Recognizing Sepsis in Older Adults

Older adults are at a higher risk for sepsis due to weakened immune systems, chronic health conditions, and the use of medications that may suppress the body’s natural response to infection. In this blog post, we will outline how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis in older persons.

Why Are We Only Hearing More About Sepsis in Recent Years?

In recent years, sepsis has been getting more attention in the medical community. So why is it that sepsis, a condition that has been around for centuries, is only now getting the attention it deserves?

Historically, sepsis was not very well understood, and its symptoms were often attributed to other conditions.  Because sepsis develops when the body’s immune response to infection spirals out of control, it wasn’t always easy to detect, especially before modern medical advancements allowed for quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

With an aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions, sepsis is now more commonly seen as a major risk for elderly individuals. This has brought the conversation around sepsis to the forefront, especially regarding how it affects older adults.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body, triggering a widespread inflammatory response that can affect multiple organs. It can start with a common infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, or an infection from a wound. Sepsis can quickly progress to septic shock, which is an even more severe condition where blood pressure drops dangerously low, leading to organ failure.

Early Warning Signs of Sepsis in Older Adults

Sepsis can present differently in older adults than in younger individuals. In addition to the typical symptoms of infection, older adults may have subtler or more unusual signs. As a home care provider, it’s essential to be vigilant and look for the following:

1. Changes in Mental Status

• Confusion or Disorientation: One of the earliest signs of sepsis in older adults can be a sudden change in mental clarity. Your loved one may seem confused, agitated, or even unusually sleepy or lethargic.

• Delirium: Sepsis can cause a state of delirium, which is characterized by sudden confusion, disorientation, or trouble concentrating. This is often mistaken for simple aging or dementia, but it can be a red flag.

2. Fever or Hypothermia

• Fever: Sepsis often causes a high fever. However, in some older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems, fever may not always be present.

3. Rapid Heart Rate and Breathing

• Increased Heart Rate: An abnormally fast heart rate (tachycardia) can occur as the body tries to compensate for the infection.

• Rapid Breathing: Breathing may become fast and shallow. This can be a sign that the body is struggling to get enough oxygen.

4. Decreased Blood Pressure

• Low Blood Pressure: One of the most dangerous signs of sepsis is low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

5. Signs of Infection

• Redness, Warmth, or Swelling: If there is a visible source of infection, such as a wound, you may notice redness, warmth, or swelling around the area.

• Pain or Tenderness: Sepsis may cause pain or discomfort in areas where an infection is present, such as a urinary tract infection (painful urination or lower abdominal pain) or respiratory infection (chest pain, difficulty breathing).

6. Changes in Urine Output

• Decreased Urine: A reduction in urine output or dark-colored urine can be a sign of sepsis, indicating that the kidneys may not be functioning properly due to infection.

• Incontinence or Urgency: In some cases, the patient may experience incontinence or a sudden, increased urge to urinate, especially if the infection is urinary in nature.

Preventing Sepsis in Older Adults

While sepsis can be difficult to prevent, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection, which in turn helps lower the likelihood of sepsis:

• Promote Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing and proper hygiene can help prevent infections, especially in older adults who may have weakened immune systems.

• Proper Wound Care: Ensure that any wounds, cuts, or sores are cleaned and dressed properly to reduce the risk of infection.

• Encourage Vaccinations: Make sure that your loved one is up to date on vaccinations, especially for pneumonia and the flu, which can lead to infections that may trigger sepsis.

• Monitor Chronic Conditions: Keep a close eye on chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, as these can increase the risk of infections leading to sepsis.