What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious condition that happens when your body has an overwhelming reaction to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection normally, the immune system triggers widespread inflammation that can harm healthy tissues and organs. Inflammation often begins in areas such as:
- Lungs (like pneumonia)
- Urinary tract
- Skin or wounds
- Digestive system
Some people are more likely to develop sepsis, including older adults, infants, and those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.
Without fast treatment, sepsis can quickly become life-threatening.
Symptoms
Sepsis can develop rapidly, starting from a common infection. Knowing the warning signs can help you act quickly.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever, chills, or feeling unusually cold
- Fast heartbeat or breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion or difficulty staying alert
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe discomfort or pain
- Cold, clammy skin
- Rash or skin discoloration
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers look for signs of infection, along with changes in vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Blood tests are used to detect infection and check how organs are functioning.
How is it treated?
Sepsis requires immediate hospital care. Treatment usually begins right away, even before all test results are available.
Care often includes:
- Antibiotics to fight infection
- IV fluids to support circulation
- Oxygen therapy to help breathing
- Medications to stabilize blood pressure
- Ventilator for breathing
- Dialysis for kidney support
- Procedures to remove infected tissue
Recovery depends on how quickly treatment begins and how severe the condition becomes.
