What should you know about septic lung infection?

Pneumonia is a common presentation of a lung infection and may be caused by bacteria, viruses or other organisms. Influenza and COVID-19 can affect the lungs. Sepsis is the body's harmful response to infection, which can impair breathing, circulation and organ function.

Cough, fever, chills and coughing up phlegm can occur with pneumonia, but symptoms alone cannot show whether sepsis is present. Clinicians assess breathing effort, oxygen level, blood pressure, alertness and the likely infection source.

Get urgent medical assessment if a lung infection is suspected and the person is deteriorating. Rest, take fluids only if swallowing is safe, and bring the current medicine list. Do not use leftover antibiotics or delay care while waiting for a cough remedy to work.

Assessment may include listening to the chest, checking oxygen, blood tests and chest imaging. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include oxygen, fluids, antibiotics or other hospital support.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, new confusion, inability to stay awake, fainting, chest pain with collapse, or rapidly worsening breathing. Urgent care is also needed for a high fever with marked weakness, very little urine, or cold and clammy skin.

Ask which lung infection is suspected, whether sepsis is a concern, how oxygen and circulation will be monitored, which treatment is being started, and what change should trigger emergency review.