6. Delirium

6.1. Causes of delirium

There are many possible causes of delirium and there is often more than one cause. 

The most common causes include

  •   infections;  often kidney/ urine infections or chest infections
  •  dehydration, constipation, urinary retention (not passing urine) and/ or  pain
  •  low oxygen levels including breathlessness and fatigue
  • Electrolyte disturbance (high or low sodium, usually dehydration), glucose (diabetes), calcium (caused by medications or medical condition). ‘Bloods’ need to be checked
  • Kidney ( renal) or  liver impairment
  • medications, such as opioid (morphine based)  painkillers, steroids and antidepressants
  •  withdrawal from drugs, including alcohol, sedatives and antidepressants

Depending on the cause, delirium can often be reversible. It is therefore important to contact medical services (see next page). 

However, delirium that develops in the last few hours and days of life may not be reversible.