsis are a medical emergency
If blood poisoning occurs due to an infection, every minute counts. Pay attention to possible sepsis warning signs and call emergency medical services. The more time that passes and the person affected does not receive adequate medical treatment, the greater the physical damage: multi-organ failure, coma and inadequate limbs, which subsequently have to be amputated in order to save the patient's life.
In fact, it is very important to view sepsis as an emergency that is just as time-critical as strokes and heart attacks.
PD Dr. med. Ines Schröder, intensive care physician at the Großhadern Clinic in Munich, told Bayerischer Rundfunk
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Even if a patient with sepsis receives appropriate medical care, it is still possible that limbs will die due to advanced sepsis. For example, this is what a 14-year-old boy from Mönchengladbach found out - his sepsis was probably caused by a pathogen from a flu-like infection.
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Blood poisoning does not only occur from external wounds
In Germany, around 85,000 people die every year as a result of sepsis. However, this dangerous blood poisoning is not only caused by external injuries such as rusty nails or infected wounds. Dr. Ines Schröder mainly treats sepsis patients, in whom infections within the body are the cause of blood poisoning, in addition to flu infections and pneumonia, especially urinary tract infections. Treatment involves the use of medication, primarily antibiotics. Time is of the essence - the earlier therapy begins, the better the chances of survival. Untreated or delayed sepsis is usually fatal.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.