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What is sepsis and what are the symptoms? Knowing these signs could save a life

As it's announced sepsis deaths have risen by more than a third, here's what it is and how you can stay safe - know the symptoms

[Sepsis]

Health issues: Sepsis is a form of blood poisoning which puts the immune system into overdrive(Image: NHS)

Most people think flu-like symptoms are a sign they're coming down with a cold, but they can actually be far more serious.

Recognising sepsis blood poisoning in time for treatment could save someone's life, according to NHS Choices.

Without being treated quickly, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure - and even death.

There have been multiple cases in the news of people who thought they had a common cold, or who were misdiagnosed, actually having sepsis, a rare but serious complication arising from infection.

So what is sepsis and how do you recognise it? Here's everything you need to know.

[EMB-PROD-02_07_CORO_JACK_SOPHIE_ALI_01.jpg]

Jack has been left fighting for his life (Image: ITV)

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection.

The infection may have started anywhere in a sufferers body, and may be only in one part of the body or it may be widespread.

Sepsis can occur following chest or water infections, problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like cuts and bites.

If not treated quickly, sepsis can eventually lead to multiple organ failure and death.

[Sepsis]

Deadly diagnosis: Sepsis can occur following chest or water infections(Image: Getty)

The Sepsis Trust has more details about it.

Every year, at least 250,000 people develop sepsis in the UK 44,000 die and 60,000 suffer permanent, life-changing after-effects.

Getting diagnosis and treatment earlier could prevent at least 14,000 unnecessary deaths every year and save millions of pounds.

What does sepsis do to the body?

[Doctor reads a blood pressure gauge]

Blood pressure: Sepsis can lead to a significant drop, causing dizzy spells and fainting

In sepsis, the bodys immune system goes into overdrive, says the NHS, setting off a series of reactions including widespread inflammation, swelling and blood clotting.

This can lead to a significant decrease in blood pressure, which can mean the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys is reduced.

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

[Sepsis]

Diagnosis given: Early symptoms of sepsis can include high temperature or fever, chills and shivering, a speeded-up heartbeat and fast breathing(Image: Rex)

Early symptoms of sepsis usually develop quickly and can include:

High temperature or fever,

• Chills and shivering,
• A sped-up heartbeat
• Fast breathing

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

These can include:

• Feeling dizzy or faint,
• Confusion or disorientation,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Diarrhoea and cold,
• Clammy and pale or mottled skin

When should I call the doctor?

[THE young boy died in Wishaw General Hospital]

Severe sepsis: The diagnosis constitutes a medical emergency so calling 999 is advised(Image: Daily Record)

See your GP immediately if you have recently had an infection or injury and you have possible early signs of sepsis.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies. If you think that you or someone in your care has one of these conditions, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Sepsis in children under five

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Keep an eye on your little one for the symptoms(Image: iStockphoto)

Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child has any of these symptoms:

• looks mottled, bluish or pale
• is very lethargic or difficult to wake
• feels abnormally cold to touch
• is breathing very fast
• has a rash that does not fade when you press it
• has a fit or convulsion

Temperature

• temperature over 38C in babies under three months
• temperature over 39C in babies aged three to six months
• any high temperature in a child who cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
• low temperature (below 36C check three times in a 10-minute period)

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Infections in the blood(Image: Science Photo Library RF)

Breathing

• finding it much harder to breathe than normal looks like hard work
• making "grunting" noises with every breath
• can't say more than a few words at once (for older children who normally talk)
• breathing that obviously "pauses"

Toilet/nappies

• not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours

Eating and drinking

• new baby under one month old with no interest in feeding
• not drinking for more than eight hours (when awake)
• bile-stained (green), bloody or black vomit/sick

Activity and body

• soft spot on a baby's head is bulging
• eyes look "sunken"
• child cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
• baby is floppy
• weak, "whining" or continuous crying in a younger child
• older child who's confused
• not responding or very irritable
• stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down

In older children and adults

Early symptoms of sepsis may include:

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

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If you have diarrhoea it may be a sign(Image: Flickr RF)

Symptoms of more serious sepsis can develop soon after.

• 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

Who can get sepsis?

[Senior man covering his face]

Vulnerable groups: Anyone can develop sepsis after an injury or minor infection(Image: Getty)

Anyone can develop sepsis after an injury or minor infection, although some people are more vulnerable.

People most at risk of sepsis include those with a medical condition or receiving medical treatment that weakens their immune system, those who are already in hospital with a serious illness, those who are very young or very old or those who have just had surgery or who have wounds or injuries as a result of an accident.

How is sepsis treated?

[A stethoscope is pictured in a General Practitioners surgery]

Medical help: If sepsis is suspected, antibiotics can help to treat it(Image: Getty)

If sepsis is detected early and has not yet affected vital organs, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics. Most people who have sepsis detected at this stage will make a full recovery.

Some people with severe sepsis and most people with septic shock require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), where the bodys organs can be supported while the infection is treated.

As a result of problems with vital organs, people with severe sepsis are likely to be very ill and the condition can be fatal.

However, if identified and treated quickly, sepsis is treatable and in most cases leads to full recovery with no lasting problems.

You may need to give a blood test. Other tests used include:

• urine or stool samples
• a wound culture where a small sample of tissue, skin or fluid is taken from the affected area for testing
• respiratory secretion testing taking a sample of saliva, phlegm or mucus
• blood pressure tests
• imaging studies - like an X-ray

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