Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that happens when the body’s response to an infection becomes dysregulated and starts damaging its own tissues and organs.

What causes it?

Sepsis usually begins with an infection—commonly:

• Lungs (pneumonia)

• Urinary tract

• Abdomen (e.g., appendicitis)

• Skin or wounds

Bacteria are the most frequent cause, but viruses, fungi, or parasites can also trigger it.

What happens in the body?

Instead of fighting infection in a controlled way, the immune system goes into overdrive:

• Widespread inflammation

• Blood clotting abnormalities

• Poor blood flow to organs
  This can lead to organ failure (kidneys, lungs, heart, brain).

Symptoms

Sepsis can look different in each person, but common signs include:

• Fever or very low body temperature

• Rapid heart rate

• Fast breathing or shortness of breath

• Confusion or disorientation

• Extreme pain or discomfort

• Low blood pressure (in severe cases)

Why it’s dangerous

Sepsis can progress quickly to septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously low and organs begin to fail. It is a medical emergency.

Treatment

Treatment usually requires hospital care:

• IV antibiotics

• Fluids to maintain blood pressure

• Oxygen or ventilator support

• Medications to support organs

Early treatment dramatically improves survival.

Who is at higher risk?

• Older adults

• Infants

• People with weakened immune systems

• Those with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cancer)

The above content is generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed for accuracy