Sepsis
Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection. It occurs when the body overreacts to an infection, triggering an inflammatory response that can damage tissues and vital organs, potentially impairing their function.
It can affect anyone with an active infection, but those most at risk include newborns, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
If recognized and treated promptly, sepsis can be overcome without long-term consequences. However, without rapid intervention, it can lead to severe or fatal outcomes.
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On this page
- What Is Sepsis?
- What Are the Symptoms of Sepsis?
- How Do You Diagnose Sepsis?
- How Do You Treat Sepsis?
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response of the body to an infection. When the immune system fights an infection, it releases chemicals into the bloodstream to combat it. However, in some cases, this reaction becomes excessive and uncontrolled, leading to widespread inflammation that damages tissues and vital organs.
The greatest risks stem from organ dysfunction and the potential progression to septic shock—a particularly dangerous complication in which blood pressure drops dramatically due to poor circulation. In such conditions, critical organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver may fail within a short time.
Septic shock has a high mortality rate, affecting up to 50% of cases, and is considered the most feared outcome of sepsis. For this reason, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of sepsis early and begin treatment immediately to reduce the risk of serious complications and improve the chances of full recovery
Sepsis and septicemia are not the same thing
The terms sepsis and septicemia are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different conditions:
- Septicemia: This is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia), a serious condition that can progress to sepsis if the body develops a systemic inflammatory response.
- Sepsis: This is the body’s inflammatory response to an infection, which may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or—less commonly—fungi. Sepsis can occur in the presence of septicemia, but it can also develop without detectable bacteria in the blood.
What Are the Symptoms of Sepsis?
Recognizing sepsis in its early stages can be challenging, as symptoms often resemble those of other common conditions. For this reason, clinicians look for the presence of at least two or more of the following clinical indicators:
- Elevated heart rate: over 90 beats per minute.
- Rapid breathing: more than 20 breaths per minute.
- Abnormal body temperature: above 38°C (100.4°F) or below 36°C (96.8°F).
- Presence of infection: confirmed or suspected, supported by blood tests (such as white blood cell count).
In addition to these parameters, other frequent symptoms may include:
- Chills or shivering.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Intense, widespread pain.
- Extreme fatigue and general malaise.
- Moist or sweaty skin.
- Confusion or altered mental state.
The presence of one or more of these symptoms—especially in high-risk individuals—requires immediate medical attention. Sepsis is a medical emergency that must be treated promptly.
How Do You Diagnose Sepsis?
Sepsis can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional following a direct evaluation of the patient. The diagnostic process includes:
- Collection of clinical information: symptoms, medical history, and any recent infections.
- Physical examination: assessment of temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
- Blood tests: detection of microorganisms in the bloodstream, white blood cell count, and other markers to evaluate potential organ damage.
- Additional diagnostic tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to identify the source of infection and confirm the diagnosis.
How Do You Treat Sepsis?
Treatment for sepsis depends on the underlying infection, the organs affected, and the severity of the clinical condition. In most cases, at the first signs of sepsis, the physician prescribes hospitalization to conduct diagnostic tests and begin therapy immediately. However, diagnosis often occurs in emergency settings when the patient is already in critical condition.
Antibiotic therapy
The primary goal is to stop the infection that triggered sepsis. For this reason, treatment almost always begins with the immediate administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, while awaiting blood culture results to identify the specific bacteria responsible.
If sepsis is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective, but they are still administered initially to avoid delaying treatment. When a viral infection is confirmed, specific antiviral drugs may not always be available. In such cases, the immune system must fight the infection, supported by symptomatic care and medical monitoring.
Additional therapies for managing sepsis
In addition to antibiotics, medical professionals may use various treatments to stabilize the patient and minimize organ damage:
- Intravenous fluid administration to maintain blood pressure.
- Vasopressor medications to raise arterial pressure.
- Mechanical ventilation to ensure oxygen delivery in cases of respiratory failure.
- Insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Surgical intervention to remove any tissue damaged by the infection.
Prognosis and duration of treatment
The speed of intervention is the most critical factor influencing prognosis: timely treatment of sepsis can prevent permanent organ damage and significantly increase the chances of full recovery.
The length of hospital stay depends on the patient's overall health and the severity of the infection. Typically, a few days of hospitalization are required, but in cases involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria or severe organ damage, treatment may be longer and more complex.
Reviewed August 2025.