What is Sepsis?

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Sepsis is a whole-body response to an infection in the blood. This severe condition is also known as blood poisoning or septicemia. Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads from one location, for example, the lungs, the bladder or the skin, into the blood. Usually, when an infection is present in the body, it is limited to the system or area it affects, for example, a urinary tract infection usually does not spread beyond the urinary tract.

Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body, prompting a full-body, or systemic, response.[1] The risk of sepsis increases if the infection is left untreated or is not adequately treated.[^2]

Sepsis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Most cases of sepsis are the result of bacterial infection. As a result, sepsis can be defined as a full-body response to bacteremia, which is the presence ofbacteria in the blood.[1]

Elderly people and people with other medical conditions are at higher risk of getting sepsis than the general population. The main symptoms include fever, chills, confusion, rapid pulse and drowsiness. Sepsis needs to be treated urgently in a hospital and is treated with antibiotics and fluids.

Septicemia, SIRS, and septic shock

The term septicemia is often used as a synonym for sepsis, but medically speaking, they are separate, though related, conditions. Technically, septicemia is an infection of the blood, while sepsis affects the body as a whole.[2]

Sepsis has also been known as SIRS or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, but this term is now considered to be out of date.[3]

Septic shock is a type of sepsis associated with abnormalities of the circulatory system, cell function, and metabolic processes. Septic shock is associated with higher mortality rates than sepsis. In septic shock, multiple organ failures can occur. The lungs, kidneys, and liver may be affected. It is often caused by bacterial infections acquired in hospitals.[^5]

Symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms of sepsis include:

  • Fever or feeling cold
  • Chills
  • A strong feeling of illness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fast pulse
  • Fast breathing
  • Confusion

As the sepsis gets worse, people may have very cold and blue hands and feet, urinate less and lose consciousness altogether. There may also be signs of the underlying infection. These signs can vary greatly, depending on factors, including where the infection has begun and what kind of infectious agents it is caused by, and can include:[3]

  • Abdominal pain
  • Coughing
  • An abscess
  • Jaundice
  • Painful urination

Good to know: In some people, especially children, infants and the elderly, the symptoms of sepsis may be vague and non-specific. It is important to seek medical help immediately if sepsis is suspected. If an affected person is known to have recently had an infection or to have an infection currently, sepsis should be considered a possibility, and medical help should be found as soon as possible.

The common symptoms of sepsis are:[3][^5][4]

  • Fever, defined as a body temperature of above 38 C / 100.4 F, with or without chills
  • Low body temperature, usually defined as below 36 C / 96.8 F
  • Cold extremities, which may also be bluish or mottled
  • Sweating
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Mental confusion, grogginess, lack of alertness, or unresponsiveness
  • Cold and warm shock

In warm shock, the skin becomes warms, and the heart rate increases. This is due to increased cardiac output making the arteries dilate, increasing blood pressure.

In cold shock, which follows, the cardiac output decreases. Correspondingly, the blood pressure drops, and the skin becomes chill, mottled, pale, bluish and/or clammy.

If you’re concerned that you might have a serious infection or are developing sepsis, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.

Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children

The symptoms of sepsis can be different in children. It is important to remember that young children may not be able to tell caregivers whether they feel ill or how ill they feel. Children, toddlers and infants with sepsis may:[2]

  • Feel unusually cold to the touch
  • Have blotchy, blue, pallid and/or clammy skin
  • Have a rash that does not fade when pressed
  • Breathe rapidly
  • Be unwilling to eat or take feeds
  • Vomit or complain of nausea
  • Produce very little or no urine
  • Be difficult to wake up or rouse

If you are at all concerned that your infant or a child in your care may have sepsis, it is best to take them to a doctor as soon as possible. If you are concerned that your child or a child in your care might have an infection, Reaching out to your doctor is your best option Doctor near me.

Neonatal sepsis

Newborn babies are vulnerable to neonatal sepsis, a condition that results from an infection occurring during the early days of life.[5] Neonatal sepsis usually results from a bacterial infection. There are two main types of neonatal sepsis:[6]

  • Early onset neonatal sepsis, which occurs within the first three days of life and is usually the result of an infection picked up from the infant’s mother during or before birth. Symptoms of early onset neonatal sepsis can appear within six hours of birth.
  • Late onset neonatal sepsis, which occurs between the ages of four days and three months, is usually the result of an infection picked up from the environment, such as the clinic or hospital.

