Sepsis explained: Symptoms, causes and why acting fast saves lives

Knowing sepsis symptoms empowers you to act fast when every minute matters

Dealing with a bad cut? UTI or pneumonia? Most infections get better with treatment. But sometimes the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that can develop unpredictably and progress quickly. But early recognition of sepsis symptoms and rapid care can save a life — maybe even your own.

“Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection becomes uncontrolled and triggers a cascade of inflammatory processes that can lead to widespread tissue injury and organ dysfunction,” says Taesung Kwon, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Geisinger. “It can advance in a matter of hours — and in some cases, minutes when it advances to septic shock — and lead to organ failure and even death without emergency care.”

Trust your instincts. If an infection is getting worse or something seems seriously wrong, don’t delay getting help.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that triggers a widespread, abnormal immune response that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissues and organs.

Instead of a controlled response when bacteria, viruses or fungi enter the body, the immune system releases chemicals that set off a chain reaction of inflammation and clotting throughout the body. Blood vessels can become leaky, blood pressure can drop and tiny clots can block blood flow.

“As a result, vital organs like the brain, kidneys, heart and lungs may not get enough oxygen to function properly,” says Dr. Kwon. “As this process unfolds, organ dysfunction may show up as confusion, decreased urine output, shortness of breath or abnormal lab results. Left untreated, it can progress quickly.”

The most severe stage is septic shock, which occurs when blood pressure remains dangerously low despite treatment. Septic shock requires intensive care and carries a high risk of death.

What causes sepsis?

Any infection can lead to sepsis. Bacteria are the most common culprits, but viruses and fungi can also trigger it.

Common infections that can lead to sepsis include:

Pneumonia and other lung infections
Urinary tract and kidney infections
Abdominal infections, such as appendicitis or gallbladder infections
Skin infections, including large wounds or burns
Bloodstream infections
Device-related infections, such as infected IV lines, cardiac devices or urinary catheters

Anyone can develop sepsis, but some people are at a greater risk.

“Older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver disease are more vulnerable,” says Dr. Kwon. “People recovering from surgery or severe injuries like large burns or wounds also are at risk.”

What are sepsis symptoms?

Spotting sepsis symptoms early is critical. If you or a loved one have an infection and start to feel much worse, don’t wait to get medical care.

Early sepsis symptoms may include:

Fever or unusually low body temperature
Chills or shivering
Fast heart rate
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Confusion or disorientation
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Severe pain or discomfort

As sepsis worsens, warning signs of severe sepsis or septic shock can include:

Extremely low blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting
Cold, clammy or mottled skin
Decreased urine output
Difficulty breathing or bluish lips or fingertips
Severe confusion, agitation or unresponsiveness
Very high fever or abnormally low body temperature
Worsening pain

If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room right away. Every hour counts.

How is sepsis treated?

Sepsis treatment begins immediately. The goals are to control the infection, stabilize blood pressure and oxygen delivery, and prevent or limit organ damage. The first hour matters most because rapid care greatly improves the chances of survival.

Sepsis treatment typically includes:

Antibiotics. Doctors start broad-spectrum antibiotics as soon as sepsis is recognized, often within the first hour. Once tests identify the source of the infection and exact germ, treatment is adjusted.
IV fluids. Fluids through an IV help keep blood pressure from dropping too low and improve blood flow to vital organs.
Blood pressure medications. If blood pressure remains dangerously low, medication may be given to narrow blood vessels and help improve circulation.
Organ supportive care. If organ failure occurs, treatment may include dialysis for kidney failure, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for breathing problems, and medicines to support heart function.

In addition, the critical care team will focus on treating the source of the infection. This could involve draining pus from an abscess, replacing an infected catheter, cleaning an infected wound or surgery to remove infected or damaged tissue.

“Continuous monitoring and around-the-clock care, often in the intensive care unit, are crucial to allow the care team to respond quickly to any changes in a patient’s condition,” says Dr. Kwon.

With early diagnosis and treatment, many people recover from sepsis. However, recovery can take weeks or even months, especially after severe illness. The body has been through a lot, and some people need ongoing rehabilitation or follow-up care.

Tips on how to prevent sepsis

While not all cases of sepsis can be prevented, many begin with infections that can be avoided or treated before they become severe.

You can reduce your risk by:

Washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Staying up to date on recommended vaccines for common illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia
Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, with your doctor
Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed and finishing the entire course
Cleaning and covering cuts, scrapes and surgical wounds until they heal
Seeking medical care immediately if a wound becomes red, warm, swollen, painful or has pus, or if you develop a fever

Sepsis can happen to anyone, and it often develops faster than people realize. Knowing the symptoms and seeking emergency care at the first sign of trouble saves lives.

“If you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from an infection or procedure, talk with your care team about warning signs to watch for and ways to prevent sepsis,” says Dr. Kwon. “Recognizing sepsis symptoms empowers you to act quickly when every minute matters.”