September is Sepsis Awareness Month: Important Reminders from Norman Regional Health System

September is National Sepsis Awareness Month and Norman Regional Health System is taking the opportunity to raise awareness about a critical health issue—sepsis, which is the third leading cause of death in the United States according to the CDC. With over 1,200 sepsis patients treated annually here at Norman Regional, it is crucial to understand this life-threatening condition that can arise from untreated infections.

Sepsis occurs as your body’s severe response to an infection, which can lead to damage to vital organs. It is a medical emergency that demands immediate diagnosis and treatment. Without timely intervention, sepsis can escalate into severe sepsis and ultimately septic shock, which can be fatal.

Dr. Nikki Rodriguez, an urgent care physician at Norman Regional’s Urgent Care Porter Health Village, emphasizes that awareness and understanding of sepsis can significantly impact outcomes. “It could be a urinary tract infection, an open wound, or even a simple cat bite that you think isn't serious. The more knowledge you have about your body, the better the outcome,” Dr. Rodriguez advises. “I always tell people, it's better to get seen by a doctor because early intervention can prevent complications and may even avoid hospital admission.”

Recognizing the Signs of Sepsis

The Sepsis Alliance provides a helpful acronym, “TIME,” to aid in recognizing the potential symptoms of sepsis:

• T is for Temperature: Changes in body temperature are crucial indicators. A fever above 101 °F (38.3 °C) can signify an infection and potential sepsis.
• I is for Infection: Symptoms may accompany local infections. For example, urinary tract infections can cause a burning sensation when urinating, while pneumonia might induce coughing and chest pain.
• M is for Mental Decline: Sepsis can alter mental status. It is particularly important to monitor the elderly, who may present with confusion or an unexplained increase in sleepiness instead of typical infection symptoms.
• E is for Extremely Ill: Many sepsis survivors describe their experience as feeling the worst they have ever felt, whether through severe pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing.

Know When to Seek Help

If you find yourself unsure whether an infection requires emergency care, remember that Norman Regional Health System offers two walk-in clinics and two conveniently located urgent care clinics in Norman and West Moore, with a third opening soon in Goldsby.