HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sepsis: A Silent Killer in India – Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, causes more deaths than cancer in India but remains underdiagnosed and undertreated due to lack of awareness and resources.

By Aniket Chakraborty

Feb 8, 2025

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Delayed Diagnosis & Treatment – Symptoms like fever, rapid heart rate, and confusion are often mistaken for other illnesses, leading to delayed treatment and higher mortality rates.

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Antibiotic Resistance Crisis – Overuse of antibiotics in India has led to drug-resistant superbugs, making infections harder to treat and increasing sepsis-related complications.

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Hospital-Acquired Infections – Patients in hospitals, especially those with weakened immunity, are at high risk of contracting severe infections that can lead to sepsis.

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High Sepsis Burden in ICUs – Studies show that 50% of ICU patients in India have sepsis, with nearly 30% of them succumbing to the condition.

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Vulnerable Populations – Infants, elderly, diabetics, and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to sepsis, with comorbidities worsening outcomes.

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Need for a Sepsis Registry – A national sepsis registry is being developed to track data on infections, mortality rates, and antibiotic resistance patterns to improve treatment strategies.

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Irrational Use of Antibiotics – Inappropriate prescriptions and over-the-counter availability of antibiotics contribute to resistance and complicate sepsis management.

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Public Awareness is Key – Early recognition of sepsis symptoms like persistent fever, breathlessness, and cold extremities can save lives if patients seek timely medical care.

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Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure – Better ICUs, diagnostic tools, and infection control measures are crucial to reducing sepsis deaths, especially in rural and underserved areas.

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