Sepsis is a serious problem from an infection. It is an overreaction of the body to the infection. It can lead to life-threatening organ damage.
The body releases chemicals into the blood to help fight infections. Sepsis is an extreme form of this reaction. An excess amount of chemicals is released into the blood. These chemicals cause a chain reaction that can slow or stop blood flow to organs. It can lead to organ failure and dangerous low blood pressure called septic shock.
Any infection can lead to sepsis. Anyone can get sepsis but the risk is higher in those with:
Early symptoms may include:
Early warning signs may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect sepsis based on history and physical exam.
Blood tests and image tests may also be done. They will help to find the infection and track the health of liver and kidneys.
Early, intense treatment in a hospital is important. The sooner treatment is started, the better outcomes tend to be. The goal of treatment is to clear the infection and provide support when needed. Steps may include:
Surgery may be needed to clear out infected tissue.
Advanced care will depend on which organs are affected. Steps may include:
Sepsis is a serious illness. It will take some time to fully recover. There may be some physical and emotional challenges during recovery. Services may be available to assist with return to normal activity.
There are no steps to prevent sepsis once you have an infection. Avoid infections when possible. Take care of cuts or wounds. Wash the area well and keep covered until it heals. See a doctor for serious wounds.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Infectious Diseases Society of America
Alberta Health
Public Health Agency of Canada
Life After Sepsis. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/pdfs/life-after-se...s-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed June 28, 2019.
Sepsis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T1158...Sepsis-in-adults. Updated March 20, 2018. Accessed June 28, 2019.
Sepsis treatment in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T316889/Sepsis-...atment-in-adults. Updated April 2, 2018. Accessed June 28, 2019.
What is Sepsis? Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.htm...nchor_1547214212. Updated June 22, 2018. Accessed June 28, 2019.
10/6/2014 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905775/Staphylococcu...ureus-bacteremia: Holland TL, Arnold C, et al. Clinical management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a review. JAMA. 2014;312(13):1330-1341.
Last reviewed May 2019 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.