Understanding the Danger of Sepsis: What It Is and When to Seek Medical Care
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and, if untreated, death. It is a medical emergency that can develop rapidly and affect anyone, though it's more common in the very young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when an infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, spreads throughout the body and triggers an overactive immune response. While the body typically fights infections with inflammation, in sepsis, the immune response spirals out of control, causing inflammation to spread to healthy tissues and organs.
Common infections that can lead to sepsis include:
-
Pneumonia
-
Urinary tract infections
-
Infections in the abdomen or bloodstream
-
Skin infections like cellulitis
How Dangerous Is Sepsis?
Sepsis can progress quickly and become severe if not recognized early and treated promptly. In its advanced stages, sepsis can lead to septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously low, and multiple organs begin to fail. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.7 million people in the U.S. develop sepsis each year, and it contributes to more than 250,000 deaths annually.
The faster sepsis is treated, the better the chances of recovery. Delays in recognizing and addressing the condition increase the risk of severe complications or even death.
Symptoms of Sepsis
Sepsis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses. However, there are several key signs that may indicate sepsis:
-
High or Low Body Temperature – A fever above 101°F (38.3°C) or a low body temperature below 96.8°F (36°C).
-
Rapid Heart Rate – A heart rate above 90 beats per minute.
-
Fast Breathing – Breathing more than 20 times per minute or feeling short of breath.
-
Extreme Confusion or Disorientation – A sudden change in mental status, including confusion or difficulty thinking clearly.
-
Severe Weakness – Feeling unusually weak, dizzy, or lightheaded.
-
Low Blood Pressure – This can cause dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
-
Signs of Infection – Redness, swelling, or discharge from a wound, or a history of an infection in the lungs, urinary tract, or elsewhere.
When to Seek Medical Care
Sepsis is a true medical emergency. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of sepsis, especially after an infection, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:
-
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
-
Extreme weakness or dizziness
-
Fever, chills, or an unusually low body temperature
-
Confusion or altered mental state
-
Uncontrollable shivering or muscle pain
Because sepsis can escalate rapidly, immediate medical attention is essential to increase the chances of survival. Treatment often involves antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care to stabilize blood pressure and organ function. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms and when to seek medical care can save lives. Early treatment is the key to recovery and preventing life-threatening complications.
Emergency medical care is available 24/7 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center and the freestanding emergency department in Mount Holly. Review the emergency medical services available closest to you and remember, sepsis is best managed and treated when it is identified early.