Features of sepsis

Sepsis is the body's dangerous, poorly controlled response to an infection. It may begin with an infection in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or another area. A person may become unusually drowsy, confused, breathless, dizzy, or unable to keep fluids down. Skin can feel cold or sweaty, and urine may become much less frequent. The pattern can change quickly, so the absence of one feature does not rule it out.

Treat suspected sepsis as an emergency. Call local emergency services and explain that the person may have sepsis. Note when the changes began, the suspected infection, medicines, allergies, and any measured temperature. Keep the person supervised, resting in a safe position, and warm without overheating. Do not delay emergency help while trying home remedies.

Seek emergency care immediately for confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, blue or mottled skin, a seizure, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent assessment is also needed when fever or chills occur with a known infection and the person looks markedly unwell, especially if they are very young, older, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system.

Ask what infection may be causing the illness, which warning changes should prompt a return to hospital, and how medicines, fluids, and monitoring will be managed.