Sepsis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition that happens when the body's response to an infection becomes dysregulated and starts damaging its own tissues and organs. It can progress rapidly to septic shock — a severe drop in blood pressure — which can be fatal without immediate treatment.

What Causes Sepsis?

Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection:

• Lung infections — pneumonia (most common)
• Urinary tract infections
• Abdominal infections — appendicitis, peritonitis
• Skin infections — cellulitis, wound infections
• Blood-borne infections — catheter-related
• Meningitis

Warning Signs — The "Sepsis Six"

• High fever (above 38.5°C) or low temperature (below 36°C)
• Very fast heart rate (above 90 beats/minute)
• Very fast breathing (above 20 breaths/minute)
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Decreased urine output
• Skin that is mottled, bluish, or very pale

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Elderly people (above 60 years)
• Infants and young children
• Diabetic patients
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Recent surgery or hospitalisation
• Patients with chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease

Diagnosis at Sri Ganga Hospital

Our ICU team rapidly assesses patients with: Blood cultures, Complete blood count, Lactate levels, Kidney and liver function tests, Chest X-ray, and monitoring of vital signs continuously.

Treatment

Sepsis treatment must begin immediately:

• IV antibiotics within the first hour of diagnosis
• IV fluids for blood pressure support
• Oxygen therapy
• Vasopressors (medications to raise blood pressure) if needed
• ICU monitoring of all vital organs
• Treatment of the underlying source of infection

Prevention

• Treat all infections promptly — do not ignore fever or pain
• Complete full courses of antibiotics
• Maintain good wound hygiene after surgery or injury
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes well
• Stay up to date with vaccinations