Sepsis, a life-threatening medical condition, is an abnormal response to an infection in the body that creates widespread inflammation throughout the body's organs. Dr. John Smith explains, "Normally, if you get an infection like a sore throat, things will get better quickly. But other times, if you get even sicker, it can worsen and start to involve other parts of the body. That's when you start thinking about sepsis."
Sepsis can arise from various causes such as skin infections (cellulitis), pneumonia, abscesses within the body, inflammation in the large intestine (diverticulitis), and urinary tract infections.
Dr. Jane Doe notes that sepsis is frequently diagnosed in emergency departments: "We see a lot of it in the emergency department because the emergency departments serve as the primary portal of entry for people with many of these symptoms."
Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include fever, difficulty breathing or increased respiratory rate, altered mental state, elevated heart rate, decreased urine output, and low blood pressure. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing organ involvement: "A decrease in urine output might be a sign that your kidneys are infected."
Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival chances. Dr. Doe states, "The time between the infection setting in and the antibiotics starting is the best window for setting up a patient for successful outcomes."
Treatment typically involves early administration of broad-acting antibiotics and additional lab work. In cases showing signs of end organ damage—such as impaired lung or kidney function—fluids may be administered to support blood flow.
While sepsis is not a long-term condition like diabetes or cancer, it is treatable if recognized early. Certain populations are more susceptible to developing sepsis, including immunocompromised individuals on medications like chemotherapy or those who have had organ transplants. Elderly people and children are also at higher risk due to potential difficulties in recognizing symptoms or seeking care.
The severity of sepsis can vary significantly; some patients may die within 12 hours if there is an infection in the bloodstream with obvious symptoms. For others with less severe symptoms, there remains a risk of death over several days or during hospitalization.
Recovery from sepsis varies based on pre-infection health status and illness severity. Those who were very active before getting sick may take longer to return to their previous activity levels after treatment. Patients who required intensive care or ventilation may face prolonged recovery periods and potential post-traumatic stress disorder from their ICU stay.
