Sepsis Warning Signs — Think SEPSIS
Call 999 / 911 If Someone Has These SignsS — Slurred speech or confusion | E — Extreme shivering or muscle pain | P — Passing no urine all day | S — Severe breathlessness | I — 'I feel I might die' | S — Skin mottled, discoloured, or very pale. Also call 999 if a child has a non-blanching rash, is very fast-breathing, or has a fever but cold hands/feet.
Blood Tests Used to Diagnose and Monitor Sepsis
| Test | What It Shows in Sepsis |
|---|---|
| Blood cultures | Identifies the bacteria causing infection (30–40% positive) |
| Lactate | Raised (>2 mmol/L) confirms tissue oxygen debt — 'septic shock' if >4 |
| FBC | Raised or very low white blood cells (WBC); low platelets indicate severity |
| CRP | Elevated — may be >200 mg/L in severe sepsis |
| Procalcitonin (PCT) | Very specific marker of bacterial infection |
| Urea + creatinine | Kidney failure — common organ failure in sepsis |
| Liver enzymes (ALT/AST) | Liver injury in severe sepsis |
| Clotting (INR, APTT, fibrinogen) | DIC — disseminated intravascular coagulation (life-threatening) |
| Blood gas (arterial) | Acidosis — metabolic picture of severity |
The Sepsis Six — Hospital Treatment Within 1 Hour
- Give high-flow oxygen
- Take blood cultures (before antibiotics)
- Give IV antibiotics (broad spectrum — don't delay waiting for cultures)
- Measure lactate
- Start IV fluid resuscitation
- Measure urine output (catheter)
Most Common CausesThe most common sources of sepsis: lungs (pneumonia — most common), urinary tract (UTI), abdomen (appendicitis, bowel perforation, gallbladder), skin (cellulitis). Any infection can progress to sepsis.
Who is most at risk of sepsis?
Very young, very old, immunocompromised (chemotherapy, HIV, steroids, diabetes), those who've had recent surgery or invasive procedures. But sepsis can affect anyone.
Is sepsis the same as a bad infection?
No. Sepsis is when the body's response to infection becomes dysregulated and starts damaging its own organs. It's a life-threatening medical emergency, not just a severe infection.
Can sepsis cause long-term problems?
Yes — post-sepsis syndrome affects up to 50% of survivors: chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, PTSD, muscle weakness, recurrent infections, and organ damage (especially kidneys).
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.