Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive in response to an infection.

While sepsis can affect anyone, it is most common in people who are already weakened by illness or injury, and it can become serious very quickly, so recognizing the early signs is crucial to effective treatment. In this article, we will look at some of the most common symptoms of sepsis and what you can do if you think you may be experiencing them.

What Causes Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive in response to an infection.

This can happen as a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection anywhere in the body, including the lungs, skin, urinary tract, and digestive system. In some cases, sepsis can also be caused by other health problems, such as pneumonia, diabetes, or cancer, or by medical treatments like surgery.

While anyone can develop sepsis, it is most common in people who are already weakened by illness, injury, or age, and in those with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms of Sepsis

Recognizing the early signs of sepsis is important because the condition can become serious very quickly. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:.

High Fever

One of the most common signs of sepsis is a high fever. While a fever is often the body’s way of fighting off an infection, a high fever that does not respond to medication or lasts for more than a few days can be a sign that sepsis has set in.

If you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher and are experiencing other symptoms of sepsis, such as chills or shaking, seek medical attention right away.

Rapid Breathing

If you feel like you are breathing fast or having trouble catching your breath, this can be a sign of sepsis.

Rapid breathing is often a sign that the body is working hard to fight off an infection, but if it continues for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms of sepsis, such as chest pain or coughing up blood, it may be a sign that you need urgent medical attention.

Rapid Heart Rate

If your heart rate is racing or you feel like your heart is pounding in your chest, this can be a sign that your body is under stress due to an infection.

A rapid heart rate can also be a sign of sepsis, so if you are experiencing this symptom, along with other signs such as a fever or rapid breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Extreme Fatigue

Feeling tired or exhausted is a common symptom of many illnesses, but if you are feeling extremely fatigued and are having trouble staying awake or alert, this can be a sign that your body is fighting off a serious infection.

If you are experiencing other symptoms of sepsis, such as a fever or rapid heart rate, and are feeling extremely tired, seek medical attention right away.

Confusion or Disorientation

If you are feeling confused or disoriented, this can be a sign of sepsis. Confusion is often a sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen or that the infection is affecting the brain.

If you are experiencing confusion or disorientation along with other symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention right away.

Chills or Shaking

Chills or shaking can be a sign of many illnesses, but if you are experiencing this along with a fever and other symptoms of sepsis, it can be a sign that your body is in distress.

If you are experiencing chills or shaking along with other symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention immediately.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Diarrhea or vomiting can be a sign of many illnesses, but if you are experiencing these symptoms along with a fever and other signs of sepsis, such as extreme fatigue or rapid breathing, it can be a sign that the infection has spread to other areas of the body. If you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting along with other symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention right away.

Pain or Discomfort

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any part of your body, this can be a sign of sepsis. Pain or discomfort can be a sign that the infection has spread to other parts of the body, or that the body is under stress due to the infection.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort along with other symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention immediately.

Low Urine Output

If you are producing less urine than usual, this can be a sign of sepsis. Low urine output can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can be a serious complication of sepsis.

If you are experiencing low urine output along with other symptoms of sepsis, such as a fever or chills, seek medical attention right away.

Pale or Mottled Skin

If you notice that your skin looks pale or mottled, this can be a sign of sepsis. Pale or mottled skin can be a sign that the body is not getting enough oxygen, which can be a serious complication of sepsis.

If you notice changes in your skin color along with other symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do If You Think You Have Sepsis

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sepsis, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Sepsis can become serious very quickly, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible.

If you have a fever, rapid heart rate, or other signs of sepsis, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

When you arrive at the hospital, the doctors will perform a physical exam and run some tests to determine if you have sepsis.

Treatment for sepsis usually involves antibiotics and other medications to help control the infection and reduce inflammation in the body. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor your condition and provide supportive care.

Conclusion

Sepsis is a serious condition that can have serious complications if left untreated. Recognizing the early signs of sepsis is crucial to getting effective treatment and avoiding serious complications.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention right away. With early treatment, most people with sepsis make a full recovery.