Sepsis Infection: Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

Sepsis is a serious emergency caused by the body's sudden and severe response to infections. It can be life-threatening and needs immediate emergency care as it can lead to multiple organ damage and death.  

What is sepsis:

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death globally and occurs due to an extreme reaction of the body's immune system to an infection. This severe response destroys the body’s organs, leading to multi-organ failure, shock, and death. It can affect individuals at any age. Early diagnosis and timely treatment, along with preventive care, can help to manage sepsis and increase the chance of survival.  

What causes sepsis:

Bacterial infections mainly cause sepsis, but additional fungal, parasitic, and viral infections can accelerate the progression. These infections trigger severe immune reactions in the body, destroying the organs. Sepsis infection can begin in any body organ. The most common organs that trigger sepsis infections include

• respiratory infections due to pneumonia,  
• urinary tract infections due to a catheter,  
• gastrointestinal infections caused by infected appendix, bowel infections, gall bladder, or liver infections
• Brain and spinal cord infections  
• Bacterial infections of the skin  
• Cellulitis  
• Infections caused due to drug-resistant microorganisms and those not responding to antibiotics can cause sepsis infections.  

Who are more at risk of sepsis infections:

Sepsis infections are a life-threatening medical emergency. There are certain groups of individuals who have an increased chance of getting sepsis. Old age, pregnant women, infants, new borns, hospitalized individuals, intensive care admitted individuals, individuals with a weak immune system, individuals with long-term medical diseases, or those undergoing treatments for long periods are at high risk of developing sepsis infections.  

How do Sepsis symptoms look like:

Sepsis infections show different signs and symptoms as they affect multiple organs. Most of them look like:

• Fever
• Chills and shivering
• Breathing difficulty  
• Severe body pain and discomfort  
• Decreased urine output  
• Increased heart rate  
• Dropping blood pressure  
• Children may develop convulsions or seizures and reduced response  
• In children less than 5 years old, reduced urination, frequent vomiting, and feeding difficulties are seen.  
• Healthcare providers classify sepsis into three stages based on the signs of sepsis:
• Sepsis
• Severe sepsis  
• Septic shock.  

How are sepsis infections treated:

Sepsis infections can cause sepsis shock and death if they are not recognized promptly. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in detecting sepsis infections. Physical examination and blood tests can detect sepsis.  

Blood investigations include complete blood counts, blood cultures, liver and kidney tests, and electrolyte abnormalities. Urinalysis and specific imaging tests also monitor blood oxygen saturation.  

A bedside sepsis criteria assessment tool called the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) is used to diagnose sepsis. This includes a suspicion of sepsis infection with at least two of the criteria below.  

• Low blood pressure (less than 100mm of mercury)
• Faster respiratory rate (greater than 22 breaths per minute)
• A Glasgow coma scale score of 15 or less indicates the level of consciousness.  

After confirming the sepsis infection, sepsis treatment will be started immediately. Individuals suspected to have sepsis are transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital to take more appropriate care.  

• Antibiotics help combat bacterial or other infections.  
• Fluids are given to maintain blood pressure and provide blood flow and nutrients to the body's organs.  
• Vasopressor medications are prescribed to maintain blood pressure by tightening the blood vessels.  
• Supportive care is given to appropriate organs based on their functioning levels, like dialysis for kidney failure and ventilators for respiratory failure.  
• Surgery may be needed if any infected tissue is in the body.  

Sepsis prevention:

• Sepsis infections can be prevented by the following:
• Good hygiene practices  
• Maintaining the wounds clean  
• Proper vaccinations  
• Getting regular medical care for long-term infections  

Sepsis infections can be life-threatening and have to be recognized and treated immediately to increase the chance of survival.