Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious condition where the body reacts badly to an infection. It is a medical emergency that needs fast treatment. If not treated quickly, it can cause a big drop in blood pressure and damage important organs like the lungs and kidneys, which can be fatal.

In the United Kingdom, 245,000 people get sepsis every year, and 46,000 die from it. Blood poisoning (septicaemia) happens when an infection gets into the blood. Sepsis and septicaemia can happen at the same time or separately.

Symptoms

Sepsis can impact various parts of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms. If you suspect sepsis or notice any of the following symptoms, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department immediately.

Common sepsis symptoms include:

fever or low temperature (hypothermia)
shaking or chills
extreme pain or discomfort
rapid breathing or shortness of breath
low blood pressure
fast heart rate
warm, clammy, or sweaty skin
confusion or disorientation
red rash or small dark red spots on the skin
on brown or black skin: blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue

In babies or young children:

a weak or high-pitched cry that is unusual
not responding normally or not interested in feeding
being sleepier than usual or difficult to wake

Sepsis can affect anyone, people with any kind of infection are at a higher risk of suffering from sepsis. It primarily effects very young children, older adults, and pregnant women.

Other people who are a high risk:

people with medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and kidney disease
people with weakened immune system
people with severe injuries, large burns, or wounds
people with catheters, IV cannulas, or breathing tubes

Causes

Bacterial infections are a common cause of sepsis, but viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can also lead to it.

Common types of infections that can cause sepsis include:

pneumonia
urinary tract infections, especially with a catheter
appendicitis and peritonitis
brain or spinal cord infections
cellulitis, wounds and inflammation of the skin

Sepsis itself is not contagious, but the germs causing infections can spread and potentially lead to sepsis.

Diagnosis

There is no single sign or a diagnostic test for sepsis. Healthcare professionals use a combination of tools such as a physical examination, laboratory tests, x-rays, and other tests to identify an infection and diagnose sepsis.

Management

Sepsis needs to be treated quickly. If someone is diagnosed with sepsis, they will need extra care and may be taken to an intensive care unit (ICU) in hospital.

Treatment may include:

antibiotics to fight the infection, IV fluids, and medication to stop blood pressure from dropping too low
in more serious cases, they might need kidney dialysis, a ventilator for breathing problems, or surgery to remove damaged tissue

Prevention

It is important to keep cuts and wounds clean and maintain good hygiene. Managing chronic conditions is also essential, and most importantly, seek medical attention straight away if an infection is suspected and sepsis symptoms appear.

We would recommend to call 111 if you notice any of the following symptoms yourself, your child, or someone you care for:

feels very unwell
adults who have not passed urine all day
babies and children who have not passed urine in the last 12 hours
babies and young children vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down
swelling or severe pain around a cut or a wound
very high or low temperature feels hot or cold to touch or is shivering
shallow breathing and fast heart rate

Futher information

Last updated 17 October 2024