What is Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious bodily reaction to an infection. The infection that causes sepsis may be from a bacteria, a virus, a fungus, or a parasite.

Sepsis can result from an infection in any part of the body. Infections that commonly lead to sepsis include skin, lung, and urinary tract infections.

Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment at the hospital. In severe cases, it can lead to septic shock.

Shock can weaken the heart and cause blood pressure to drop. This can make the central nervous system and the body’s organs to stop working.

2 Interesting Facts of Sepsis

1. Generalized symptoms and signs are similar to opioid withdrawal: anxiety, chills, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, agitation, and diaphoresis
2. Differentiated by findings of end-organ dysfunction (eg, acute renal dysfunction, delirium) and cardiovascular instability (eg, hypotension) with an infection source (eg, pneumonia, urinary tract) in septic patients

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a severe reaction to a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. The germs that most commonly lead to sepsis include:

The most common infections that lead to sepsis include infections of:

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may include:

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

Other tests may also be done to find out the cause of the infection and how severe the sepsis is. These tests may include:

How is this treated?

This condition is treated in a hospital with antibiotic medicines. You may also receive:

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic or anti-fungal medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic or anti-fungal medicine even if you start to feel better.

Activity

• Rest and gradually return to your normal activities. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Try to set small, achievable goals each week, such as dressing yourself, bathing, or walking up stairs. It may take a while to rebuild your strength.
• Try to exercise regularly, if you feel healthy enough to do so. Ask your health care provider what exercises are safe for you.

General instructions

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lowfat (lean) proteins. Ask your health care provider if you should avoid certain foods.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You do not feel like you are getting better or regaining strength.
• You are having trouble coping with your recovery.
• You frequently feel tired.
• You feel worse or do not seem to get better after surgery.
• You think you may have an infection after surgery.

Get help right away if:

• You have any symptoms of sepsis.
• You have difficulty breathing.
• You have a rapid or skipping heartbeat.
• You become confused.
• You have a high fever.
• Your skin becomes blotchy, pale, or blue.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).

Summary

• Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment at the hospital.
• This condition is caused by a severe reaction to a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection.
• This condition is treated in a hospital with antibiotics. Treatment may also include IV fluids, breathing assistance, and kidney dialysis.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic or anti-fungal medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic or anti-fungal medicine even if you start to feel better.