Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that can quickly damage tissues and organs.
Almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Knowing the warning signs and getting care quickly can save a life.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes extreme and begins to harm its own tissues and organs.
Bacterial infections cause many cases, but viral and fungal infections can also lead to sepsis. Sepsis itself is not contagious.
Infections that lead to sepsis often begin in the lungs, urinary tract, skin or digestive system.
Signs and Symptoms
Sepsis can look different from person to person. Signs may include:
- Fever, shivering or feeling very cold
- Fast heart rate or weak pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
You may also have symptoms from the infection itself. Pneumonia, for example, may cause coughing or trouble breathing. A urinary tract infection may cause pain or burning when you urinate.
Sepsis can get worse quickly. Pay attention to symptoms that are severe, unusual or getting worse.
What Causes Sepsis?
Many types of infection can lead to sepsis. They often begin in the:
- Lungs
- Urinary tract
- Skin
- Digestive system
Sepsis can also develop after surgery, a serious illness or an infection related to a wound or medical device.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Anyone with an infection can develop sepsis, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Babies younger than 1
- People with chronic health conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who recently had surgery, a serious illness or a hospital stay
- People who have had sepsis before
Pregnant and postpartum patients and people with conditions such as cancer or kidney disease may also have a higher risk.
When to Get Emergency Help
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you think you or someone else may have sepsis and they are seriously ill or getting worse, seek emergency care right away.
Call 911 for a medical emergency or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own.
How Is Sepsis Treated?
Sepsis needs fast medical treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause and the person's condition. It may include medicine to treat the infection, intravenous (IV) fluids and other care to support breathing, blood pressure or organ function.
The sooner sepsis is recognized and treated, the better.
Can Sepsis Be Prevented?
Not every case can be prevented, but lowering your risk of infection can help.
Ways to protect yourself include:
- Staying current on recommended vaccines
- Washing your hands regularly
- Caring for cuts, wounds and surgical sites
- Managing chronic health conditions
- Following your health care provider's instructions
- Knowing the signs of infection and sepsis
If an infection is not improving or your symptoms are worsening, contact your health care provider.
Life After Sepsis
Recovery from sepsis can take time. Some people continue to have physical, mental or emotional effects after leaving the hospital.
These may include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Anxiety or depression
- Nightmares, flashbacks or panic attacks
- Trouble returning to work or daily activities
Recovery can also affect family members and caregivers. Some people recover fully, while others may need rehabilitation, medical care or mental health support.
If you or a loved one has new, worsening or ongoing symptoms after sepsis, talk with your health care provider.
People who have had sepsis before are also at higher risk of developing it again.
Know the Signs
Sepsis can affect anyone and symptoms can look different from one person to another.
If you are worried about an infection and someone becomes seriously ill, confused, short of breath or develops other signs of sepsis, get medical help quickly.
