“It’s just a little cut. What the worst that could happen?”
Sepsis. That’s what.
There’s a reason doctors, nurses and mothers everywhere are adamant that even minor cuts and scrapes are carefully cleaned and bandaged. You never know what bacteria may be lurking, and even a small injury can open the door to a serious infection and a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system has an uncontrolled and overwhelming response to an infection—this can also be called “Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.” This outsized immune response can lead the body to attack itself, causing extensive inflammation throughout the body, resulting in serious tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Importantly, sepsis is not the underlying infection itself.
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency and should be treated immediately by healthcare professionals. If untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock—a dangerous and dramatic drop in blood pressure that causes severe damage to major organs like the lungs, liver and kidneys, and has a 30%-40% mortality rate.
If sepsis is suspected, seek care at the nearest Emergency Room or hospital. The sooner treatment begins, the better.
Signs & Symptoms of Sepsis
Because sepsis is the result of an existing infection, symptoms may differ depending on that original infection. However, there are some general symptoms of sepsis to keep an eye out for, including:
- Change in mental status, such as confusion or agitation
- Fast/shallow breathing
- Fatigue/low energy
- Shaking, shivering or chills
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Fast heart rate or low pulse
- Rash
- Increased severity of symptoms from the original infection, such as increased pain when urinating with a urinary tract infection or a worsening cough while fighting pneumonia. This can be a sign that the infection is worsening and/or sepsis.
The Stages of Sepsis
Sepsis can be divided into three stages—sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. All are life-threatening and all require immediate medical attention.
Sepsis: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome has set in and symptoms will appear
Severe Sepsis: Rampant inflammation causes major organ dysfunction and low blood pressure
Septic Shock: Blood pressure is extremely low, organs are failing and death is imminent without immediate medical treatment
If you suspect sepsis at any stage, seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes Sepsis?
Any infection can lead to sepsis, but bacterial infections are a more common cause than viral, fungal or parasitic infections. (Hint: this is why antibacterial ointment is great for cuts and scrapes.) Some of the areas of the body and infections most commonly associated with sepsis are:
- Urinary tract infections, especially if using a catheter
- Pneumonia and other respiratory infections of the lungs
- Appendicitis
- Peritonitis, or infection of abdominal cavity
- Liver infections
- Gall bladder infections
- Infected cuts or scrapes on the skin
How to Prevent Sepsis
The easiest way to prevent sepsis is simply to practice good hygiene.
Wash hands, keep your environment free of mold and grime, and carefully clean and bandage any injuries. Stay up-to-date on immunizations and contact a healthcare provider if you suspect any infection.
Seeking Treatment for Sepsis
If you suspect sepsis, seek emergency care immediately.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can quickly progress to septic shock, leading to organ failure and death.
To find the location of the nearest Sarasota Memorial Emergency Room, click here.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and uses duct tape for band-aids.