12361 Sepsis

Overview

Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition that happens when your body's immune system overreacts to an infection and attacks its own tissues and organs. It is not caused by poor hygiene; it is a medical emergency that needs urgent care.

Sepsis is not rare. It happens to thousands of people every year, but many people are not aware of its symptoms.

It can affect anyone at any age, but infants, older adults, people with long-term health conditions, and those with a weakened immune system are most vulnerable.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever or feeling too cold with shivering
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• Confusion, drowsiness, or feeling very unwell
• Pain that does not go away, especially in muscles or joints
• Mottled or blotchy skin that is pale, blue, or grey
• Passing little or no urine

Symptoms in children

• Fast breathing or a hard time breathing
• Seizures or fits
• Blotchy, pale, cold, or blue skin
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
• No interest in feeding or drinking
• Fewer wet nappies than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• New confusion or changes in alertness
• Sudden weakness or falling
• Low blood pressure
• Passing less urine
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• A sudden feeling of being very unwell

Causes

Main causes

• Most often sepsis comes from common infections — chest infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, or infections in the abdomen.
• It can also happen after a surgery, a severe injury, or childbirth.

Risk factors

• Being aged 65 or older
• Being a baby under 1 year
• Having a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or after an organ transplant
• Living with long-term conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease
• Having a urinary catheter or being in intensive care
• Recent surgery or a wound that gets infected

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek help the same day if you have an existing infection and you start to feel very unwell, with a fever, chills, fast heartbeat, or rapid breathing.
• If you are currently taking antibiotics for an infection and you feel worse, contact a doctor urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have an infection that is not getting better after a few days, or you keep getting infections, talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose sepsis by looking at your symptoms, checking your vital signs (temperature, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure), and running blood tests to look for infection and organ function.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection and whether organs are working
• Urine tests to check for urinary infection
• Chest X-ray to look for a lung infection
• Sometimes a scan, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to find the source of the infection
• A test to see if your blood is too acidic (lactate level)

What to expect at your appointment

If a doctor thinks you may have sepsis, they will start tests and treatment quickly, often within an hour. You will usually be taken to a hospital for observation and treatment. It can be frightening, but acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovery.

Treatment

Sepsis is treated in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit. Treatment focuses on fighting the infection, supporting the body's organs, and keeping blood pressure stable. You may be in hospital for days or weeks, depending on how unwell you are.

Self-care at home

• If you are recovering at home after sepsis, rest and give your body time to heal.
• Follow the care plan your doctor or nurse gives you.
• Contact your doctor right away if you have a new fever, increased pain, or feel much more unwell.

Medical treatments

Treatment usually includes antibiotic liquids given through a drip (IV), extra oxygen, and fluids through a drip to keep blood pressure up. You may be given medicines to raise blood pressure if it falls dangerously low. Blood thinners may be used if blood clotting problems occur. The exact medicines are chosen by your hospital team.

When is surgery considered?

Sometimes surgery is needed to drain an abscess or remove infected tissue that is causing the sepsis. Your surgical team will explain this if it is necessary.

Living with this condition

Many people who have had sepsis feel tired and weak for a long time. It is normal to need more rest and to take things slowly. Set small daily goals and gradually increase activity as your energy improves.

Lifestyle tips

• Get good sleep and pace your activities.
• Avoid returning to work or exercise too soon — ask your doctor for guidance.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms and share it with your care team.

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and protein to help your body rebuild. Gentle activity like short walks can help your energy, but only if your doctor says it is safe. Stop if you feel breathless or dizzy.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Surviving sepsis can affect your mental health. You may have anxiety, nightmares, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress. This is common. Speak to your doctor about how you are feeling, and remember that support is available. If you are in crisis or need urgent mental health support, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent sepsis, but you can reduce your risk by treating infections quickly and preventing infections in the first place. Keep wounds clean, wash your hands regularly, and get recommended vaccines.

Vaccines

Vaccines against flu, pneumonia, and other infections can reduce the chance of getting an infection that could lead to sepsis. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what vaccinations are recommended for your age and health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for sepsis in the general public. The best 'screening' is knowing the signs and getting help quickly.

Complications

If left untreated

• Sepsis can get worse very quickly and cause septic shock, where blood pressure drops to dangerous levels.
• It can lead to organ failure — such as the kidneys, lungs, or liver — and can be fatal.
• It may cause permanent tissue damage, which in rare cases can lead to amputation.

Long-term outlook

With early recognition and hospital treatment, most people survive sepsis. Many make a full recovery, although some people have long-term effects such as fatigue. Remember, the earlier you get help, the better the outcome. Do not feel embarrassed to ask for urgent help — your life matters more than a delay.

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