Sepsis – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Sepsis occurs when your body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. This condition can quickly worsen into septic shock.

Septic shock causes dangerous drops in blood pressure that may lead to organ failure and potentially death.

Several products and services help with sepsis care:

  • Rapid diagnostic tests that identify infections causing sepsis
  • Antibiotics and antimicrobial medications to fight the underlying infection
  • IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and organ function
  • Oxygen therapy to support breathing difficulties
  • Specialized sepsis care teams at hospitals that follow treatment protocols
  • Patient monitoring systems that track vital signs for early warning signs

Initiating treatment promptly leads to a marked enhancement in survival rates. If you suspect sepsis, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Signs and Indicators

Sepsis can show several warning signs, including:

  • Mental changes, like confusion
  • Breathing problems such as rapid, shallow breaths
  • Unexplained sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Body shivering
  • Infection-specific symptoms (painful urination with urinary infections, or a worsening cough with pneumonia)

These signs aren’t the same for everyone. Each person might experience sepsis differently, and children may show different signs than adults.

Signs of Septic Shock

When sepsis worsens to septic shock, blood pressure drops dangerously. This condition considerably elevates the risk of death. Watch for these serious signs:

  • Inability to stand
  • Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
  • Severe mental status changes, particularly extreme confusion

When to See a Doctor

If you have signs of sepsis or an infection that isn’t improving, visit your healthcare provider right away. Some symptoms require immediate emergency care:

  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Rapid breathing
  • Severe pain
  • Infection that is worsening

Don’t wait if you notice these warning signs. Any infection can potentially develop into sepsis, which requires prompt medical attention.

Causes

Sepsis can develop from any infection in the body. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections all pose risks.

Common infection sites include:

  • Lungs (pneumonia)
  • Urinary system (kidney or bladder infections)
  • Digestive tract
  • Bloodstream
  • Areas with catheters
  • Wound or burn sites

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise the risk of developing sepsis from an infection:

  • Age: People over 65 and infants have higher risks.
  • Weakened Immune System: Individuals receiving cancer treatment or living with HIV.
  • Long-term Health Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, or COPD.
  • Hospital Factors: Extended hospital stays or time in intensive care units.
  • Medical Devices: IV catheters and breathing tubes in the body.
  • Recent Medical Treatments: Use of antibiotics within the last 90 days.
  • Medications: Treatment with corticosteroids, which may reduce immune response.

Complications

Sepsis can cause serious problems in the body. As it gets worse, blood flow to major organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys decreases. This lack of blood damages these important organs.

Blood clotting issues often appear with sepsis. Small clots may form, or blood vessels might break, which harms body tissues.

People usually recover from mild sepsis. However, severe cases leading to septic shock have a death rate of 30–40%. Even after recovery, someone who has had severe sepsis faces a higher risk of future infections.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.