Sepsis, a deadly condition that can lead to organ failure, is the second leading cause of death in the US, surpassed only by heart disease and cancer. It is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of sepsis and take prompt action to avoid it.

Vicki Gunvalson, a 62-year-old star of "Real Housewives of Orange County," is disclosing her recent health crisis after being hospitalized with sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that arises from the body's reaction to an infection.

Gunvalson told Planet Chronicle Digital that the health scare arrived unexpectedly, without any prior notice.

This September, Sepsis Awareness Month is being promoted, and Gunvalson's story is contributing to increasing awareness of the condition.

Sepsis awareness can save lives, but only 65% of American adults are familiar with it, according to Selena A. Gilles, clinical professor and associate dean at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, who shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Gilles serves on the advisory board of the Sepsis Alliance, a national organization that aims to reduce sepsis-related suffering across the country.

Recognizing and treating illness promptly can significantly reduce the risk of severe health issues and even death, according to Dr. Aaron Glatt, the head of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Long Island, New York, as he stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

Gunvalson’s diagnosis

Gunvalson shared the details of her sepsis diagnosis with Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to Gunvalson, two weeks ago, while on my way to the office, I was extremely disoriented and unsure of my destination.

"My staff noticed that I was behaving abnormally once I entered the office, and my assistant suspected that I might be experiencing a stroke."

Gunvalson was diagnosed with a "sinus disease" in the emergency room and sent home, but the next morning, she was "extremely incoherent," prompting her boyfriend to take her back to the hospital.

Sepsis team at the hospital is keeping in touch with Gunvalson, who is recovering at home after being treated with antibiotics for sepsis.

The TV celebrity has been struggling with memory loss and difficulty concentrating, but she remains optimistic that her "brain fog" will clear up in the future.

Gunvalson said that the sepsis may have originated from a sinus infection that was treated with antibiotics two months ago.

Symptoms and dangers

According to Gilles, common symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, confusion, shortness of breath, extreme pain, and clammy or sweaty skin.

Seeking medical attention immediately is necessary for those with a high fever, especially if they are at increased risk of infection and feeling extremely unwell, according to Glatt.

"Sepsis awareness can and does save lives, yet only 65% of American adults have ever heard of it."

Pneumonia and potential sepsis can be indicated by fatigue and lethargy in the presence of infection, even if there are no overt pulmonary symptoms, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, Planet Chronicle' senior medical analyst and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center.

T - Temperature (higher or lower than normal)

I - Infection (know the signs and symptoms)

M - Mental decline (confusion, sleepiness and difficulty awakening)

E - Extremely ill (severe pain, discomfort and shortness of breath)

In the U.S., approximately 1.7 million adults are diagnosed with sepsis annually, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gilles pointed out that the illness, which results in the death of 350,000 American adults annually, is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals.

According to CDC data, cancer and heart disease are the top two killers, with over 600,000 and 700,000 annual deaths respectively, while accidents are the third-leading cause of death.

Every 90 seconds, sepsis claims a life, which is more than opioids, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and stroke combined, according to her statement.

Common myths about sepsis

Many people mistakenly assume that sepsis is an infection.

Gilles stated that sepsis is a severe and potentially fatal response to infection that can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

A "chain reaction" in the body can be triggered by any infection, including a scrape or cut, dental procedure or surgery, or even a bacteria, fungus, or parasite.

Another widespread belief is that sepsis only affects individuals who have recently been hospitalized.

Gilles stated that approximately 87% of sepsis cases occur prior to hospital admission.

If not treated properly, infections like urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even minor cuts or scrapes can result in sepsis, which is a serious condition, according to Gilles.

Many people also think sepsis only affects immunocompromised people.

Sepsis is a condition that can affect anyone and can occur at any time, according to Glatt.

Even though some people are more likely to get a severe infection that can be fatal, serious infections can also affect healthy young individuals with potentially deadly consequences, he stated.

Treatment and prevention

According to the CDC, the first step in dealing with an infection is identifying its root cause.

The onset of sepsis is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, or urinary tract.

The treatment approach for infections varies depending on the type of infection, but typically involves promptly administering antibiotics.

Gilles stated that while antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, managing sepsis may necessitate a holistic approach, which includes administering fluids, blood pressure-supporting medications, and possibly surgery or a ventilator, depending on the severity of the condition.

To maintain blood flow to the organs, fluids are often necessary.

"Sepsis can strike almost anyone at almost any time."

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect sepsis, advised Gilles.

Quickly identifying and managing infections can reduce the risk, according to the doctor.

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Gilles: "It can also be prevented by practicing good hygiene, staying current with vaccinations, staying in good health, keeping cuts clean and dry, and promptly seeking treatment when infections are suspected."