Clinical features of sepsis

Sepsis is a dangerous response to an infection that can disrupt the function of organs. It may begin with an infection in the lungs, urinary tract, skin or another area. A person may become unusually drowsy, confused, breathless or weak. Skin can feel cold or clammy, urine may become much less frequent, and pain or discomfort may be severe. Not everyone has every feature, and the overall change from usual health is significant.

Treat suspected sepsis as an emergency. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department, especially when someone is confused, struggling to breathe, faint, difficult to wake, or rapidly deteriorating. Tell the team about the possible source of infection, recent procedures, medicines, allergies and the time the change began. Do not wait for a rash or for every symptom to appear. Keep the person supervised and follow emergency instructions.

Get immediate help for new confusion, severe breathlessness, fainting, mottled or unusually pale skin, inability to stay awake, or a rapid decline during an infection. Urgent assessment is also needed when fever or chills occur with profound weakness, very little urine, or a sense that something is seriously wrong. Sepsis can follow pneumonia, cellulitis or a urinary tract infection.

Ask what infection might be causing the illness, which observations need monitoring, what tests are being considered, and which changes require immediate escalation. Confirm the treatment schedule and how follow-up will be arranged after recovery.