Understanding death by sepsis

Sepsis is the body's harmful, uncontrolled response to an infection. The infection may start in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or another site; pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and cellulitis are possible starting points. Inflammation and changes in blood flow can reduce oxygen delivery to organs. Without rapid treatment, the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, or other organs may stop working properly. Sepsis can affect people of any age, including someone whose original infection seemed limited.

Treat sepsis as an emergency. Call local emergency services or go to an emergency department when a person with a possible infection becomes rapidly or markedly unwell. Note when symptoms began, recent infections, medicines, allergies, and any medical conditions, but do not delay transport to gather information. Keep the person accompanied, follow the emergency operator's instructions, and do not rely on leftover antibiotics or home remedies.

Get emergency help for new confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, mottled or unusually cold skin, very little urine, or severe weakness. Fever or chills, feeling generally unwell, and a fast deterioration can also occur. A person may have sepsis without a high temperature, so a normal temperature does not make serious illness safe to ignore. Trust a rapid change in condition, particularly in an older adult or someone with reduced immunity.

Where might the infection have started? Which signs should my family watch for after discharge? How should medicines be taken, and when should worsening symptoms trigger a return to emergency care?