A MAJOR breakthrough has been made for thousands with a “silent killer” as a study found new “headphones” stop the disease in its tracks.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.
GettyA study in China found new ‘headphones’ stop Sepsis in its tracks[/caption]
GettyResearchers selected 20 patients who had been admitted to intensive care with sepsis[/caption]
It causes extensive inflammation throughout the body that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death.
The disease acts so fast it is often described as a silent killer.
In the last 20 years, the vagus nerve has drawn significant attention for its anti-inflammation effect.
Researchers at Shandong University in China selected 20 patients who had been admitted to intensive care with sepsis.
The small trial electrically stimulated the vagus nerve in a technique referred to as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy can be used as a treatment for epilepsy, depression, inflammation, metabolic syndrome and heart disease.
The pilot study was conducted based on the anti-inflammation effect of VNS in animal research.
The scientists used a device that looks and is worn like an earphone to produce a mild electric current.
They all wore the “stimulation electrodes”, but only half received the ear-zapping technique, while the others acted as a control group.
Those who were given the treatment 30 minutes daily, for five days in a row experienced significant reductions in inflammation.
The treatment observed no side effects, but the scientists acknowledged the small size of the group tested.
What is sepsis and septic shock?
SEPSIS is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.
It occurs when the body’s immune system – which normally helps to protect us and fight infection – goes into overdrive.
It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.
Sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children and older adults, and is also more common in people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Sepsis always starts with an infection, and can be triggered by any infection including chest infections and UTIs.
It is not known why some people develop sepsis in response to these common infections whereas others don’t.
In the UK, five people die with sepsis every hour.
How to spot sepsis in adults:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
How to spot sepsis in children:
Breathing very fast
‘Fits’ or convulsions
Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
A rash that does not fade when you press it
Very lethargic or difficult to wake
Feels abnormally cold to touch
How to spot sepsis in kids under five:
Not feeding
Vomiting repeatedly
Has not passed urine for 12 hours
Source: The UK Sepsis Trust
