Friday, July 25, 2025

What’s sepsis


Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme and dysfunctional response to an infection, causing the immune system to injure a person's own tissues and organs instead of just fighting the infection[1][2][3][4][5].

This response leads to widespread inflammation, blood clotting, and reduced blood flow, which can result in damage to vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain[2][6][4][5]. If sepsis becomes severe or is left untreated, it can progress to septic shock, which involves a dramatic drop in blood pressure and can quickly lead to organ failure and death[1][6][4].

Sepsis can arise from any type of infection—bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic—but is most commonly triggered by bacterial infections[2][6][5]. Common sources include lung infections (like pneumonia), urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, and skin infections[6][7].

Key symptoms may include:

  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fast or difficult breathing
  • Confusion or reduced alertness
  • Clammy or sweaty skin
  • Severe pain or discomfort

The risk for sepsis is higher in very young children, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems[5][7]. Sepsis is a medical emergency; immediate medical attention is crucial for the best chance of survival[2][3][5].

Sepsis is not itself contagious, but the infections that cause it can be[8][6].


  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214  
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12361-sepsis    
  • https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-basics/what-is-sepsis/  
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepsis   
  • https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/about/index.html     
  • https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/sepsis-septicemia-blood-infection     
  • https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia  
  • https://www.sepsiscanada.ca/about/what-is-sepsis 

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