![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_661f699b45dfe.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617657b01d48f.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176729fe5554.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617664349c8b9.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176637f57f84.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766af012ed7.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176605344c51.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617675f7038bf.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61767122780cc.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766be323d13.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61765dc2ac778.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_60fe740158569.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176671fd308c.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617665f283169.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617667ee25c03.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766907d9a76.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617681b5199a5.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617680584f988.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617683385ac2e.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766c9871e80.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766d70b480e.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617688ac6f33e.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61766ddb65336.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61768b430d971.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61768c3d8b605.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_617669e2c4e0d.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61768d36710b5.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61768eb177f6d.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_61768fb6d35c2.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176911ccf1b8.jpg)
![The devastating condition known as sepsis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6176704befdd4.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
What is sepsis?
- Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning, though this is not an accurate description) is the immune system's overreaction to an infection or injury. It's a potentially life-threatening condition and should be considered a medical emergency.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Who is at risk from sepsis?
- Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. Those most at risk from the condition include adults 65 or older.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Risk factors
- People with a weakened immune system, perhaps as a result of recent severe illness or hospitalization, are at risk.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Chronic medical conditions
- Those suffering from chronic medical conditions are also particularly susceptible to sepsis, people with diabetes for example.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Other factors
- Lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease can contribute towards the onset of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis in infants
- Babies under one year old are at risk, particularly if they're born early (premature) or their mother had an infection while pregnant.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis at birth
- Similarly, women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion are at risk from contracting sepsis.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
What causes sepsis?
- Bacterial infections are most often to blame for sepsis. But it can also happen because of other infections, for example when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Blood flow impaired
- As sepsis worsens, blood flow to vital organs, such as your brain, heart, and kidneys, becomes impaired.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Sign and symptoms
- Sepsis is life threatening. But it can be hard to spot. So, what are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
High heart rate
- A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms, an example being a respiratory rate higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute, in other words breathlessness.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Low blood pressure
- Sepsis also causes blood pressure to drop dramatically.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Confusion and disorientation
- If a person is acting confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense, they might also be demonstrating the effects of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Blotchy skin or rash
- Blue, pale, or blotchy skin, or a rash, are all possible indicators of sepsis. Likewise, clammy or sweaty skin should be considered a symptom.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Septic shock
- A severe decrease in blood pressure can lead to septic shock, when abnormalities in cellular metabolism result in problems with how cells work and produce energy. Progression to septic shock increases the risk of death.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Children and sepsis
- Besides demonstrating all or any one of these symptoms, a child with sepsis can also display unusual behavior such as not responding like they normally do, lacking interest in eating or ordinary day-to-day activities.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis in youngsters
- Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake are other tell-tale signs that a youngster could be suffering from sepsis.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
When to call a doctor
- If you or your loved one has an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse, it's vital to act fast. A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Treatment for sepsis
- If confirmed, the main treatment for sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock is a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, administered intravenously. This will begin as soon as possible and invariably means a stay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Antibiotics and more
- The aim of the antibiotics is to fight the infection and prevent septic shock, which can cause your organs to fail. A patient can also undergo a raft of additional tests or treatments to identify and combat the condition. IV fluids and extra oxygen can help with this.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Recovering from sepsis
- Fortunately, most people make a full recovery from sepsis, but this can be a long and often complicated process. Sepsis can leave you physically and emotionally scarred, symptoms that can take a long time to heal. In fact, the scientific definition of this long-term condition is known as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Post-sepsis syndrome
- Feeling weak and drained after you've had sepsis can be an unfortunate side effect. Difficulty sleeping is not uncommon.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Lack of appetite
- A poor appetite coupled with a general feeling of lethargy is another manifestation of PSS.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- In more extreme cases, PSS can induce flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Getting ahead of sepsis
- Note that you cannot catch sepsis from another person. It happens when your body overreacts to an infection. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people. Preventing infection is therefore the best way of impeding sepsis.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Simple hygiene
- Taking a few simple steps like washing your hands often with soap, and keeping cuts covered until healed, can help prevent the spread of infection.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Vaccines
- Keeping up with recommended vaccines for things like flu and chickenpox can help alleviate the threat of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Exercise regularly
- Stay fit! Gentle, easy exercise builds up strength and a good level of immunity.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Take control
- Keep control of any chronic health conditions. Undergo regular checkups, and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis before they take hold.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Support groups
- There are several organizations out there that offer support to survivors of sepsis, and to relatives of those who've suffered the condition. These include the Sepsis Trust and the Sepsis Alliance. Sources: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (National Health Service) (Sepsis Alliance) (Sepsis Trust) See also: 30 signs that you may have heart trouble
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
What is sepsis?
- Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning, though this is not an accurate description) is the immune system's overreaction to an infection or injury. It's a potentially life-threatening condition and should be considered a medical emergency.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Who is at risk from sepsis?
- Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. Those most at risk from the condition include adults 65 or older.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Risk factors
- People with a weakened immune system, perhaps as a result of recent severe illness or hospitalization, are at risk.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Chronic medical conditions
- Those suffering from chronic medical conditions are also particularly susceptible to sepsis, people with diabetes for example.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Other factors
- Lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease can contribute towards the onset of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis in infants
- Babies under one year old are at risk, particularly if they're born early (premature) or their mother had an infection while pregnant.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis at birth
- Similarly, women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion are at risk from contracting sepsis.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
What causes sepsis?
- Bacterial infections are most often to blame for sepsis. But it can also happen because of other infections, for example when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Blood flow impaired
- As sepsis worsens, blood flow to vital organs, such as your brain, heart, and kidneys, becomes impaired.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Sign and symptoms
- Sepsis is life threatening. But it can be hard to spot. So, what are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
High heart rate
- A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms, an example being a respiratory rate higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute, in other words breathlessness.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Low blood pressure
- Sepsis also causes blood pressure to drop dramatically.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Confusion and disorientation
- If a person is acting confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense, they might also be demonstrating the effects of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Blotchy skin or rash
- Blue, pale, or blotchy skin, or a rash, are all possible indicators of sepsis. Likewise, clammy or sweaty skin should be considered a symptom.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Septic shock
- A severe decrease in blood pressure can lead to septic shock, when abnormalities in cellular metabolism result in problems with how cells work and produce energy. Progression to septic shock increases the risk of death.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Children and sepsis
- Besides demonstrating all or any one of these symptoms, a child with sepsis can also display unusual behavior such as not responding like they normally do, lacking interest in eating or ordinary day-to-day activities.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Sepsis in youngsters
- Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake are other tell-tale signs that a youngster could be suffering from sepsis.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
When to call a doctor
- If you or your loved one has an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse, it's vital to act fast. A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Treatment for sepsis
- If confirmed, the main treatment for sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock is a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, administered intravenously. This will begin as soon as possible and invariably means a stay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Antibiotics and more
- The aim of the antibiotics is to fight the infection and prevent septic shock, which can cause your organs to fail. A patient can also undergo a raft of additional tests or treatments to identify and combat the condition. IV fluids and extra oxygen can help with this.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Recovering from sepsis
- Fortunately, most people make a full recovery from sepsis, but this can be a long and often complicated process. Sepsis can leave you physically and emotionally scarred, symptoms that can take a long time to heal. In fact, the scientific definition of this long-term condition is known as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Post-sepsis syndrome
- Feeling weak and drained after you've had sepsis can be an unfortunate side effect. Difficulty sleeping is not uncommon.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Lack of appetite
- A poor appetite coupled with a general feeling of lethargy is another manifestation of PSS.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Panic attack
- In more extreme cases, PSS can induce flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Getting ahead of sepsis
- Note that you cannot catch sepsis from another person. It happens when your body overreacts to an infection. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people. Preventing infection is therefore the best way of impeding sepsis.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Simple hygiene
- Taking a few simple steps like washing your hands often with soap, and keeping cuts covered until healed, can help prevent the spread of infection.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Vaccines
- Keeping up with recommended vaccines for things like flu and chickenpox can help alleviate the threat of sepsis.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Exercise regularly
- Stay fit! Gentle, easy exercise builds up strength and a good level of immunity.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Take control
- Keep control of any chronic health conditions. Undergo regular checkups, and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis before they take hold.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Support groups
- There are several organizations out there that offer support to survivors of sepsis, and to relatives of those who've suffered the condition. These include the Sepsis Trust and the Sepsis Alliance. Sources: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (National Health Service) (Sepsis Alliance) (Sepsis Trust) See also: 30 signs that you may have heart trouble
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
The devastating condition known as sepsis
Click through and find out more about this life-threatening medical emergency.
