Can Bedsores Lead to Death?

If someone is in a nursing home or hospital or has issues with limited mobility, bedsores are a serious concern. These sores can lead to tissue damage, serious infections, and other medical complications. But can bedsores lead to death?

At My Nursing Home Guide, we want you to know about the dangerous complications of bedsores. While bedsores themselves are not life-threatening, they can lead to serious complications that may result in death if not properly treated. Let’s look at why bedsores can lead to other issues for those affected by them.

Bedsores Are Dangerous

These sores develop where there is prolonged pressure on the skin. In turn, that cuts off circulation to the tissue. The hips, heels, back, and buttocks are the most common places where they can develop. When these spots lack sufficient blood flow, the skin and underlying tissues can break down and create open sores.

There are four stages of bedsores, varying from red spots to severe open wounds. Once these sores reach the fourth stage, they can cause discomfort and are challenging to treat. For individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility, these sores can quickly deteriorate and become life-threatening.

Research from a project by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality discovered that more than 2.5 million people in the United States develop pressure ulcers yearly. Many of these individuals reside in nursing homes. According to data from Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than one in 10 nursing home residents have suffered from a bedsore.

While quick treatment can prevent long-term issues, if left untreated, these wounds can lead to a life-or-death struggle for patients.

Do Bedsores Cause Fatalities?

While a bedsore alone is unlikely to be the direct cause of death, the complications stemming from these injuries can be fatal. Many times, if they are left untreated or improperly managed, bedsores can lead to life-threatening conditions. These can include:

Infection

Serious bedsores always run the risk of infection. As the wound worsens, it becomes more vulnerable to a bacterial infection. As a result, that can lead to:

• Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues that causes redness, swelling, and warm skin. If untreated, cellulitis can spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
• Osteomyelitis: When bedsores are left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone, which is osteomyelitis. This painful infection is challenging to treat. Sometimes, it can result in long-term disability or amputation in severe cases.
• Sepsis: This is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an overwhelming infection. When bacteria from the bedsore enters the bloodstream, the body can go into septic shock. In turn, a person can suffer from inflammation, organ failure, and potentially death. While bedsores are not a direct cause of death, sepsis can be fatal.

Gangrene

If tissue suffers from a lack of blood flow or a severe bacterial infection, then gangrene can set into that part of the body. With bedsores, if there is tissue that becomes necrotic, then the person is at risk for developing gangrene. Many times, the patient will require an amputation of the affected limb, or it could spread rapidly if not treated. In those cases, they may suffer other issues, such as sepsis or organ failure.

Bone and Joint Infections

While many think bedsores are just skin issues, they can cause major damage to bones and joints. Often, individuals who suffer from septic arthritis or osteomyelitis will face challenges when it comes time for treatment. Many times, it can cause permanent damage to the body. These infections can quickly become life-threatening if not properly treated and managed.

Malnutrition and Dehydration

Unfortunately, those at risk for bedsores might already be in a weakened state due to underlying health conditions, immobility, or advanced age. Sometimes, they may suffer from malnutrition and dehydration, which can worsen the development of bedsores and affect how the body heals these wounds. The lack of nutrition and hydration slows the body’s natural recovery process and makes it harder to fight off infections. In some extreme cases, malnutrition and dehydration can weaken the immune system to the point that the infection becomes fatal.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Complications

When bedsores are left untreated and infections spread, the body’s immune response causes inflammation. Often, these wounds can affect respiratory and cardiovascular functions. For example, in severe cases of sepsis, the body’s organs can shut down from the infection. As a result, the person could suffer from heart failure or respiratory collapse.

Prevention Is Key

Preventing bedsores is essential for at-risk individuals, especially those with limited mobility. With a proactive plan, nurses and other medical professionals caring for nursing home residents, hospital patients, or anyone with restricted mobility can reduce their risk of developing these painful sores. In turn, this can also reduce the number of fatal medical conditions arising from these injuries.

Bedsores are not fatal on their own. However, they can lead to death through complications, such as infections, gangrene, or systemic illnesses like sepsis. For individuals with limited mobility, bedsores can quickly progress from a minor irritation to a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly.

Timely medical treatment and attention can make the difference between life and death for those affected by this serious medical condition. Unfortunately, some residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities can develop these bedsores due to mistreatment and neglect. There is hope for families struggling with these medical concerns of their loved ones.

You may be able to take legal action against these parties whose negligent actions (or inactions) led to the injury or loss of a loved one. Talking to an experienced nursing home lawyer can help you discover your options.