Sepsis is a serious medical condition where the body’s overwhelming response to an infection becomes life-threatening. This medical emergency can lead to rapid tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death if not treated quickly. More than 1.7 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with sepsis each year. Understanding the signs and seeking prompt medical attention are crucial for improving outcomes.
Defining Sepsis
Sepsis is not the infection itself, but the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. When an infection occurs, the immune system, normally fighting germs, can turn against the body’s own tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation.
This inflammatory response can cause blood clots to form in vessels. These clots reduce blood flow to organs, potentially causing damage or organ failure. While infection triggers sepsis, the subsequent damage is due to the body’s own dysregulated response.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Sepsis can arise from any type of infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and certain streptococcus types. Lung infections, like pneumonia, are a common starting point.
Other common sources include urinary tract, skin, and abdominal infections. Germs can enter the body through various pathways, including surgical wounds, intravenous lines, urinary catheters, or bedsores, particularly in hospitalized patients.
Anyone with an infection can develop sepsis, but certain groups face a higher risk. Individuals over 65 years old and infants are particularly susceptible. People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or living with HIV, also have an increased risk. Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can further elevate a person’s vulnerability to sepsis.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing sepsis signs is vital for prompt medical intervention. A person with sepsis may feel generally unwell, often described as a sense that “something is seriously wrong.” This can include extreme pain or discomfort.
Changes in vital signs are common indicators. These include a high or very low body temperature, shivering, or chills. A fast heart rate and rapid breathing are also observed.
Mental status changes can occur, such as confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, or agitation. Other symptoms can include clammy or sweaty skin, or a rash that does not fade when pressure is applied. Reduced urination, dizziness, lightheadedness, or a general feeling of weakness may also be present. If any of these symptoms are present, especially in combination, immediate medical attention is necessary.
How Sepsis Impacts the Body
Once sepsis takes hold, the body’s immune response triggers widespread inflammation. This inflammation can damage blood vessels and lead to abnormal blood flow, affecting oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues. This can result in organ dysfunction, where vital organs work poorly.
Sepsis can impair the function of various organs, including the lungs, kidneys, heart, and brain. For example, kidneys may produce less urine, and lungs might struggle to transfer oxygen, potentially leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The heart’s ability to pump blood effectively can also be compromised.
A severe stage of sepsis, known as septic shock, occurs when blood pressure drops dangerously low and remains low despite receiving intravenous fluids. This profound drop in blood pressure further reduces blood flow to organs, intensifying the risk of organ failure and increasing mortality. Blood clots can also form, contributing to tissue damage and multi-organ failure.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Sepsis requires urgent medical treatment in a hospital setting. The goal of treatment is to fight the underlying infection and support failing organs.
Intravenous antibiotics are administered as quickly as possible, often within the first hour of diagnosis, to target the bacterial infection. Intravenous fluids are also given to maintain blood flow to organs and prevent blood pressure from dropping too low. If blood pressure remains dangerously low, medications called vasopressors may be used to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Supportive care, such as oxygen or mechanical ventilation, may be necessary if organs like the lungs are affected.
Recovery from sepsis can vary widely among individuals. While many people make a full recovery, some may experience long-term physical and psychological effects, sometimes referred to as post-sepsis syndrome. These effects can include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and shortness of breath. Cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating, as well as mood changes, anxiety, or nightmares, can also occur. Ongoing medical follow-up and rehabilitation may be part of the recovery journey for some patients.