BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSepsisSepticemia; Sepsis syndrome; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; SIRS; Septic shock Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs. Causes The symptoms of sepsis are not caused by the germs themselves. Instead, chemicals the body releases cause the response.A bacterial infection anywhere in the body may set off the response that leads to sepsis. Common places where an infection might start include the:Bloodstream Bones (common in children) Bowel (usually seen with peritonitis) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidneys (upper urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or urosepsis) Urinary tract infectionA urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lining of the brain (meningitis) MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver or gallbladder Lungs (bacterial pneumonia) Bacterial pneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin (cellulitis)CellulitisCellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. Sometimes, muscle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article For people in or recently discharged from the hospital, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown, known as bedsores or pressure ulcers.IntravenousIntravenous means "within a vein. " Most often it refers to giving medicines or fluids through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. This allows th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pressure ulcersA pressure sore is an area of the skin that breaks down when something keeps rubbing or pressing against the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sepsis most commonly affects infants or older adults. Symptoms In a person with sepsis, the blood pressure drops, resulting in shock (the inability to provide necessary blood perfusion to all of the organs in the body). Major organs and body systems, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system may stop working properly because of poor blood flow.ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A change in mental status and very fast breathing may be the earliest signs of sepsis.Change in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In general, symptoms of sepsis can include:Chills Confusion or delirium ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DeliriumDelirium is sudden severe confusion due to rapid changes in brain function that can occur with physical or mental illness.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia) HypothermiaHypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness due to low blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Rapid heartbeatA bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin rash or mottled skin Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mottled skinPatchy skin color is areas where the skin color is irregular with lighter or darker areas. Mottling or mottled skin refers to blood vessel changes i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Warm skin Exams and Tests Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history.The infection is often confirmed by a blood test. But a blood test may not reveal infection in people who have been receiving antibiotics. Some infections that can cause sepsis cannot be diagnosed by a blood test.Other tests that may be done include:Blood gases Blood gasesBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney function tests Kidney function testsKidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Platelet count, fibrin degradation products, and coagulation times (PT and PTT) to check for bleeding risk Platelet countA platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are particles in the blood that help the blood clot. ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fibrin degradation productsFibrin degradation products (FDPs) are the substances left behind when clots dissolve in the blood. A blood test can be done to measure these produc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PTProthrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot. It measures the functio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PTTPartial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It can help tell if you have a bleeding problem...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood cell count (CBC) Complete blood cell countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialWhite blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment A person with sepsis will be admitted to a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit (ICU). Antibiotics are usually given through a vein (intravenously) and need to be given as quickly as possible.Other medical treatments include:Oxygen to help with breathing Fluids given through a vein Medicines that increase blood pressure Dialysis if there is kidney failure DialysisDialysis treats end-stage kidney failure. It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot. This article focuses on peritoneal d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation) if there is lung failureMechanical ventilationA ventilator is a machine that breathes for you or helps you breathe. It is also called a breathing machine or respirator. The ventilator: Is attac...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Sepsis is often life threatening, especially in people with a weak immune system or a long-term (chronic) illness.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage caused by a decrease in blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys may take time to improve. There may be long-term problems with these organs. Prevention The risk of sepsis can be reduced by getting all recommended vaccines. In the hospital, careful hand washing can help prevent hospital-acquired infections that lead to sepsis. Prompt removal of urinary catheters and IV lines when they are no longer needed can also help prevent infections that lead to sepsis.Open ReferencesReferencesGordon AC, Russell JA. Shock syndromes related to sepsis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 94.Shapiro NI, Jones AE. Sepsis syndrome. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 127.van der Poll T, Wiersinga WJ. Sepsis and septic shock. