Sepsis

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Sepsis is a medical emergency. It is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive.

In the UK, statistics show that 245,000 people are affected by sepsis, with at least 45,000 people losing their lives due to sepsis-related illness every year. It is very important to identify the symptoms at the earlier stages to treat it with appropriate antibiotics.

It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and even death if not recognised and treated promptly. There is no single sign or diagnostic test, and sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy. 

Sepsis always starts with an infection, such as chest infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is not known why some people develop sepsis in response to these common infections, whereas others don’t.  

How to spot sepsis in adults/elderly population

  • S – Slurred speech/confusion
  • E – Extreme shivering/muscle pain
  • P – Passing no urine in a day
  • S – Severe breathlessness
  • I – It feels like you are going to die
  • S – Skin mottled or discoloured
Information:

Call 999 or visit A&E if you or another adult has one of these symptoms and ask – could this be sepsis?

Frequently asked questions

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. It’s caused by the body’s response to an infection. We know that sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death, particularly if not treated quickly. 

We know that not every infection can lead to sepsis, but when it does, it’s as dangerous or more dangerous than other common conditions like heart attack or stroke.

Anyone with an infection can get sepsis, especially when their immune system is compromised.

Call 999 or visit A&E if you or another adult has any of the symptoms and ask – could this be sepsis?

Safety netting is where a patient with an infection has been clinically assessed and thought not to have sepsis, but the patient/carer is given information on what to look out for that should prompt them to seek further clinical assessment.

Sepsis can be difficult to spot for the patient, their loved ones and health professionals, particularly in the earlier stages. There is no single sign and no single diagnostic test – symptoms can also present differently in adults and children. Sepsis is a medical diagnosis and requires a full clinical assessment.

Recovery time varies for each person. Generally, it can take a few weeks to a few months, but for some it can take longer. There are contributing factors that can influence recovery such as age, medical history, length of hospital stay and whether or not an admission to Critical Care was required. For people who have suffered significant organ damage, recovery can take time and be complex, often involving ongoing treatment requiring input from multiple specialists.

Information resources