Early signs of sepsis may include severe pain, shortness of breath, and mental confusion.
Sepsis starts with an infection in any part of the body and spreads through the blood.
Untreated sepsis can progress toseptic shock, a potentially fatal complication that causes low blood pressure and multi-organ failure.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
Sepsis can develop quickly from initial infection to septic shock and even death in as little as 12 hours.
Early recognition and quick treatment are key to survivingsepsis.
Generally, people who develop sepsis will start feeling more tired or confused and may have shaking or chills.
Symptoms
Sepsis can share signs and symptoms (like fever) with other types of infections.
However, in sepsis, the symptoms will get more pronounced when the infection enters your bloodstream.
Early signs of sepsis may include a change in mental status and very fast breathing.
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.
Septic Shock
Sepsis can get worse quickly and requires intensive treatments to control.
Septic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Call 911 or go straight to the emergency department if you have any of these symptoms.
Sepsis cannot be treated with home remedies.
It is considered a medical emergency and requires specialized medical treatment in a hospital.
Delaying treatment could lead to serious complications or even death.
You will be monitored for progression into septic shock.
Sepsis must be treated quickly to avoid developing septic shock.
Early sepsis is usually treated with antibiotics and IV fluids.
Summary
Sepsis is a serious condition that can develop from any infection.
Sepsis is a progression of an infection that can quickly turn into septic shock or even lead to death.
Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health.Sepsis: The biggest threat you’ve never hard of.
Sepsis Alliance.What is sepsis?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is sepsis?
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Sepsis: 4 things for cancer patients to know.
Sepsis Alliance.Sepsis and kidney failure.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Septic shock.
doi:10.1186/s13054-016-1537-5
Merck Manual Consumer Edition.Sepsis and septic shock.