Sepsis

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs as your body reacts to an infection. Your immune system normally responds to infections by spreading inflammation, which helps to clear bacteria and viruses. Sepsis occurs when this inflammation is excessive and causes harm to the body. Usually sepsis is triggered by bacteria; sometimes it may be caused by a virus or fungus. Sepsis can be deadly. Blood pressure may drop. The lungs, liver, and kidneys may start to fail. For that reason, sepsis is considered a medical emergency and treatment should be started promptly.

Who can be affected by Sepsis?

Sepsis can impact anyone including the sick, the well, people of any age, but some individuals are likely to be affected more than others. These include young children/infants, older/elderly adults, those with a weakened immune system, racial and ethnic minorities, and lower income individuals and families.

Causes/Risk Factors

Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

  • Infants or older adults age > 65
  • People who have an illness that weakens their immune system, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or diabetes
  • People being treated with chemotherapy medicines, high-dose steroids, or radiation, which weaken the immune system
  • People who have had an organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplant
  • People with long-term (chronic) conditions such as lung, kidney, liver, or heart disease
  • People with a very severe infection, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a urinary tract
    infection
  • People who have central venous line or urinary catheters
  • People who are being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU)
  • People who have been recently hospitalized or have had recent surgery

Prevention

The risk of sepsis can be reduced by preventing or quickly identifying and managing infections. This includes practicing good hand hygiene/hand washing, avoiding people with infections, appropriately caring for wounds, staying up to date with current vaccinations, and seeking treatment when infections are suspected.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The T.I.M.E. acronym can be used to spot sepsis early:

  • T – Temperature: A temperature higher (>100.4F) or a lower than normal (<96.8F)
  • I – Infection: May have signs and symptoms of infection including cough, infected cut/wound, burning urination, etc.
  • M – Mental Decline: May be confused, sleepy, or difficult to wake up
  • E – Extremely Ill: May have severe pain, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat

Additional signs and symptoms of sepsis include:

  • Chills and shaking
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fast breathing
  • Severe nausea or uncontrolled vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Not able to be awake or aware
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased/Less urination

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sepsis

Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to save lives affected by sepsis. For that reason, patients who possibly have sepsis are treated for the condition while their exact diagnosis is still being confirmed.

  • Blood and urine tests are done to look for bacteria. They also check for organ failure. Blood, urine, or sputum cultures may be taken. The samples are sent to a lab in a special container. Any bacteria should grow in 24 to 48 hours and will help guide treatment.
  • X-rays or other imaging tests may be done.
  • A person with sepsis will be admitted to the hospital and treated with antibiotics. Treatment may also include oxygen and IV (intravenous) fluids, and other medicines as
    needed.
  • The person will be watched very closely, sometimes in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Life After Sepsis

Sepsis survivors can be left with physical and/or psychological long-term effects. A condition known as post-sepsis syndrome can impact up to 50% of patients diagnosed with sepsis. These effects may include:

  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
  • Nightmares, vivid hallucinations, and panic attacks
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Poor concentration
  • Decreased mental (cognitive) functioning
  • Loss of self-esteem and self-belief

Additional impacts on the life of sepsis survivors may include repeat infection or another sepsis episode, hospital readmission, difficulties with activities of daily living (i.e., bathing, dressing, etc.), cardiovascular events (i.e., stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, etc.), and mental health disorders (i.e., post-sepsis syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, etc.).

If you have been severely affected by sepsis, you may require rehabilitation to help improve your strength and overall health. Rehabilitation includes facility staff members helping improve your recovery with mobility and strength exercises to restore your health to its state before the sepsis diagnosis.

 

Tampa General Hospital’s healthcare system is highly trained in the early recognition and evidence-based management of sepsis. Through the integration of standardized protocols, innovative diagnostics, and multidisciplinary coordination, we deliver world-class treatment designed to improve survival rates and enhance recovery outcomes in sepsis patients.