Fight sepsis with early detection and action

Every year, sepsis silently strikes down at least 1.7 million adults in the United States, a number that continues to rise.

As the population ages, antibiotic resistance grows and more individuals manage chronic diseases, the threat of sepsis looms larger than ever.

“Sepsis results from an infection that the body struggles to combat,” said Dr. Chad Radke, an emergency physician at Aspirus Health. “The immune response can become overwhelming, causing injury to the body itself.”

Sepsis can develop from infections like urinary tract infections, pneumonia or skin infections such as cellulitis. Common symptoms include fever, chills, weakness and fatigue. In older adults, especially those older than 65, sepsis may present as unusual weakness or confusion, indicating that an infection is becoming more severe.

Radke emphasizes the importance of recognizing these early signs.

“Patients and their loved ones should be vigilant about symptoms like burning with urination, persistent cough or skin redness,” he said. “Early intervention is key. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical care promptly — whether through an emergency department, a walk-in clinic or a primary care specialist.”

Timely treatment can significantly impact outcomes. While many infections can be managed with oral antibiotics at home, untreated infections can escalate to sepsis, potentially leading to low blood pressure, liver and kidney damage, confusion or even severe complications affecting brain function.

“Aspirus Health has been aggressive for a decade in standardizing care across all our facilities,” Radke said. “We aim to be a national leader in the early recognition and management of sepsis and septic shock.”

Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt medical care can make a difference in preventing severe outcomes.