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 73.AllVideoImagesTogIntensive care unit (ICU) - illustration An intensive care unit (ICU) is a section of a hospital or health care facility that provides care for patients with life-threatening health problems. These patients need constant monitoring and treatment, which may include support for vital functions. Common types of equipment used in the ICU include cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, drains, and catheters. The ICU may also be called an intensive therapy unit or critical care unit.Intensive care unit (ICU)illustrationIntensive care unit (ICU) - illustration An intensive care unit (ICU) is a section of a hospital or health care facility that provides care for patients with life-threatening health problems. These patients need constant monitoring and treatment, which may include support for vital functions. Common types of equipment used in the ICU include cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, drains, and catheters. The ICU may also be called an intensive therapy unit or critical care unit.Intensive care unit (ICU)illustrationRelated Information Urinary tract infection - adults(Condition)Peritonitis(Condition)Cellulitis(Condition)Community-acquired pneumonia in adults(Condition)Meningitis(Condition)Osteomyelitis(Condition)Intravenous(Special Topic)Shock(Injury)Confusion(Symptoms)Septic shock(Condition)Urinary tract infection - InDepth(In-Depth)Pneumonia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/29/2024 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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SepsisSepticemia; Sepsis syndrome; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; SIRS; Septic shock Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs. Causes The symptoms of sepsis are not caused by the germs themselves. Instead, chemicals the body releases cause the response.A bacterial infection anywhere in the body may set off the response that leads to sepsis. Common places where an infection might start include the:Bloodstream Bones (common in children) Bowel (usually seen with peritonitis) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidneys (upper urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or urosepsis) Urinary tract infectionA urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lining of the brain (meningitis) MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver or gallbladder Lungs (bacterial pneumonia) Bacterial pneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin (cellulitis)CellulitisCellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. Sometimes, muscle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article For people in or recently discharged from the hospital, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown, known as bedsores or pressure ulcers.IntravenousIntravenous means "within a vein. " Most often it refers to giving medicines or fluids through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. This allows th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Pressure ulcersA pressure sore is an area of the skin that breaks down when something keeps rubbing or pressing against the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sepsis most commonly affects infants or older adults. Symptoms In a person with sepsis, the blood pressure drops, resulting in shock (the inability to provide necessary blood perfusion to all of the organs in the body). Major organs and body systems, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system may stop working properly because of poor blood flow.ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A change in mental status and very fast breathing may be the earliest signs of sepsis.Change in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In general, symptoms of sepsis can include:Chills Confusion or delirium ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DeliriumDelirium is sudden severe confusion due to rapid changes in brain function that can occur with physical or mental illness.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia) HypothermiaHypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness due to low blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Rapid heartbeatA bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin rash or mottled skin Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mottled skinPatchy skin color is areas where the skin color is irregular with lighter or darker areas. Mottling or mottled skin refers to blood vessel changes i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Warm skin Exams and Tests Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history.The infection is often confirmed by a blood test. But a blood test may not reveal infection in people who have been receiving antibiotics. Some infections that can cause sepsis cannot be diagnosed by a blood test.Other tests that may be done include:Blood gases Blood gasesBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney function tests Kidney function testsKidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Platelet count, fibrin degradation products, and coagulation times (PT and PTT) to check for bleeding risk Platelet countA platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are particles in the blood that help the blood clot. ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fibrin degradation productsFibrin degradation products (FDPs) are the substances left behind when clots dissolve in the blood. A blood test can be done to measure these produc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PTProthrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot. It measures the functio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PTTPartial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It can help tell if you have a bleeding problem...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood cell count (CBC) Complete blood cell countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article White blood cell differentialWhite blood cell differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment A person with sepsis will be admitted to a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit (ICU). Antibiotics are usually given through a vein (intravenously) and need to be given as quickly as possible.Other medical treatments include:Oxygen to help with breathing Fluids given through a vein Medicines that increase blood pressure Dialysis if there is kidney failure DialysisDialysis treats end-stage kidney failure. It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot. This article focuses on peritoneal d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation) if there is lung failureMechanical ventilationA ventilator is a machine that breathes for you or helps you breathe. It is also called a breathing machine or respirator. The ventilator: Is attac...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Sepsis is often life threatening, especially in people with a weak immune system or a long-term (chronic) illness.ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage caused by a decrease in blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys may take time to improve. There may be long-term problems with these organs. Prevention The risk of sepsis can be reduced by getting all recommended vaccines. In the hospital, careful hand washing can help prevent hospital-acquired infections that lead to sepsis. Prompt removal of urinary catheters and IV lines when they are no longer needed can also help prevent infections that lead to sepsis.Open ReferencesReferencesGordon AC, Russell JA. Shock syndromes related to sepsis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 94.Shapiro NI, Jones AE. Sepsis syndrome. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 127.van der Poll T, Wiersinga WJ. Sepsis and septic shock. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 73.
