Public awareness of sepsis has increased following news surrounding the death of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, whose family said the driver’s severe pneumonia progressed into this life-threatening condition. The news has prompted many people to ask questions about sepsis from pneumonia and other conditions, symptoms, septic shock and when to seek emergency care.
One of the biggest challenges is that sepsis is not always obvious. It can look like the flu or another common illness and may vary widely from person to person. Because of this, sepsis can be difficult to recognize early, but quick treatment can save lives.
Sepsis is more common and dangerous than many people realize. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis each year, and nearly 350,000 die during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice care.
Knowing the early signs and getting fast medical care can save lives. This article explains what to watch for, when to go to the ER and how sepsis is treated.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. When you get sick, your immune system normally releases chemicals into the bloodstream to help fight germs. But in sepsis, instead of protecting the body, the immune system begins to damage healthy organs and tissues. Without fast treatment, it can become life-threatening.
You may also hear it referred to as a blood infection or blood poisoning, but these are not precise medical terms. Septicemia is an older medical term that was once used to describe bacteria in the bloodstream but is not commonly used in modern medicine today.
Sepsis is a global health challenge, but thanks to better treatments about 80 percent of hospital patients with the condition now survive. However, more people are developing the condition due to aging, chronic illnesses and antibiotic resistance, which makes some infections harder to treat.
What Causes Sepsis?
The condition always begins with an existing infection somewhere in the body. The infection can be viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic.
Common infections linked to sepsis include:
- Pneumonia (lung infections)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin infections or infected wounds
- Abdominal infections (like appendicitis)
Even a minor infection can sometimes become dangerous.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are not always the same for every person. Some people become very sick quickly, while others may have milder or harder-to-recognize symptoms at first. Do not wait for every single symptom to appear before seeking medical care.
Common signs include:
- Fever, shivering or a very low body temperature
- Chills
- A fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dizziness
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Pale, clammy or sweaty skin
- Severe weakness or fatigue
Children often show different warning signs. A child with sepsis may seem unusually sleepy, be hard to wake up, have trouble breathing or suddenly stop eating or drinking. If you notice these signs, get medical help right away.
How Sepsis Can Progress
Sepsis is often described in stages based on how severe the body’s response becomes. While not every patient follows the same path, these stages help explain how the condition can progress.
1. Early Sepsis
At this stage, the body is having an extreme response to an infection. Early symptoms may include fever, fast heart rate, confusion or difficulty breathing. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent worsening illness.
2. Severe Sepsis (Organ Dysfunction)
In severe cases, sepsis begins to affect organ function. This may include problems with breathing, kidney function or blood circulation. Hospital care is usually required at this stage.
3. Septic Shock
Septic shock is the most severe stage. During this phase, a person’s blood pressure drops dangerously low, and the body is no longer able to deliver enough oxygen to vital organs. When this happens, major organs like the kidneys, liver and lungs may begin to fail.
Symptoms may include:
- Severe trouble breathing
- Extreme confusion or altered mental state
- Complete inability to stay awake
- Cold, pale or blue-looking skin
- Severe weakness
Septic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Who Is Most at Risk for Sepsis?
Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain groups face a higher risk.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Adults over age 65
- Infants and young children
- People with weakened immune systems (such as from cancer treatment or chronic illness)
- People with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease
- People recovering from surgery or recent hospitalization
- Individuals with open wounds, burns or severe infections
Can You Die From Sepsis?
Unfortunately, yes. In some cases, sepsis can worsen rapidly within hours, especially if it’s not treated early. In other cases, it may progress more gradually over several days. Because there is no predictable pattern, it’s important to treat any warning signs as an emergency.
When to Go to the ER for Sepsis Symptoms
Knowing when to go to the ER can save a life. Emergency care is necessary if someone has an infection along with any of the following symptoms:
- Confusion or a change in mental state
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe weakness or inability to stand
- Blue, mottled or very pale skin
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up
- Symptoms that suddenly worsen
- Signs of low blood pressure, like extreme dizziness
How Is Sepsis Treated?
Once a doctor diagnoses sepsis, they move quickly. Treatment focuses on fighting the infection and keeping vital organs functioning.
Standard septic shock treatment usually involves:
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the bacteria
- IV fluids to boost blood pressure
- Oxygen therapy to help with breathing
- Medications to support and raise blood pressure
- Hospital or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care for severe cases
Early treatment can not only save lives but drastically reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What Is Post-Septic Syndrome?
Surviving sepsis is a major victory, but the journey does not always end when you leave the hospital. Some people who survive continue to have physical or emotional symptoms afterward. This condition is known as post-septic syndrome.
Possible symptoms include:
- Lingering fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress
- Trouble sleeping
Recovery can take time, and follow-up care often helps patients regain their strength.
Prevention Tips
While you cannot prevent every infection, you can lower your risk of developing sepsis by taking a few smart precautions.
Prevention tips include:
- Treat infections early and follow your doctor’s advice
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Keep cuts, scrapes and wounds clean and covered until healed
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes closely
- Seek medical care immediately if an infection is not getting better or symptoms worsen
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of sepsis?
Generally, early signs may include fever, chills, rapid breathing, confusion, a fast heart rate and severe pain or discomfort. Remember, symptoms vary and are not the same for every person.
What causes sepsis?
Sepsis develops when the body has an extreme response to an infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, a skin infection or an abdominal infection.
Is sepsis contagious?
Sepsis itself is not contagious, but the infection that caused it may spread to other people.
Can healthy people get sepsis?
Yes. Although older adults and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk, sepsis can affect otherwise healthy people after a serious infection or injury.
When should you go to the ER for sepsis symptoms?
Seek emergency care right away if someone with an infection develops confusion, trouble breathing, blue or pale skin, severe weakness or symptoms that suddenly worsen.
Sepsis is a medical emergency caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Because symptoms can vary and progress quickly, recognizing warning signs and seeking immediate care is critical.
