STRICTLY star Amy Dowden has revealed she was nearly killed by sepsis.
The professional dancer, 33, was rushed to hospital earlier this month after contracting the infection.
Amy was undergoing treatment for breast cancer when she fell ill with the condition.
The 33-year-old was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May, after discovering a lump in her right breast the day before flying to the Maldives on a belated honeymoon with husband Ben Jones.
A month later, she underwent a mastectomy before discovering the disease had spread to several lymph nodes.
Sepsis can be deadly in healthy people but it is especially dangerous for those undergoing any treatment that suppresses the immune system, such as chemotherapy.
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The Strictly star has since recovered and has been reunited with the ambulance staff who saved her, describing it as a “scary ordeal” in an Instagram post.
Sepsis claims the lives of more than 50,000 Brits each year, the NHS says.
It happens when the body overreacts to an infection and starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.
The condition usually triggered by illnesses we all recognise, like the flu or a skin infection, but any bug can trigger the condition.
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There are two obscure signs of sepsis to be aware of.
In some cases, when the condition is caused by an infection in the gut or colon, in can also lead to moderate-to-severe diarrhoea.
In some people, it can be very obvious this is happening and they will be visibly unwell.
Another noticeable sign which may crop up in the morning is struggling to stand up or feeling light headed – which may be more obvious when you're trying to get dressed.
The most common symptoms of septic shock are:
- Not being able to stand up
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Strong sleepiness or finding it hard time to stay awake
- A major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion or disorientation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold, clammy and pale skin
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should call 999.
A person's chances of surviving sepsis are highly dependent on their getting medical intensive care as soon as possible.
The longer it takes to receive medical care the more likely it is a patient will die.
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