Sepsis Warning Signs: When an Infection Becomes an Emergency

What it involves

MedlinePlus describes sepsis as the body's overactive and extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that, without quick treatment, can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, and the infection is often in the lungs, stomach, kidneys or bladder.

Who this is for

• Adults 65 or older, who MedlinePlus says are more likely to develop sepsis from an infection
• Patients with diabetes, lung disease, cancer or kidney disease who need steady follow-up
• People with a weakened immune system or an infection that is getting worse instead of better
• Family members who want to recognize the warning signs and know when to call 911

What to expect

• A review of any infection you have, such as a urinary, skin, chest or stomach infection, and how long it has lasted
• Vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate, which MedlinePlus says providers check
• Treatment plans for milder infections, with blood work or urine tests when your provider thinks they are useful
• A review of the chronic conditions that raise risk, with follow-up at a pace that fits your health

Warning signs MedlinePlus lists

Sepsis can cause rapid breathing and heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion or disorientation, extreme pain or discomfort, fever, shivering or feeling very cold, and clammy or sweaty skin. The encyclopedia says a change in mental status and very fast breathing may be the earliest signs, and adds chills, lightheadedness from low blood pressure, and a rash or mottled skin. Many of these signs have other causes, which makes early diagnosis hard. The fever in adults guide explains the milder situations.

How an infection becomes sepsis

MedlinePlus says sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body, and that it can begin with a small infected cut or an infection after surgery. The encyclopedia explains that the symptoms come from chemicals the body releases, not from the germs themselves. Common starting points include pneumonia, a kidney infection and cellulitis, which the pneumonia guide, the urinary tract infection care page and the cellulitis guide describe.

Who is more likely to develop it

Anyone with an infection can get sepsis, but MedlinePlus lists adults 65 or older; people with long-lasting conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease; people with weakened immune systems; pregnant women; and children younger than one. That makes routine care for chronic conditions part of prevention. The practice lists diabetes management among its services, and the chronic kidney disease guide describes how kidney function is followed.

What happens in the hospital

MedlinePlus says severe sepsis can lead to septic shock, in which blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and several organs can fail. Providers check vital signs, order lab tests for infection or organ damage, and may order x-rays or a CT scan to find the infection. Treatment usually includes antibiotics given as quickly as possible, oxygen and fluids through a vein, treating the source of the infection and, if needed, medicines to raise blood pressure. The sick visit, urgent care or ER guide explains where to go when you are unsure.

Preventing the infections that lead to it

MedlinePlus advises taking good care of any chronic health conditions, getting recommended vaccines, practicing good hygiene such as handwashing, and keeping cuts clean and covered until healed. The practice does not list vaccines among its services, so ask your provider where to get them. For feet and skin that heal slowly, the diabetic foot care guide and the slow-healing wounds guide describe what to watch for and when to be seen.

Where primary care fits

A primary care visit is where a bladder infection, a skin infection or a chest infection that is not improving can be looked at early, before it becomes dangerous. The practice lists urinary tract infection care among its services, and same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome. After a hospital stay, the encyclopedia notes that damage from poor blood flow to the brain, heart and kidneys may take time to improve, and follow-up visits help track that recovery. The same-day sick visit guide explains what to expect. People whose white blood cell count is low have a harder time fighting infection, and the low white blood cell count guide explains the causes and when a fever should be checked the same day.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Sepsis (health topic)
• MedlinePlus: Sepsis (medical encyclopedia)