Good to know: While most cases of neonatal sepsis are caused by bacterial infections, it is also possible for viral infections to lead to the disorder. The herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, and adenovirus have all been found to cause neonatal sepsis.[6]

Factors that increase a baby’s risk of developing early-onset neonatal sepsis include:[5]

  • A Group B streptococcal infection in the mother
  • Preterm delivery
  • The mother’s waters breaking more than 18 hours before the baby is born
  • Chorioamnionitis, an infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid

Factors that increase a baby’s risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis include:[6]

  • A long stay in hospital after birth
  • A catheter or in-dwelling IV line
  • Use of antibiotics

Signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis

The signs of neonatal sepsis are not always very obvious, and caregivers of at-risk babies should be vigilant. Symptoms of neonatal sepsis include:[5][6]

  • Lethargy, or less activity than usual
  • Reluctance to suckle, or loss of interest in suckling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Apnea, a temporary pause in breathing
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Fever or low body temperature
  • Changes in bowel movements, for example diarrhea or constipation
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice

Good to know: As with other forms of sepsis, early detection and prompt treatment greatly improve the chances of a good outcome in babies with neonatal sepsis. If you are concerned that your baby may have an infection, consult your health provider as soon as possible.

Risk Factors and Causes

Elderly people are at higher risk of developing sepsis, though it can affect people of every age. People with some medical conditions, such as cancer, a weakened immune system or diabetes, are at increased risk of this condition. Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads from a particular location into the blood; for example, from the lungs, the bladder or the skin. This causes a whole-body response, as the immune system tries to fight the infection.

Some groups of people are at higher risk of developing sepsis than others. These groups include:[2][3]

  • People older than 75 years of age or children younger than one year of age
  • People who have diabetes mellitus
  • People who have recently had surgery or invasive medical procedures
  • People who have recently sustained severe burns
  • People who have in-dwelling IV lines or catheters
  • People who take high doses of steroids
  • Users of intravenous recreational drugs
  • People who use excessive alcohol
  • People who have cirrhosis of the liver
  • People with weakened immune systems, for example as a result of HIV infection or chemotherapy
  • Pregnant women

This list is not exhaustive, and it is possible for any person to develop sepsis. If you are concerned that your or a loved one may have sepsis, You can search for the nearest doctor Find my doctor.

Underlying conditions

Sepsis arises following an infection or injury to the body. The gastrointestinal tract, the genitourinary tract, soft tissue, the skin, the pelvic area and the respiratory system are all common sites of infections that can progress to sepsis.[3][4]

There are many conditions affecting the renal and genitourinary systems, which can lead to sepsis. These include:[4]

Good to know: Sepsis affecting the urinary system is often known as urosepsis.

Conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, which can lead to sepsis include:[4]

Conditions affecting the respiratory system, which can lead to sepsis include:[4]

  • Pneumonia
  • Pleural empyema, a condition in which a bacterial infection causes pus to collect in between the pleural membranes that surround the lungs
  • Lung abscess
  • Influenza

Conditions affecting other systems and structures in the body, which can lead to sepsis include:[4]

Good to know: Just having one of the above conditions does not mean that the affected individual will develop sepsis. Most people who get bacterial infections do not develop sepsis. However, some people are more vulnerable to developing sepsis than others.

In addition, some medical procedures and devices can increase the risk of developing sepsis:[2][4][7]

  • Open surgery
  • Prosthetic heart valves
  • Long-term catheters
  • Long-term intravenous lines
  • Breathing tubes and intubation
  • Recent use of antibiotics
  • Recent use of high-dose steroids
  • Chemotherapy

Bacteria involved in sepsis

Not all bacteria can cause sepsis. The species of bacteria most commonly responsible for sepsis include:[4][8][9][10]

  • Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Group B streptococcus
  • Staphylococcus pyogenes
  • Klebsiella
  • Escherichia coli
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Good to know: Toxic shock syndrome, which is caused by Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, is not the same as sepsis but can lead to sepsis. For more information on toxic shock syndrome, see the FAQs.

When someone with suspected sepsis is examined by a doctor, the exact strain of bacteria responsible for their sepsis may not be known. The first line of treatment, therefore, is to administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic. For more information, see the section on treatment.

Diagnosis of sepsis

Diagnosis is often made from the appearance and physical examination of the affected person. Blood tests are taken to prove that an infection is the cause of the symptoms, to check the function of organs that might be affected by sepsis and to identify the cause of sepsis. Sepsis screening is an important part of the diagnostic process.

Sepsis screening

The SOFA score is used to determine how severely ill a person affected by sepsis is and assesses the risk of mortality. The SOFA score is determined by measuring organ function in the respiratory, cardiovascular, liver, kidney and neurological systems, as well as blood coagulation. As parts of the SOFA system require sending blood samples to a laboratory for testing, it is not very fast, and so the qSOFA is now used to make initial diagnoses instead.

The qSOFA, or quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment, is used to determine the presence and severity of sepsis. It is a quicker, simpler version of the SOFA criteria. The qSOFA can be carried out at the affected person’s bedside and uses three criteria:[11]

  • Altered mental state
  • Low blood pressure, defined as a systolic blood pressure of less than 100 mm/Hg
  • High respiratory rate, of 22 or more breaths a minute

The physician carrying out the qSOFA assessment assigns points according to the results of examinations of the affected person’s respiration, blood pressure, and mental state. If all three criteria are met, sepsis is present.[^5]

Both SOFA and qSOFA tests have to be carried out by trained medical professionals in a medical setting.

