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Disease Insights: sepsis





Welcome to the ultimate guide on sepsis. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.


Description for sepsis

A life-threatening reaction to infection that can lead to organ failure.

Symptoms of sepsis

confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling

Precautions for sepsis

Take prescribed antibiotics as direc, Monitor body temperature regularly, Maintain hydration, Seek immediate medical care for s

Questions Covered:


  • what is sepsis?
  • What are the usual symptoms of sepsis?
  • causes of sepsis?
  • What are the potential risk factors associated with sepsis?
  • How do doctors usually figure out if someone has sepsis, diagnosis?
  • What are the ways to prevent sepsis?
  • What are the possible complications that could arise from sepsis?

Answers:



Question: what is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life threatening illness caused by your body's response to an infection. Your immune system protects you from many illnesses and infections, but it's also possible for it to go into overdrive in response to an infection.
There are approximately 1.7 million cases of sepsis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. In addition, this type of infection kills nearly 270,000 people in the United States every year.
Keep reading to learn more about sepsis symptoms, treatment, and complications.


Question: What are the usual symptoms of sepsis?

It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of sepsis. The earlier you seek treatment, the greater chance you have of recovering.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis can include:
fever and/or chills
confusion or disorientation
difficulty breathing
fast heart rate or low blood pressure (hypotension)
extreme pain
sweaty skin
It's possible to mistake the symptoms above for those of another condition, like pneumonia, COVID-19, or cancer.
In addition, sepsis symptoms can be particularly hard to identify in infants, children, and people with:
communication challenges
learning disabilities
dementia
It's best to seek medical assistance right away if you suspect sepsis. A health professional can examine you or the person you care for to make a diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of severe sepsis
Severe sepsis is characterized by organ failure. You must have one or more of the following signs to be diagnosed with severe sepsis:
difficulty breathing
bluish discoloration of the skin, especially lips, fingers, toes
chills due to a drop in body temperature
decreased urination
dizziness
changes in mental ability
extreme weakness (asthenia)
low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
abnormal heart functions
unconsciousness
Signs and symptoms of septic shock (septicemia)
Sepsis can advance very quickly to severe sepsis and septic shock. As it transitions, it becomes more life threatening.
Some severe sepsis and septic shock symptoms can overlap, like severe difficulty breathing, acute confusion, and bluish skin. Another key symptom of septic shock is very low blood pressure.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.


Question: causes of sepsis?

Any infection can trigger sepsis, but the following types of infections have a higher risk of causing sepsis:
pneumonia
abdominal infections
kidney infections
blood poisoning
According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences
, the number of sepsis cases in the United States increases every year. Possible reasons for the increase include:
an aging population, due to the fact that sepsis is more common in seniors
an increase in antibiotic resistance, which happens when an antibiotic medication loses its ability to resist or kill bacteria
an increase in the number of people with illnesses that weaken their immune systems


Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with sepsis?

Although some people have a higher risk of infection, anyone can get sepsis. People who are at the highest risk include:
young children and seniors
people with weaker immune systems, including people with HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer
people in intensive care units (ICUs)
people exposed to invasive devices, like intravenous catheters or breathing tubes


Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has sepsis, diagnosis?

If you have sepsis symptoms, your doctor will order tests to diagnose and determine the severity of your infection. One of the first tests is a blood test. Your blood is checked for complications like:
infection
clotting problems
abnormal liver or kidney function
decreased amount of oxygen
an electrolyte imbalance, which affects the amount of water in your body and the acidity of your blood
Depending on your symptoms and the results of your blood test, your doctor may order other tests, including:
a urine test (to check for bacteria in your urine)
a wound secretion test (to check an open wound for an infection)
a mucus secretion test (to identify germs responsible for an infection)
If your doctor can't determine the source of an infection using the above tests, they may order an internal view of your body using one of the following:
chest x-rays to view the lungs
CT scans to view possible infections in the appendix, pancreas, or bowel area
ultrasounds to view infections in the gallbladder or ovaries
MRI scans, which can identify soft tissue infections


Question: What are the ways to prevent sepsis?

You can reduce your risk of sepsis by preventing the spread of infection. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, this is more important than ever.
Severe COVID-19 infections cause symptoms similar to sepsis. In addition, contracting COVID-19 puts you at an increased risk of developing another infection. A 2021 review
reported that up to 17 percent of people admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 had additional infections.
You can help prevent both COVID-19 and other infections by taking the following precautions:
Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu, pneumonia, and other common infections.
Keep your distance from people outside your household. Avoid non-essential travel and activities, and stay 6 feet away from people you don't know.
Wear a mask. Masks help protect you and others from respiratory infections. Wear a mask in indoor public spaces, like grocery stores and movie theaters.
Practice good hygiene. This means practicing proper wound care, hand-washing, and bathing regularly.
Get immediate care if you develop signs of infection. Every minute counts when it comes to sepsis treatment. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome.


Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from sepsis?

Sepsis symptoms can range from mild to severe. Complications are more likely in severe cases. These complications can include:
blood clots
an increased risk of infection
tissue death (gangrene)
organ damage
organ failure, particularly the kidneys, heart, and lungs
Severe cases of sepsis can be fatal. A 2020 review
found that the mortality rate for sepsis after 90 days was 32.2 percent. The mortality rate for septic shock after 90 days was 38.5 percent.



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Conclusion & Takeaways


Learning about sepsis is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.