Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes overreact and cause inflammation throughout the body. As a result, the organs stop working as well as they're supposed to.

Sepsis may get worse and turn into septic shock. Septic shock is a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death.

Early treatment of sepsis raises chances for survival.

Sepsis starts from an infection in one area that spreads to the rest of the body. The first symptoms are specific to the original infection. That may be pain when urinating if you have a urinary tract infection. Or it could be a cough that gets worse if you have pneumonia.

Once the infection spreads and becomes sepsis, symptoms include:

• Change in mental status, such as feeling more confused or less alert than usual.
• Fast, shallow breathing.
• Sweating for no clear reason.
• Feeling lightheaded.
• Shivering.

Symptoms of sepsis can vary from person to person, and sepsis may look different in children versus adults.

Sepsis may get worse and turn into septic shock. Septic shock is a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:

• Not being able to stand up.
• Feeling very sleepy or having a hard time staying awake.
• Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion.

Any infection could lead to sepsis. See a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of sepsis or have an infection or wound that isn't getting better.

Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.

Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more often cause sepsis include infections of the:

• Lungs, such as pneumonia.
• Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
• Digestive system.
• Bloodstream.

Other infections that more often cause sepsis are from catheter sites and wounds or burns.

Factors that raise the risk that an infection will turn into sepsis include:

• Age, particularly being over age 65. Infants also are at higher risk.
• Suppressed immune system, such as from taking medicines that lower your immune response. Having diabetes and other diseases also can weaken the body's defense against bacteria that cause infection.
• Chronic disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Being admitted to an intensive care unit or staying in a hospital for a long time.
• Having devices that go in the body, such as IV catheters that go in a vein or a breathing tube.
• Antibiotic treatment in the last 90 days.
• Corticosteroid treatment, which can lower immune response.

Taking steps to avoid infection can lower the risk. These include getting recommended vaccines for serious illnesses such as shingles or flu. These infections may be triggers for sepsis.

As sepsis worsens, the brain, heart, kidneys and other vital organs don't get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause blood-clotting issues. Small clots or burst blood vessels may occur and damage or destroy tissues.

Most people recover from mild sepsis, but septic shock can be deadly. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk of future infections.