Blood and laboratory tests

Blood tests and bacterial cultures are an important part of diagnosing sepsis. Blood tests that are usually carried out include:[4]

  • A complete blood count to identify clotting abnormalities and count the white blood cell levels
  • Laboratory cultures of the blood, to determine which bacterial species isbacteria are responsible for the sepsis and thereby guide antibiotic therapy.

Sometimes cultures are also carried out using samples of pus, nasal mucus, urine or phlegm, depending on the type of suspected underlying infection.

Read more about Blood Test Results »

Imaging tests

In cases where an abscess or localized infection is suspected to be the cause of sepsis, imaging studies may be carried out to aid diagnosis and treatment. Imaging tests commonly carried out during the diagnosis of sepsis include:[4]

  • Chest X-rays to identify pneumonia or lung disorders
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that must be treated in a hospital. The key to successfully treating sepsis is to diagnose it as early as possible and thereafter to begin aggressive antibiotic and supportive treatment as soon as possible.

Sepsis is treated by giving antibiotics against the cause of the infection and fluids to increase blood pressure. The cause of the original infection should be identified and treated, or removed.

Hospital care for sepsis

Most people with sepsis will require hospitalization, and people who are severely affected may need to be treated in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Upon being admitted to hospital, the affected person will be given oxygen, breathing support, and vasopressors and fluids to support blood pressure and organ function.[3]

In some cases, intravenous insulin may also be given to support blood glucose levels. While hospitalized, the affected person will be tested for inflammation markers, often several times a day, to monitor their condition. The duration of the stay in hospital will depend on the severity of the sepsis, the effectiveness of the treatment and the management of the underlying condition.

Antibiotic treatment

Because most cases of sepsis are the result of a severe bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment is one of the first lines of treatment against the disorder. Initial treatment with antibiotics is begun even before the pathogen responsible is identified, using a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Thereafter, the treatment will be adjusted according to what laboratory cultures identify as the cause of the infection.[4]

Surgical procedures

If the sepsis has been identified as the result of an abscess, burns or an infected surgical incision or wound, surgical procedures may be needed to remove the source. In the case of an abscess, the abscess will need to be surgically drained. In other cases, such as burns or infected wounds, the affected tissue may need to be removed, along with any foreign objects.

Complications and long-term prognosis

Sepsis is a serious condition that needs to be treated promptly and aggressively to ensure a good outcome. There are several complications associated with sepsis, as well as a number of long-term effects which may impact the quality of life of people who have had the condition.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a rare complication, a condition in which the adrenal glands fail due to bleeding. The syndrome causes bleeding inside the adrenal glands and, because of the damage to the adrenal glands, this causes, to adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms include:[12][13]

  • A rash, beginning as small pink patches or swellings that resemble pimples, which later expand into larger purple patches
  • Malaise and weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Rigors/chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast heart rate

Good to know: Most cases are caused by severe infection with meningococcal bacteria, Group B streptococcus, Streptococcus aeruginosa, Staphylococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome is a medical emergency, and anyone who shows symptoms of the syndrome should receive medical care immediately.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Sepsis can disturb the processes that control the blood’s clotting. As a result, disseminated intravascular coagulation can occur, and may be serious. In this condition, blood clots form throughout the body, and, as the chemicals that help the blood to clot become depleted, bleeding occurs. This condition can lead to organ dysfunction and organ failure.[14]

Long-term changes to quality of life: post-sepsis syndrome

Sepsis, because of its severity and the effects it has throughout the body, can cause after-effects of various kinds. These include:[15][16]

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Amputations
  • Rehospitalization due to infection
  • Relapse of sepsis
  • Cognitive problems such as confusion
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Insomnia and nightmares, or other sleep disorders
  • Anxiety and depression

Together, these makeup post-sepsis syndrome, a condition that affects almost 50% of all sepsis survivors, particularly if they are older adults. People who were admitted to an ICU with sepsis may be more likely to have the post-sepsis syndrome.

Prevention

It is important that infections, such as pneumonia, bladder infections or skin infections, are assessed early by a doctor and treated with antibiotics. People who are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable infections, such as the elderly and people with other medical conditions, should make sure they keep their vaccinations up to date.

