Sepsis occurs when your immune system has a dangerous reaction to an infection. It causes extensive inflammation throughout your body that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death. Many different kinds of infections can trigger sepsis, which is a medical emergency. The quicker you receive treatment, the better your outcome will be.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Without urgent treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
Sepsis definition
Sepsis is your body’s extreme reaction to an infection. When you have an infection, your immune system works to try to fight it. But sometimes your immune system stops fighting the infection and starts damaging your normal tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation throughout your body.
At the same time, an abnormal chain reaction in your clotting system can cause blood clots to form in your blood vessels. This reduces blood flow to the different organs of your body and can cause significant damage or even failure.
What are the three stages of sepsis?
Healthcare providers used to organize sepsis into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Now, they identify the condition on a more fluid scale. This scale ranges from infection and bacteremia (bacteria in your bloodstream) to sepsis and septic shock, which can lead to dysfunction of multiple organs and even death.
Sepsis can affect many different areas of your body, so there are many possible symptoms.
If an infection such as blood poisoning (septicemia) triggered your condition, you may develop a sepsis rash on your skin. The rash makes your skin appear red and discolored. You may see small, dark-red spots on your skin.
Other common sepsis symptoms include:
Urinary issues, such as reduced urination or an urge to urinate.
Low energy/weakness.
Fast heart rate.
Low blood pressure.
Fever or hypothermia (very low body temperature).
Shaking or chills.
Warm or clammy/sweaty skin.
Confusion or agitation.
Hyperventilation (rapid breathing) or shortness of breath.
Extreme pain or discomfort.
Bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of sepsis. Fungal, parasitic and viral infections are also potential sepsis causes. You can get sepsis when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body causing organ dysfunction.
The infection leading to sepsis can start in many different parts of the body. Common sites and types of infections that can lead to sepsis include:
Respiratory system
Infections involving your lungs, such as pneumonia.
Urinary tract system
Urinary tract infections are especially likely if you have a catheter.
Gastrointestinal system
- Infection of your appendix (appendicitis).
Bowel problems.
- Infection in your abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
Gallbladder or liver infections.
Central nervous system
Infections of your brain or spinal cord.
Skin Bacteria can enter your skin through wounds, inflammation or openings made with catheters and IVs.
Conditions such as cellulitis (inflammation of your skin’s connective tissue).
Sepsis treatment needs to begin immediately. The most important concern in sepsis protocol is a quick diagnosis and prompt treatment.
If your provider diagnoses you with sepsis, they’ll usually place you in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital for special treatment. You may receive the following treatment for sepsis:
Antibiotics: You’ll receive antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.
IV (intravenous) fluids: You’ll need fluids to maintain blood flow to your organs and prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low.
Vasopressor medications: Vasopressors tighten blood vessels. In some cases, you may need them to reach an adequate blood pressure.
Appropriate supportive care: If organ failures occur, you’ll need other sepsis treatments such as dialysis for kidney failure or mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure.
Surgery: You may need surgery to remove damaged tissue.
Steps you can take to prevent sepsis include:
Practicing good hygiene, including handwashing.
Keeping cuts and other wounds clean, and keeping them covered until healed.
Keeping up to date on recommended vaccines.
Getting routine medical care for chronic conditions.
Getting medical attention immediately if you suspect an infection.