,The Real Housewives of Orange Countystar Vicki Gunvalson, 62, has been opening up about her health lately after she was hospitalized for sepsis, a potentially fatal illness that results from the body’s response to infection.
“This is the whole Health hazards “This incident happened unannounced — without any warning,” Gunvalson told Fox News Digital.
As Sepsis Awareness Month kicks off this September, Gunvalson’s timely story is helping raise awareness about the disease.
“Awareness about sepsis can and is saving lives, yet only 65% of U.S. adults have heard of it,” Selena A. Giles, M.D., clinical professor and associate dean at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, told Fox News Digital.
Giles is on the advisory board of the Sepsis Alliance, a California-based organization that works nationwide to reduce the number of people suffering from sepsis.
According to statistics, sepsis causes the death of 350,000 American adults each year and is a leading cause of death in US hospitals. (iStock)
“Early detection and treatment can be very important in preventing serious illness and even mortality,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief infectious diseases At Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Long Island, New York, Dr.
Gunvalson’s diagnosis
Gunvalson shared the details of her sepsis diagnosis with Fox News Digital.
“Two weeks ago, when I was driving to my office, I was extremely disoriented and had no idea where I was going,” Gunvalson explained via email.
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“When I got to the office, my staff realised I wasn’t behaving normally,” she added. “My assistant thought I might have had a stroke.”
The emergency room diagnosed Gunvalson with “sinus disease” and sent her home, but by the next morning, she became “extremely incoherent” — so her boyfriend drove her back to the hospital.
“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Vicki Gunvalson, 62, recently opened up about her health scare after she was hospitalized for sepsis, a potentially fatal illness that results from the body’s response to infection. (Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
“I was hospitalised for six days because of sepsis and pneumonia,” He said.
Gunvalson was treated with antibiotics and is now recovering at home, and is in regular contact with the sepsis team at the hospital.
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The reality TV star has experienced some memory loss and difficulty concentrating, but said she expects the “brain fog” to improve over time.
Looking back, sepsis probably arose for a reason. sinus infection Gunvalson said the disease was detected in a child two months ago and was treated with antibiotics several times.
Symptoms and dangers
Common symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, fast heart rateDizziness, shortness of breath, extreme pain, and clammy or sweaty skin, according to Giles.
If a high fever occurs — particularly in people who are at increased risk of infection and those who feel very unwell — a doctor should be consulted. medical attention “This needs to be done as soon as possible,” Glatt said.
“Awareness about sepsis can and is saving lives, yet only 65% of U.S. adults have heard of it.”
“Fatigue and lethargy during the infection can be a sign of pneumonia and possible sepsis, even if there are no obvious symptoms in the lungs.” Dr. Mark SiegelFox News senior medical analyst and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center told Fox News Digital.
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Because sepsis can begin in a matter of hours, Giles suggested using the word “TIME” to remember that time is critical to treatment.
T – temperature (higher or lower than normal)
I – Infection (know the signs and symptoms)
M – mental deterioration (confusion, sleepiness and difficulty waking up)
E – very sick (severe paindiscomfort and shortness of breath)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.7 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis each year. (iStock)
The disease kills about 350,000 American adults each year and is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, Giles said.
According to CDC data, it is the third leading killer after heart disease, which kills more than 700,000 people each year, and the second leading killer after cancer, which kills more than 600,000 people each year.
“Sepsis takes a life every 90 seconds — it takes more lives than opioids,” Breast Cancer“Both of these diseases are linked to both prostate cancer and stroke,” he said.
Common myths about sepsis
Many people mistakenly assume that sepsis is an infection.
“Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death,” Giles said.
This condition can follow any infection – even if it’s just a scratch or cut, dental procedure or surgeryThe doctor said that coming in contact with bacteria, fungus or parasites also starts a ‘chain reaction’ in the body.
Treatment of sepsis will vary depending on the underlying infection, but often involves administering antibiotics as soon as possible. (iStock)
Another common myth is that sepsis only happens to people who are hospitalized (or were recently admitted).
Giles said the majority of sepsis cases, about 87%, begin before the patient is admitted to the hospital.
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“Community-acquired infections, such as urinary tract “Infections, pneumonia and even simple cuts or scrapes can lead to sepsis if not properly treated,” Giles said.
Many people also think that sepsis only affects people with weak immunity.
The elderly, infants, and people with long-term illnesses or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of sepsis. (iStock)
“Sepsis can affect almost anyone, at almost any time,” Glatt said.
“While some individuals are at higher risk for developing severe infections that can be life-threatening, severe infections can also affect perfectly healthy individuals.” healthy young person He added: “This can have rare but potentially fatal consequences.”
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However, the elderly, infants, and people with long-term illnesses or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
Treatment and prevention
According to the CDC, the first step is to find out the underlying cause of the infection.
Sepsis often begins gastrointestinal tractthe lungs, skin, or urinary tract.
“Sepsis is the body’s excessive and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death,” one doctor said. (iStock)
Treatment will vary depending on the underlying infection, but often involves giving antibiotics as soon as possible.
“While antibiotics are important for treating the underlying disease bacterial infection“Management of sepsis often requires a comprehensive approach — including fluids, medications to support blood pressure and sometimes surgery or (a ventilator), depending on the severity,” Giles said.
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The CDC says surgery is sometimes necessary to remove tissue damaged by infection.
It is also important to maintain blood flow to the organs, often with fluids.
“Sepsis can affect anyone at almost any time.”
“If you suspect sepsis, seek medical help immediately,” Giles advises.
According to the doctor, the risk can be minimised by early identification and management of the infection.
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“It can also be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, staying healthy and engaging in physical activity,” Giles said. Current with vaccinationsStaying in good hygiene, keeping wounds clean and dry, and seeking prompt treatment if infection is suspected.”
