Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and vital organs. This excessive reaction can lead to organ failure and death – especially if it is not recognized and treated in time. Similar to a stroke or heart attack, sepsis requires immediate treatment. Without rapid intervention, sepsis can develop into severe sepsis or septic shock, which significantly increases the risk of death.

Sepsis is often referred to as “blood poisoning”, but this is not exactly the same thing. “Blood poisoning” is a non-medical term that typically describes the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, known as bacteremia. Sepsis, on the other hand, is the body’s extreme and dysregulated response to a serious infection, not just bacteria in the blood.

Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include:

• Older adults (65 years and older)
• Infants and toddlers
• People with a weakened immune system, e.g. people undergoing chemotherapy or living with diseases such as HIV/AIDS or autoimmune diseases
• Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart failure
• Hospitalized persons, especially those who have had major surgery or those with catheters or mechanical ventilators
• People with burns, major injuries or open wounds

The diagnosis of sepsis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, as there is no single test for confirmation. If sepsis is suspected, it is important to start antibiotic therapy immediately. The healthcare professional will look for key signs such as fever, increased pulse, rapid breathing, confusion or drowsiness. In addition, blood, urine or other samples will be taken for laboratory analysis to identify the infection more precisely – imaging techniques such as X-rays or scans may also be used to find or confirm the source of infection.

Sepsis is a medical emergency and treatment should begin as early as possible. The most important measures include

• Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics and, depending on the suspected diagnosis, other antimicrobial therapies are usually administered as quickly as possible to combat the infection, often before laboratory results are available. These can be adjusted as the disease progresses, depending on the pathogen and clinical response.
• Fluid (infusion): Intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs.
• Vasopressors: If fluid alone is not enough to stabilize blood pressure, drugs known as vasopressors can be used to constrict the blood vessels and improve blood flow.
• Oxygen therapy: If breathing is impaired, additional oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be required.
• Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to eliminate the source of infection, e.g. by draining an abscess or removing infected tissue.
• Support for vital organs: This may include blood washing for kidney failure or medication to support heart function or other affected organs.

Surviving sepsis can lead to a number of long-term physical and psychological effects, often referred to as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS). These include:

• Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems (often referred to as “brain fog”)
• Anxiety, depression or PTSD
• Sleep disorders
• Recurrent infections due to a weakened immune system
• Organ dysfunctions, such as impaired kidney or lung function
• Chronic pain or joint stiffness

Recovery can vary from person to person, and some sufferers may develop ongoing complications that require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation. Early rehabilitation and aftercare can help improve long-term treatment outcomes.