Here’s who is at risk for this life-threatening disease and what can be done to prevent it.
WASHINGTON – Legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s sudden death at the age of 41 came as a surprise to many.
Two-time NASCAR champion Died from pneumonia that progressed to sepsishis family revealed Saturday.
Busch, who was believed to be suffering from a sinus cold earlier this month, reportedly became unresponsive and was hospitalized after testing a racing simulator in North Carolina.
The caller told emergency dispatchers he was noticeably short of breath, felt hot, dizzy and was coughing up blood, according to 911 calls obtained by The Associated Press.
Bush’s family said in a statement that his health deteriorated rapidly and led to serious complications that ultimately led to his death.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anyone is susceptible to infection, and any infection can develop into sepsis.
Here’s information about this life-threatening disease.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection and is a life-threatening disease.
Sepsis occurs when a person’s immune system (which normally tries to fight infection) overreacts and mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs, causing widespread inflammation.
This chain reaction causes widespread inflammation throughout the body.
“When bacteria enter the body, it causes an infection. If the infection doesn’t stop, it can lead to sepsis,” the CDC says.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause sepsis.
Infections that cause sepsis usually originate in the lungs, skin, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal tract.
Sepsis requires immediate medical attention and affects at least 1.7 million adults and more than 18,000 children in the United States each year.
If left untreated, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Sepsis can lead to septic shock, which can lead to death in as little as 12 hours. According to the Cleveland Clinic.
signs and symptoms
According to the CDC, here are the signs and symptoms to watch for when an infection may develop into sepsis:
- clammy or sweaty skin
- confusion or disorientation
- extreme pain or discomfort
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Shortness of breath
Health experts advise that anyone who suspects they may be at risk of sepsis should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How to prevent sepsis
The CDC recommends taking the following steps to help reduce the risk of sepsis:
- Prevent infection
- Maintain good hygiene habits
- Know the signs and symptoms
- Act quickly
Treatment for sepsis usually includes antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove tissue damaged by infection.
