An occasional infection is a part of life. Some, like the common cold, go away on their own with rest and self-care. But in many cases, getting treatment is important – not just to reduce your symptoms and help you get better faster, but also to prevent complications like sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that can occur when an infection is too strong for the body’s immune system. It requires immediate treatment, and although some people are at a higher risk, anyone can get it. Learn why sepsis happens, signs and symptoms to watch for, and what treatment looks like.
Note: If you’re experiencing symptoms of sepsis or have an infection that’s getting worse quickly, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Sepsis happens when an infection turns the body against itself
When you have an infection, your white blood cells travel to the infection site. The process of the white blood cells fighting the infection creates inflammation and swelling in that area.
Sepsis can occur when an infection is severe or when your immune system isn’t strong enough to fight it. In these cases, the infection spreads throughout your body, as does the body’s inflammation response. This widespread inflammation reduces blood flow throughout your body, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. When this happens, your tissues and organs can’t get enough oxygen to function properly, which can lead to septic shock and organ failure if you don’t receive emergency treatment.
The main risk factor for sepsis is a weakened immune system
Our immune systems are usually pretty good at preventing infections from becoming sepsis. However, sometimes a severe infection can lead to sepsis even in otherwise healthy people. It’s easier for infections to become severe in groups that have weaker immune systems, such as:
- Babies
- The elderly
- People with chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer or organ-related conditions
- Pregnant women
Sepsis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections
Many kinds of infection – bacterial, viral or fungal – can lead to sepsis, but bacterial infections are the most common. Sepsis is most commonly associated with infections of the:
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Lungs
- Skin
- Urinary tract
Sepsis symptoms can vary by age and infection type
Because sepsis can result from most kinds of infection, the initial infection symptoms vary. For example, a respiratory infection may involve a sore throat and a cough, while a urinary tract infection may cause painful urination. However, once an infection turns septic, there tends to be additional, more distinct symptoms.
What does sepsis look like?
The combination of an infection-related fever and the characteristic drop in blood flow of sepsis can give it a range of visible symptoms, including:
- Discolored skin that may look mottled or bruised
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Shivering
- Unexplained sweating
What does sepsis feel like?
Alongside visible symptoms, someone experiencing sepsis may feel:
- Chilled or feverish
- Confused or disoriented
- Lightheaded
- Muscle pain
- A rapid heartbeat
Sepsis symptoms in young children and babies
Babies and kids with sepsis have symptoms that are similar to those seen in adults. However, certain symptoms may not be as obvious in kids who aren’t old enough to fully communicate how they’re feeling.
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children can include:
- Difficulty breathing (this may appear as grunting or pausing with each breath, or difficulty speaking)
- Extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking or confusion
- Fast, shallow breathing or a rapid heartbeat
- Fever or chills
- Floppy limbs
- Frequent vomiting
- General lack of interest in food, toys or other stimuli
- Irritability (kids who are old enough to communicate may complain of body pain)
- Peeing less than usual
- Sweaty, discolored or pale skin
Septic shock has more severe symptoms
Septic shock occurs when blood pressure drops low enough to start affecting organ function. When this happens, sepsis symptoms become more severe. Symptoms of septic shock include:
- Cold, clammy skin
- Extreme confusion
- Feelings of dizziness or faintness, which can lead to fainting
- Peeing less than usual
- Severe muscle pain
- Slurred speech
- Very labored breathing
Doctors typically diagnose sepsis by assessing symptoms and measuring vital signs, including heartbeat, breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure. Following a diagnosis, doctors may order tests to determine the type and source of the underlying infection. This is generally done using blood or other bodily fluid samples. In some cases, they may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound scans or computed tomography (CT) scans to look for signs of infection in organs, tissues or bones.
Sepsis is treated in the hospital
As a medical emergency, sepsis is treated in the hospital. The full course of treatment may vary depending on the severity and the underlying infection, but generally begins with:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the infection. Once the cause of the infection is identified, a more specific medication will be used.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to restore hydration, support circulation and prevent kidney failure.
Other possible treatments may include:
- Vasopressor medication to increase blood pressure.
- Dialysis to filter bodily fluids in place of the kidneys.
- Mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
- Oxygen supplementation to support organ function.
- Surgery to remove infected tissue.
If you suspect sepsis, don’t take chances
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and the sooner treatment starts, the better. If you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of sepsis or have an infection that’s quickly getting worse, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
