Septic shock secondary to pneumonia: what to know

Pneumonia inflames the air sacs and can make oxygen transfer harder. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs or provokes an uncontrolled body response, blood vessels may widen and fluid may leave the bloodstream. This can lower effective circulation and strain organs. Fever, chills, cough and coughing up phlegm can occur with pneumonia, but symptoms alone cannot show whether shock is developing. Pneumonia may follow infections such as [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) or [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/), while [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/) describes the wider dangerous response.

Call emergency services if someone with suspected or diagnosed pneumonia becomes confused, unusually drowsy, faint, severely breathless or unable to keep fluids down. Keep them upright if that helps breathing, or in a safe position if weak; stay nearby and take their medicines and medical information with them. Do not postpone care to treat the fever at home. In hospital, clinicians may provide oxygen, intravenous fluids, antibiotics when appropriate, and medicines to support circulation while checking the lungs and organs.

Emergency assessment is needed for rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, cold clammy skin, very little urine or inability to speak in full sentences. A high temperature, chills, cough or phlegm should be assessed promptly when accompanied by marked weakness or breathing difficulty. [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/) requires particular attention when symptoms worsen rather than settle.

How severe is the pneumonia and is oxygen being transferred adequately? What tests will look for sepsis or organ strain? Which changes in breathing, alertness or urine output should trigger immediate help?