© Shutterstock
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It's a sinister condition. According to the Sepsis Trust, every three seconds someone in the world dies of sepsis. Fortunately, most people recover from sepsis, and it's not contagious. But it can be a killer. So, what exactly causes sepsis, who is at risk, and what are the signs and symptoms?
Click through and find out more about this life-threatening medical emergency.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![The impact of environmental factors on your health](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fa27ce5774.jpg)
![Holistic health: what it is, and how it will change your life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a2495b4b5d2.jpg)
![The Nipah virus outbreak: should you be worried?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a25dfb64c17.jpg)
![Age-specific tips for better sleep](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a216e1b5386.jpg)
![Surprising foods you didn't know contain nicotine](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fc478b911f.jpg)
![Are liposomal supplements really better?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a6a9b3acea.jpg)
![Why hiking is uniquely beneficial for your body and brain](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669511f50f736.jpg)
![Should you practice tai chi? The benefits, and how to start](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663b3c5177490.jpg)
![All you need to know about agoraphobia and how to cope](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_663ccb1cbfed9.jpg)
![What happens when you stop drinking alcohol?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fb1a81b527.jpg)
![15 seemingly harmless habits that can damage your brain](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669fb0174fef7.jpg)
![The signs and symptoms of Long COVID](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66336dbd2ad23.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669939a625688.jpg)
![Gastritis: causes, symptoms, and treatment](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6662072f56cd4.jpg)
![Baby skin care: tips for your newborn](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669e69064adcc.jpg)
![Listeria infection: what to know, and how to prevent it](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667e8a8722b65.jpg)
![Performance anxiety: what is it and how to conquer it](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6696b48acff1b.jpg)
![Easy daily habits for a faster metabolism](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a7b606e342.jpg)
![Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6697d31f58245.jpg)
![The most common infectious diseases in the US](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669a0564b69b2.jpg)
![These vitamins can be dangerous to you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66992ddf74ff0.jpg)
![Overpronation: what is it, and how can it be managed?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6694c950db13f.jpg)
![Early signs of young onset dementia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66842a867d8bb.jpg)
![How endless scrolling through social media can make you sick (literally)](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_656865c160e4e.jpg)
![Unexpected areas you can get skin cancer](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6696507e3d7b6.jpg)
![Common overlooked signs of depression](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fd4f3353f2.jpg)
![What you need to know about persistent sore throat](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668e524e64127.jpg)
![Eat these foods if you want to lower your blood pressure](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fba0b5cb65.jpg)
![These are the worst things you could do for your eyes](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_669003d10c810.jpg)
![Tight jaw: causes and tips to relieve tension](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d5df9d6bad.jpg)
![Earthing: a natural way to ground your body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d78cce010f.jpg)
![Your all-inclusive guide to a balanced diet](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bfc0033045.jpg)
![Shortness of breath: anxiety, or something more sinister?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6687baabd16b1.jpg)
![Are eating disorders on the rise with young men and boys?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668d15e9db26d.jpg)
![Sleep troubles? You may have a dyssomnia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bb36159e36.jpg)
![What happens to your body if you only do cardio?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668bb29449a9b.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Nature
-
3
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
-
4
TRAVEL Staycation
Be a tourist in your own city and fall in love all over again
-
5
HEALTH Covid-19
-
6
HEALTH Cognitive function
-
7
LIFESTYLE Bizarre
You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations
-
8
HEALTH Bad habits
-
9
TRAVEL Destinations
-
10
TRAVEL Architecture