What is sepsis?

Sepsis is common and a potentially life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. The body may then ‘shut down’ parts, such as the kidneys, lungs, heart and brain, to protect itself.

Sepsis is a medical emergency as it is potentially life-threatening and can result in organ failure and death. Patients with sepsis are up to five times more likely to die than patients who have had a heart attack or stroke. Sepsis is serious, but diagnosing it quickly and giving antibiotics early can prevent it becoming more severe.

What causes sepsis?

Sepsis is caused by infection in the body and some of the common sources are:

  • Chest infection (pneumonia)
  • Urinary infection Brain infection
  • Stomach infection Skin, joint and soft tissue infections – abscesses, wounds and pressure ulcers
  • Bone or joint infection

Anybody can be at risk of sepsis, but some are more likely to develop sepsis, including those who:

  • Are older (over 75) or younger (under 1)
  • Are receiving medication that suppresses your immune system such as chemotherapy or taking long-term steroids
  • Have any breach of their skin (wounds, cuts, burns, blisters, pressure sores or skin infections)
  • Have an impaired immune system because of illness or drugs, e.g. diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, splenectomy
  • Have had cancer treatment in the past 30 days Have recently (past 6 weeks) had surgery or chemotherapy
  • Have had an organ transplant and are taking antirejection drugs Have an infection or a complication after an operation
  • Have a urinary catheter/central catheter (PICC line) Are pregnant or have given birth/ miscarried within the past 6 weeks
  • Misuse intravenous drugs 

What are the symptoms?

If you have, or suspect you may have, an infection and you have one or more of the following symptoms you may be experiencing signs of sepsis.

Some of the symptoms include:

  • Slurred speech or new confusion
  • Extreme shivering or muscle pain
  • Passing no urine (in a day)
  • Severe breathlessness (shortness of breath or struggling to breath)
  • ‘I feel I might die
  • Skin mottled or discoloured
  • High or low temperature
  • Feeling unwell or different to normal
  • Increased irritability or restlessness

What should I do if I am worried I have an infection or sepsis?

If you or your relative are worried you have an infection please contact your GP or call 111 If you or your relative are worried you have symptoms of sepsis please urgently call 999 or visit A&E.

Treatment

If sepsis is detected early enough and has not affected any organs or tissue function, it may be possible to treat the condition at home. If you are given antibiotics for treatment, it is really important that you complete the course, even if you start to feel better before the tablets are finished.

If you have developed complications, hospital treatment will be required and the treatment of sepsis includes:

  • Antibiotics Fluids – through an intravenous catheter (drip)
  • Oxygen Source control – this means treating the source of the infection, such as an abscess or infected wound

Sources of information and support

Sepsis is recognised as a significant cause of illness and death in the NHS, with around 48,000 deaths in the UK attributed to sepsis annually. There are a number of organisations that provide support and advice for people who have had a diagnosis of sepsis and their families, including The UK Sepsis Trust:

Telephone – 0800 389 6255 

Acknowledgements

The UK Sepsis Trust

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS team.

Need mental health support?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or call NHS 111, selecting option 2.

Text support can be reached by messaging Shout, which is a free, confidential and 24/7 texting service. Simply text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Further support is available through Kooth offering self-help resources, online messaging and support for young people aged 11 to 25. 

Additionally, the Hub of Hope provides a directory of mental health support and services across the UK.