Sepsis (Blood Infection)

Sepsis Overview

Sepsis is a condition in which your body is fighting a severe infection. If you become "septic," you will likely be in a state of low blood pressure termed "shock." This condition can develop either as a result of your body’s own defense system or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus).

• People at risk
  
  
  • People whose immune systems (the body’s defense against microbes) are not functioning well because of an illness, such as cancer or AIDS, are more prone to have sepsis.
    
    
  • Because their immune systems are not completely developed, very young babies may get sepsis if they become infected and are not treated in a timely manner. Often, if they develop signs of an infection such as fever, infants have to receive antibiotics and be admitted to the hospital.
    
    
  • The elderly population, especially those with other medical illnesses such as diabetes, may be at increased risk as well.
  
  
• The number of people dying from sepsis has almost doubled in the past 20 years. This is not because doctors cannot care for people who have sepsis but because the number of people who get sepsis has increased.
  
  
  • There has been a large increase because doctors have started treating cancer patients and organ transplant patients, among others, with strong medications that weaken the immune system.
    
    
  • Also, because of our aging population, the number of elderly people with weak immune systems has grown.
    
    
  • Finally, because of the overuse of antibiotics to treat illnesses caused by viruses and not bacteria, bacteria have become resistant, making the treatment of sepsis difficult in some cases.

Sepsis Causes

Many different microbes can cause sepsis. Although bacteria are most commonly the cause, viruses and fungi can also cause sepsis. Infections in the lungs (pneumonia), bladder and kidneys (urinary tract infections), skin (cellulitis), abdomen (such as appendicitis), and other organs (such as meningitis) can spread and lead to sepsis. Infections that develop after surgery can also lead to sepsis.

• Who is at risk?
  
  
  • Very young people and elderly people
    
    
  • Anyone who has had a transplant
    
    
  • People who are being treated with chemotherapy drugs or radiation
    
    
  • People with long-standing diabetes, AIDS, or cirrhosis
    
    
  • Someone who has very large burns or severe injuries
    
    
  • People with infections such as the following: 
    
    
    • Pneumonia
      
      
    • Meningitis
      
      
    • Cellulitis
      
      
    • Urinary tract infection
      
      
    • Ruptured appendix

Sepsis Symptoms

• If you have sepsis, often you will have fever. Sometimes, though, the body temperature may be normal or even low.
• You may also have chills and severe shaking.
• Your heart may be beating very fast and your breathing rapid.
• Confusion, disorientation, and agitation may be seen as well as dizziness and decreased urination.
• Some people who have sepsis develop a rash on their skin. The rash may be a reddish discoloration or small dark red dots throughout the body.
• You may also develop pain in the joints at your wrists, elbows, back, hips, knees, and ankles.