Medical Description

Sepsis is the body’s response to infection. Normally, the body’s defense system fights infection, but in severe cases of sepsis, the defense system’s normal reaction goes into overdrive. This can lead to inflammation and blood clotting of tiny vessels throughout the entire body.

There are several forms of sepsis. Severe sepsis results in acute organ dysfunction or failure. Septic shock occurs in severe sepsis and deprives vital organs of oxygenated blood supply. Septicemia is sepsis that has an infection in the bloodstream.

Symptoms

• fever
• shaking chills
• reduced mental alertness
• confusion
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• increased heart rate
• increased respiratory rate
• high or low white blood cell count
• low blood pressure
• altered kidney or liver function

General Information

Sepsis can develop quickly, so the sooner it is diagnosed and treated the better. A definite source of infection cannot be identified in up to 30 percent of patients. Most patients, once they begin receiving treatment, can recover.

Source: “Sepsis: What You Should Know,” Surviving Sepsis Campaign, June 2007.

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