About Sepsis

Sepsis – a medical emergency

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. It can progress rapidly, leading to organ failure, septic shock, and even death if not treated promptly. Sepsis can affect anyone, regardless of age or or underlying health conditions, and always begins with an infection.

Sepsis can be difficult to recognise in its early stages. However, rapid identification and immediate medical intervention are essential for improving outcomes and saving lives.

This page provides basic information about sepsis—its causes, symptoms, treatment, and long-term effects—to help you better understand and be aware of this critical condition.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis explained in 3 minutes:

English

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Causes

Sepsis can result from any type of infection, including bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. The vast majority of infections that lead to sepsis are acquired in the community. The most common sources of infections leading to sepsis are the lungs, urinary tract, skin, abdomen, but also infection from injuries or surgical wounds.

Risk Factors

Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including newborns, infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease are also more susceptible, as are those who have suffered severe burns or physical trauma. Additionally, sepsis survivors are at an increased risk of developing sepsis again.

People at risk inlcude:

Older adults (age 65 and over)
Infants and young children
People with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy, or living with conditions like HIV/AIDS or autoimmune diseases)
Patients with chronic illnesses (like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart failure)
Hospitalised individuals (especially those with invasive devices like catheters or mechanical ventilators)
People with severe injuries, burns, trauma or wounds

Prevention

The foundation of sepsis prevention lies in stopping infections before they start. This includes regular hand washing, staying up to date with vaccinations, following prescribed courses of antibiotics or other anti-infectives correctly, managing chronic conditions like lung or liver disease and diabetes, and careful handling of wounds.

Responsible Antibiotic Use

Responsible use of antibiotics is essential in combating sepsis. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture have contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To prevent this, it’s important to use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary, keep treatment durations as short as possible, and avoid unnecessary prescriptions. By using antibiotics wisely, we can preserve their effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistant infections that can lead to sepsis.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of sepsis can be subtle and are often mistaken for other conditions such as colds or flu, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. As sepsis progresses, it can lead to septic shock, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to vital organs that can result in severe organ damage and death.

Sepsis Signs in Adults

Rather than a single symptom, sepsis often presents as a combination of changes, especially if you’re feeling unusually unwell. Look out for the following signs:

fever or shivering
confusion or disorientation
rapid breathing, shortness of breath
rapid heart rate
cold extremities / feels abnormal cold to touch
muscle pain or feeling extremely ill
pale, clammy or mottled skin
reduced urine output

Sepsis Signs in Children and Infants

Sepsis can get worse very quickly especially in young children and babies. Early symptoms in children can vary widely, making early detection difficult. These early signs may include fever, lethargy, irritability, rapid or difficult breathing, decreased urine output, poor feeding and vomiting. Because these signs can easily be mistaken for other common childhood illnesses, it is important for caregivers and healthcare providers to recognise and act on the early warning signs of sepsis.

Seek immediate medical help if you or your child has an infection and any of these symptoms, if you are worried, or if your child does not improve after being seen by a doctor or nurse:

abnormal behaviour, drowsiness, altered mental state
convulsions or fits
rapid breathing, increased work of breathing
rapid or feeble pulse
pale, clammy or motteled skin
cold extremities / feels abnormal cold to touch
not passing urine (or no wet nappy) for several hours
vomiting repeatedly for 24 hours
not feeding (if under 6 months of age), not drinking

Sepsis Checklist Adults Sepsis Checklist Children – English and German only

Treatment

Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and should be treated in-hospital. Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Healthcare systems are encouraged to adopt standardized protocols for sepsis care to enhance patient outcomes. Monitoring and adjusting treatment based on the patient’s response is essential to address the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of sepsis.

The key elements of sepsis treatment include:

Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually given as soon as possible to fight the infection, often before laboratory results are available. These may be adjusted once the source of infection is identified.
Fluids: Intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to help maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs.
Vasopressors: If fluids alone are not enough to stabilise blood pressure, medications called vasopressors may be used to constrict blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be needed if breathing is impaired.
Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the source of infection, such as draining an abscess or removing infected tissue.
Supportive care: This can include dialysis for kidney failure, or medications to support heart function or other organs that may be affected.

For international guidelines from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign:

Surviving Sepsis Campaign

Recovery

For those who survive sepsis, the journey doesn’t always end with hospital discharge. Up to 50% of sepsis survivors experience long-term, and sometimes life-long, health consequences. These can include chronic pain, fatigue, organ dysfunction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).