Understanding Sepsis

Sepsis, also referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a potentially life-threatening condition, triggered by an infection or injury.

In sepsis, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight an infection.

This can reduce the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys.

Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms of sepsis may include:

• a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
  
• chills and shivering
  
• a fast heartbeat
  
• fast breathing
  

In some cases, symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock (when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level) develop soon after.

These can include:

• feeling dizzy or faint
  
• a change in mental state, such as confusion or disorientation
  
• diarrhoea
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
• slurred speech
  
• severe muscle pain
  
• severe breathlessness
  
• less urine production than normal (for example, not urinating for a day)
  
• cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
  
• loss of consciousness