Sepsis FAQ

  1. MSD Manuals Consumer Version. “Sepsis”. March 2018. Accessed 22 October 2018.
    [^2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What is Sepsis?”. 22 June 2018. Accessed 22 October 2018. ↩ ↩

  2. Patient.info. “Sepsis (Septicaemia)”. 15 April 2016. Accessed 22 October 2018.
    Patient Septicemia ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. AMBOSS. “Sepsis”. 23 October 2018. Accessed 23 October 2018.
    [^5] MSD Manuals Professional. “Sepsis and Septic Shock”. February 2018. Accessed 23 October 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Medscape. “Bacterial Sepsis”. 22 May 2017. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. MedLine Plus. “Neonatal sepsis”. Accesed 23 October 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. MSD Manuals Professional Version. “Neonatal Sepsis (Sepsis Neonatorum)“. July 2018. Accessed 23 October 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. Patient.info. “Sepsis (septicemia)”. 15 April 2016. Accessed 23 October 2018. ↩

  8. MRSA Survivors Network. “MRSA Sepsis”. Accessed 22 October 2018. ↩

  9. Sepsis Alliance. “Sepsis and Bacterial Infections”. 13 December 2017. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩

  10. Virulence. “Gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial toxins in sepsis”. 1 January 2014. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩

  11. University of Pittsburgh Clinical Research, Investigation, and Systems Modeling of Acute illness (CRISMA) Center. “What is qSOFA?” ↩

  12. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. “Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome”. Accessed 25 October 2018. ↩

  13. MedLine Plus. “Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome”. Accessed 23 October 2018. ↩

  14. Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases. “Sepsis-Associated Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Thromboembolic Disease”. 13 August 2010. Accessed 23 October 2018. ↩

  15. Current Infectious Disease Reports. “Understanding Long-Term Outcomes Following Sepsis: Implications and Challenges”. 6 October 2016. Accessed 22 October 2018. ↩

  16. Sepsis Alliance. “Post-Sepsis Syndrome – PSS”. 22 October 2018. ↩

  17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sepsis: Data Reports”. 22 October 2018. ↩

  18. Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis. “Is Sepsis Contagious?”. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩

  19. PubMed Health. “Erysipelas and cellulitis: Overview”. 22 February 2018. 13 October 2018. ↩

  20. Sepsis Alliance. “Sepsis and Cellulitis”. 13 December 2017. Accessed 16 October 2018. ↩

  21. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Septicemia”. Accessed 17 October 2018. ↩

  22. Medscape. “Toxic Shock Syndrome Clinical Presentation”. 7 May 2018. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩

  23. Sepsis Alliance. “Sepsis and Toxic Shock Syndrome”. 14 December 2017. Accessed 18 October 2018. ↩

  24. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. “The Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in acutely hospitalised medical patients: a cohort study”. 27 December 2009. Accessed 17 October 2018. ↩

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## What is Sepsis?



**Sepsis** is a serious ⁢medical condition that results when the body’s response to an infection ⁣damages ⁣its own tissues and organs.



### What are the Symptoms of Sepsis?



Early symptoms ​of **sepsis** can be similar to those of other infections, ‌including:



– Fever or shivering

-⁤ Increased heart rate

– Rapid breathing

– Confusion

– Nausea or vomiting

– Diarrhea



As **sepsis** worsens, more severe symptoms can‍ develop, such as:



– Decreased blood pressure

– Confusion or delirium

– Organ damage

– Shock



### What Causes Sepsis?



**Sepsis** can be caused ‌by any infection, but the most common sources include:



– Pneumonia

– Urinary tract infections

– Skin and soft tissue infections

– Abdominal infections



### What are the Risk Factors for ⁢Sepsis?



Certain factors can increase the‍ risk‌ of developing **sepsis**, including:



– Weakened immune system (e.g., due to​ chronic illnesses, diabetes, or cancer)

– Advanced age

– Severe injuries⁢ or burns

– Hospitalization

– Use ⁤of medical devices (e.g., catheters, ventilators)



### How is Sepsis Diagnosed?



**Sepsis** is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination. Blood tests and imaging studies may also be‍ done to confirm the​ diagnosis⁢ and ​identify the source of the infection.



### How is Sepsis Treated?



**Sepsis** is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Treatment typically involves:



– Antibiotics to⁤ fight​ the infection

– Intravenous fluids and medications to maintain blood pressure and improve organ function

– Vasopressors to‍ raise blood pressure

– Surgery (in some cases) to remove infected tissue or drain abscesses



### What are the Complications of Sepsis?



**Sepsis** can​ lead to a number of serious complications,⁤ including:



– ​Organ failure (e.g., kidney failure, liver failure)

– Shock

– Death



### How Can Sepsis Be Prevented?



There are​ several ways to reduce the risk of ⁣developing **sepsis**, including:



– Practicing good hygiene (e.g., washing hands, using hand sanitizer)

– Getting ⁣vaccinated ⁢against common infections ‍(e.g., pneumonia, influenza)

– Managing chronic illnesses and⁣ avoiding hospitalizations

– Seeking medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms ⁣of an infection

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