What does sepsis mean in medical terms?

An infection may begin in the lungs, urinary system, skin, or another area. In sepsis, the immune response becomes widespread and can disturb blood flow, breathing, alertness, and the work of organs. The infection itself may be caused by conditions such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or cellulitis. Sepsis is sometimes called blood poisoning, although that phrase does not fully explain the process.

Possible features include fever or feeling unusually cold, chills, marked weakness, fast breathing, confusion, clammy skin, or passing much less urine. These signs can have other causes, so a symptom alone cannot diagnose sepsis.

Treat suspected sepsis as an urgent problem. Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department, especially if someone is confused, very drowsy, struggling to breathe, faint, or rapidly getting worse. Tell the clinician about the possible infection, new symptoms, medicines, and relevant medical conditions. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused, and do not delay care while trying to confirm the cause at home.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue or grey lips, fainting, cold mottled skin, or a sudden severe deterioration. Urgent assessment is also appropriate when infection symptoms combine with profound weakness, shaking chills, or a clear change from usual behaviour. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system may need particularly prompt attention.

Ask which infection may be responsible, what observations and tests are needed, how treatment will be monitored, and which changes should prompt immediate return for help.