What are the symptoms of sepsis? How is sepsis treated? Learn about the warning signs of sepsis, including temperature changes, infection, mental decline, and feeling extremely ill.

Understanding Sepsis: Symptoms to Look For

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs, as spotting them early could prevent the body from entering septic shock and save a life.

Temperature Changes: A Key Symptom

One of the primary symptoms of sepsis is a change in body temperature, either higher or lower than normal. The body’s temperature should typically remain fairly constant, around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), with slight variations depending on activity, environment, and time of day. A temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius) is considered a fever, which is the body’s way of fighting off an infection. Interestingly, some people with sepsis may experience a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) instead of a rise. Any change in body temperature, whether high or low, can be a sign of sepsis.

Infection: Localized or Widespread

Sepsis is often triggered by an infection. If you have a localized infection, such as a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or an infected cut, the signs and symptoms will be specific to the affected area. However, if the infection has spread or you have a generalized infection, you may develop other symptoms like fever, fatigue, and pain. It’s important to note that you may also have an infection without any obvious symptoms, especially if you’ve recently had surgery, an invasive medical procedure, or a break in your skin, or if you’ve been exposed to someone who is ill.

Mental Decline: A Concerning Sign

Sepsis can also affect your mental status. Some people, particularly the elderly, may not show typical signs of infection. Instead, they may experience a sudden change in mental status, becoming confused or experiencing a worsening of dementia and confusion. Sleepiness, often severe, is also a common complaint in people with sepsis.

Feeling Extremely Ill: A Sense of Impending Doom

Many sepsis survivors have reported that when they were ill, it was the worst they had ever felt. They may have experienced severe pain, discomfort, or a sense of impending doom, feeling as though they were going to die. Children developing sepsis may exhibit different symptoms, so it’s important to be vigilant for any concerning changes in a child’s condition.

Additional Diagnostic Markers

Healthcare professionals often look for specific diagnostic markers to help determine if a patient has sepsis. These include inflammatory markers like a high white blood cell count, immature white blood cells in the circulation, elevated plasma C-reactive protein, and elevated procalcitonin (PCT). They also look for hemodynamic changes, such as low blood pressure, low central venous or mixed venous oxygen saturation, and a high cardiac index. Organ dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities, and tissue perfusion issues, such as low oxygen levels, high creatinine in the blood, and high lactate levels, can also be indicative of sepsis.

Treating Sepsis: A Comprehensive Approach

The treatment for sepsis varies depending on the area affected, the cause of the infection, the organs affected, and the extent of any damage. If you have the early signs of sepsis, you’ll typically be referred to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Emergency treatment, which may involve support in an intensive care unit (ICU), is necessary if the sepsis is severe or if you develop septic shock, which is when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level.

The main treatment for sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock is the administration of antibiotics, which are usually given directly into a vein (intravenously). Ideally, antibiotic treatment should start within an hour of diagnosis. If the sepsis is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t be effective, but they are usually given anyway as it would be too dangerous to delay treatment. Intravenous fluids are also crucial, as the body needs more fluid to maintain blood pressure and organ function.

Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it is treatable if identified and addressed quickly. With prompt medical intervention and appropriate treatment, most people with sepsis can make a full recovery with no lasting problems.