The question which could save your loved one's life
Queensland’s health department is encouraging people to ask doctors one question which could hopefully saves lives.
In a statement, the department said most people who die from flu or related illnesses are normally diagnosed with sepsis.
The number of people diagnosed with sepsis in the state’s public hospitals increased 18 per cent between 2018 from 2016.
The Chair of Queensland’s Statewide Sepsis Steering Committee, Professor Bala Venkatesh said sepsis killed more adults across Queensland than breast, prostate and colorectal cancer combined, and more than road traffic accidents.
“Queensland hospitals treated more than 20,000 people for sepsis in 2017-18 and more than 2,000 died from the disease,” Professor Venkatesh said.
“Sepsis is a life-threatening illness which occurs when the body’s own response to an infection damages its tissues and organs.”
Professor Venkatesh added there’s one question people should ask doctors.
“If in doubt, ask a medical professional: ‘Could this be sepsis?’” he said.
He said part of treating sepsis is catching the illness before it spreads as “the sooner treatment starts, the better the outcomes are likely to be”.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis
Rapid breathing
Rapid heart rate
Confusion, slurred speech or disorientation
Not passing much (or any) urine
A rash, or skin that is discoloured, clammy or sweaty
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