Did you know that in the US, hospital-acquired delirium is a serious problem that affects many patients? As of 2024, research shows that delirium affects approximately 18% to 35% of patients in regular hospital settings and impacts up to around 60% of those in intensive care units (ICUs).
Patients can easily overlook how various factors can lead to hospital-acquired delirium during their time the medical facility. Medications or infections can affect your mind and overall well-being. You might feel suddenly confused or lost, but aren’t sure why.
Learning more about these common causes would help you identify symptoms and assist you in dealing with your care. Let’s look at the risk factors for this condition.
Medication Side Effects
Adverse medication effects are the main cause of delirium acquired in hospitals. In a hospital, numerous drugs might be administered simultaneously, and the net effect of all these drugs could alter the mental status of a patient.
The administration of sedatives, opioids, and certain anticholinergic medications may cause confusion, agitation, and even hallucinations. These medications can affect cognition and cause delirium. If you or your loved one is suffering from delirium, you need to inform the doctor right away so they can review your medications and stop some doses or switch you to ones with fewer side effects.
Knowing about your medications and taking action can help you avoid delirium, so you can concentrate on getting better instead of dealing with confusion or disorientation. If delirium is untreated, it can have a lasting impact on your mental health and may cause permanent damage to your cognitive ability. It can also increase your chances of being admitted for a longer time.
While it can be a ground for a claim, it can be challenging to prove medical malpractice, especially if your delirium is caused by medications you really needed. Consulting with qualified lawyers can help you understand your options if you believe that this could have been prevented if you had just received more care and attention from your doctors.
Infections and Inflammation
If a patient gets an infection and experiences inflammation, they could develop hospital-acquired delirium. It’s common for patients to have some kind of infection, like a urinary tract infection or pneumonia, while in the hospital.
Systemic inflammatory responses can lead to temporary brain issues caused by inflammation, which may result in confusion or a changed state of awareness. The neuroinflammatory mediators released during infection alter the neurotransmitter systems and impair cognition.
The stresses of illness and discomfort tend to stretch out the effects, causing anxiety in the altered state of disorientation. It becomes even more important to look out for signs of infection since early detection and treatment reduce the chances of developing delirium.
In the hospital, sudden changes in surroundings can cause delirium too.
Environmental Changes
In the hospital, sudden changes in surroundings can cause delirium. Unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, and nonstop activity can bombard one’s senses.
A sleep problem might occur because of interruptions and noise from other patients. The absence of things such as clothes or photos that remind you of your house can also make you feel a bit lost, away from home.
The hospital layout can be confusing when you’re moved from one room to another or between different departments. All these factors can create an unsettling environment that makes it hard for your brain to work normally.
Pre-existing Cognitive Impairments
Existing cognitive deficits, like prior dementia or mild cognitive impairment, can escalate the probability of delirium during hospitalization.
Cognitive impairment can make it harder for your brain to cope with the stress of being in the hospital, which is an unfamiliar place that interrupts your regular activities. Confusing effects could become worse due to medications, pain, changes in your sleep patterns, and hospitalization.
Your capacity to discuss or follow directions may be reduced. Family members and caregivers provide familiar cues and routines that help ground the individual.
Metabolic and Physiological Factors
Metabolic and physiological problems are important factors in causing hospital-acquired delirium. Any balance disruption in the body during hospitalization, such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or low oxygen levels, can confuse the brain.
Highs and lows in blood sugar levels can lead to confusion or disorientation in the patient, depending on changes in their metabolic state. The body’s inflammatory response to infections can also worsen an already troubled mental state.
Use of drugs, especially central nervous system depressants, may worsen these conditions. During an episode in the hospital, close metabolic status monitoring should be maintained.
Remember, delirium can have serious consequences if left untreated. If you’re experiencing confusion and adverse medication effects, it’s best to let your doctor know right away.