Patient education: Sepsis in adults (The Basics)

What is sepsis? — This is a serious illness that happens when an infection travels through the whole body. Sepsis can happen in anyone, but it is more likely to happen in people who:

●Are older, or cannot get out of bed

●Are staying in the hospital, or have had recent surgery

●Have thin tubes such as catheters or IVs in their body

●Have a weak infection-fighting system (for example, because they are being treated for cancer)

Sepsis can come from an infection in any part of the body, but it is most often linked to infections in the:

●Lungs (called "pneumonia")

●Kidneys (called "urinary tract infection")

●Skin (called "cellulitis")

●Bowel (called "colitis") – Sepsis caused by colitis is especially likely after a course of antibiotics.

Sepsis needs to be treated quickly. If it is not treated, it can become severe. When this happens, it is called "septic shock." Septic shock is life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of sepsis? — Symptoms can include:

●Fever

●Low body temperature (some people get this instead of a fever)

●Chills

●Very fast breathing

●Very fast heartbeat

Symptoms of severe sepsis can include:

●Acting confused, or feeling lightheaded or dizzy

●Trouble breathing

●Cool, clammy skin, or flushed (red or purple) skin

●Poor appetite

●Urinating much less than usual

●Different types of skin rashes – One type is a lacy, purple rash that is usually on the legs, but can also be on the arms. Another rash looks like red or purple spots on the skin that do not go away when touched. These spots are usually on the chest and legs, but can also be in other areas.

●Belly pain or cramping with severe diarrhea

●Other problems with the heart, kidneys, or brain

People who have septic shock have many of the symptoms listed above. In addition, their blood pressure gets low, and they sometimes pass out.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes, as soon as possible. Sepsis can develop when you are at home or in the hospital. In either case, you (or the person with you) should call the doctor or nurse if you:

●Have a fever and chills, and have any of the symptoms above or look very sick

●Have had a recent surgery or hospital stay, and now are sick or have an infection

If your doctor or nurse is unable to see you immediately, or you can't reach them, go to the nearest emergency department.

Will I have tests? — Probably. Your doctor will learn about your symptoms and do an exam. They will likely do tests to look for an infection, see if the infection has spread to your blood, and see how serious your condition is. These tests can include:

●Blood tests, including tests called "blood cultures"

●Urine tests

●Lab tests – For example, if you are coughing up mucus, your doctor can test your mucus for bacteria.

●X-rays or other imaging tests – Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of your body. These might include a test to look at your heart, called an echocardiogram (or "echo").

How is sepsis treated? — Sepsis and septic shock are usually treated in the hospital with:

●Antibiotics that go in your vein – These are given through a thin tube called an "IV." Some people need a "central line." This is a special type of IV that goes into a large vein, usually in the neck.

●Fluids that go in your vein – These can be given through an IV or central line.

●Other medicines to treat your condition – For example, if your blood pressure is too low, your doctor can give you medicine to raise it.

If an IV or catheter in your body is causing your sepsis, your doctor might take the IV or catheter out.

Some people with severe sepsis need other treatments, such as:

●A breathing machine (ventilator)

●Surgery – If you have a severe infection of the skin or tissue under the skin, your doctor might do surgery to remove the infected areas.

●Blood transfusion – Some people with severe septic shock might need a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion is when a person gets blood that was given (donated) by another person. But this is rare.

Can sepsis be prevented? — You can help prevent sepsis by:

●Avoiding infections – One way to avoid infections is to get the vaccines your doctor recommends. Vaccines can prevent serious or deadly infections. If you have a child, make sure that they get the recommended vaccines, too. It can also help to try to avoid being around people who are sick, and to wash your hands frequently.

●Getting treated right away if you do get an infection

More on this topic

Patient education: Sepsis in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Sepsis in newborn babies (The Basics)
Patient education: Splenectomy (The Basics)
Patient education: When to worry about a fever in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood culture (The Basics)