SOURCE ; NEW18
Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 10:54 IST
Gastrointestinal sepsis, the condition affecting Abhijit Gangopadhyay, is a serious infection that can lead to failure of vital organs like the heart, kidneys and brain
Hospital sources said Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s condition remains serious and he is not yet out of danger. (PTI/File)
Former Justice and Tamluk MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay has been hospitalised with gastrointestinal sepsis, triggering concern among his supporters and the public. He was admitted to a hospital in Alipore, Kolkata, on Saturday evening after complaining of severe abdominal pain. Hospital sources said his condition remains serious and he is not yet out of danger.
Gastrointestinal sepsis, the condition affecting Abhijit Gangopadhyay, is a severe infection that can lead to multiple organ failure, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. If not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.
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Eminent gastroenterologist Dr Subhash Saha explained that gastrointestinal sepsis occurs when an infection overwhelms the body’s immune system. “It first weakens the immune response and then progressively damages vital organs,” he said.
What Causes the Disease
Dr Subhash Saha explained that gastrointestinal sepsis occurs when an infection spreads aggressively throughout the body. While the condition may not develop over an extended period, a sudden surge in infection can severely impact the immune system.
“Normally, the immune system fights off infections, but in this case, the response gets reversed, leading to a critical situation for the patient,” he said. Without timely treatment, the condition can quickly progress to multi-organ failure and may even be fatal.
How The Disease Occurs
According to doctors gastrointestinal sepsis can be triggered in several ways. In some cases, germs may enter the body through the respiratory system, while in others, they may invade through the esophagus. The condition is specifically termed gastrointestinal sepsis when the infection enters through the gastrointestinal tract and spreads to parts of the intestine, from where it can rapidly affect other organs.
However, sepsis does not develop immediately after germs enter the body. In many cases, symptoms like stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting resolve with treatment. But when the infection becomes severe, it can damage vital blood vessels connected to the brain, kidneys, and heart, leading to multi-organ failure. Dehydration can further increase the risk of kidney failure, which may contribute to the collapse of other organs as well.
How To Stay Safe
Preventive measures include being aware of one’s own health condition. Individuals over the age of sixty, those with pre-existing health conditions, or patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer need to be especially cautious. Their weakened physical state and reduced immunity make them more vulnerable, significantly increasing the risk of developing this infection.
In such cases, maintaining caution with food and water intake is crucial. It is advisable to avoid consuming unhygienic street food, cut fruits, or water from unreliable sources. Doctors note that sepsis can take a severe turn within just six hours, leaving limited time for effective medical intervention. Therefore, advance awareness and preventive care are essential to reduce the risk.
- First Published:
June 18, 2025, 10:54 IST
