Sepsis

Key Points

Overview

Sepsis is a severe and rapid reaction to an infection in your body. Instead of fighting the infection, your immune system overreacts, causing widespread inflammation that can damage your own tissues and organs. This condition develops very quickly and can become life-threatening. It can be triggered by any type of infection, most commonly bacterial ones like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections. The exact reason for the immune system's overreaction isn't fully understood, but factors like age, genetics, and existing health conditions can play a role. Sepsis requires immediate medical attention and hospital treatment, often involving antibiotics, oxygen, and fluids. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival and recovery, as delays can lead to severe complications or death.

Signs and Symptoms

• Confusion or slurred speech
• Uncontrollable shivering or muscle pain
• Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
• Blue, pale, grey, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue
• High or low body temperature
• Not urinating much or at all
• Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Rash that does not fade when pressed

Things That Increase the Risk

• Being a baby under 12 months old
• Being over 75 years old
• Pregnancy or recent childbirth/miscarriage
• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy)
• Having burns, cuts, wounds, or skin infections
• Presence of a catheter
• Existing infections like pneumonia or UTIs

Diagnosis

• Clinical assessment of symptoms and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for infection markers and organ function
• Urine tests for urinary tract infections
• Imaging such as X-rays to locate the source of infection
• Continuous monitoring of vital signs

Treatment & Management

• Urgent admission to hospital for intensive care
• Intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection
• Oxygen therapy to support breathing
• Intravenous fluids for hydration and blood pressure support
• Close monitoring in a specialist care unit
• Treatment of the underlying infection source

Prevention

• Promptly treat any infections (e.g., UTIs, pneumonia)
• Practice good hygiene to prevent wound infections
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations against common infections
• Manage chronic conditions that weaken immunity
• Recognize and act on early signs of infection

Related Diseases

• Pneumonia
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Cellulitis
• Meningitis
• Appendicitis
• Post-sepsis syndrome

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Sepsis: