Sepsis FAQs

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a critical and potentially fatal medical condition arising when the body’s response to an infection triggers widespread inflammation, which can result in tissue damage, organ failure, and, in severe cases, death. When an infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) triggers the immune system, the body releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight it. However, in sepsis, this response can go into overdrive, causing inflammation throughout the body. This widespread inflammation can impair blood flow, depriving organs and tissues of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to serious complications.

What are the sepsis symptoms? What are the early warning signs to look out for?

Sepsis symptoms can vary depending on the severity and progression of the condition. Early symptoms often include a high or low body temperature, chills, a rapid heartbeat, and quickened breathing. Many people may feel extreme fatigue or weakness, accompanied by confusion or disorientation. These early signs are often accompanied by indications of an underlying infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain in a specific area of the body. As sepsis becomes more severe, it begins to impact vital organ function. This can result in symptoms such as reduced urine output, severe difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure, and bluish or pale skin.

Patients often describe feeling significant pain or discomfort, and the skin may become cold, clammy, or sweaty. If sepsis progresses to septic shock, the condition becomes critical. At this stage, blood pressure drops dangerously low, even after receiving fluids. Signs of organ failure may appear, such as jaundice (indicating liver dysfunction), difficulty breathing (affecting the lungs), or unconsciousness (indicating brain involvement). Additionally, the extremities may feel cool and pale due to poor blood circulation, and mental clarity may decline rapidly, sometimes leading to delirium or unconsciousness.

How do you get sepsis?

Sepsis occurs as a result of the body’s response to an infection. Common sources include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, infections in the abdomen, or skin infections caused by wounds or surgical procedures. In some cases, invasive medical devices, such as catheters or breathing tubes, can introduce bacteria or other pathogens into the body, increasing the risk of infection and, subsequently, sepsis. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic illnesses, undergoing chemotherapy, or the elderly, are at higher risk of developing sepsis because their bodies may struggle to fight infections effectively.

What is the most common cause of sepsis?

The most common cause of sepsis is bacterial infection. Bacteria can invade the body through various pathways, leading to infections that, if left untreated or improperly managed, can trigger the systemic inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. Infections in the lungs, such as pneumonia, are among the most frequent culprits, as are urinary tract infections, particularly in older adults. Abdominal infections, like appendicitis or peritonitis, and infections resulting from wounds or surgical sites are also common causes. Early identification and treatment of the underlying infection are essential to preventing the progression to sepsis.

Is sepsis contagious?

Sepsis itself is not contagious, as it is not an infection but rather the body’s extreme and harmful response to an infection. The underlying infection that leads to sepsis may, however, be caused by pathogens that can be transmitted between people, such as certain bacteria or viruses. For example, infections like pneumonia or the flu, which can result in sepsis, may spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. It is important to understand that while you cannot “catch” sepsis from someone who has it, maintaining good hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of infectious agents that could lead to sepsis in vulnerable individuals.

Can sepsis be fatal?

Yes, sepsis can be fatal if not promptly recognised and treated. The risk of fatality increases significantly if sepsis progresses to severe sepsis or septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously low, and vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver begin to fail. The likelihood of survival depends on several factors, including how quickly sepsis is diagnosed and treated, the patient’s overall health, and the severity of the infection. Early intervention with antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and supportive care dramatically improves rates of survival. However, even with treatment, sepsis can still have a high mortality rate, particularly in older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Is sepsis the same as septicemia?

Sepsis and septicemia are distinct terms that are often confused but refer to different medical conditions. Septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, commonly referred to as “blood poisoning.” It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream from an infection elsewhere in the body, spreading throughout the circulatory system. On its own, septicemia is an infection, but it does not necessarily cause the widespread systemic response associated with sepsis.

The key difference is that septicemia refers specifically to bacteria circulating in the blood, while sepsis refers to the body’s severe and harmful response to an infection, which can arise from septicemia but also from infections in other parts of the body. While septicemia can lead to sepsis, the two are not interchangeable, and not all cases of sepsis involve bacteria in the blood.

How to treat sepsis?

The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the underlying infection, stabilise the patient’s condition, and prevent further organ damage. This is typically achieved by administering broad-spectrum antibiotics as soon as sepsis is suspected. These antibiotics target a wide range of potential bacteria until tests identify the specific pathogen causing the infection, at which point treatment may be adjusted to a more targeted approach. In addition to antibiotics, intravenous fluids are often administered to maintain blood pressure and support circulation. If fluids are insufficient to stabilise blood pressure, medications called vasopressors may be used to help constrict blood vessels and improve blood flow to vital organs.

Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation might be necessary if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing or if oxygen levels are critically low. Patients with sepsis often require close monitoring in an intensive care unit, where healthcare providers can track organ function and provide supportive treatments, such as dialysis for kidney failure or blood transfusions if necessary. In cases where sepsis results from an abscess or infected tissue, surgical intervention may be needed to remove the source of infection.

What are the long-term effects of sepsis?

The long-term effects of sepsis can be significant and vary depending on the severity of the condition, the duration of illness including the length of the hospital stay and the individual’s overall health prior to developing sepsis. Many survivors experience a condition known as post-sepsis syndrome, which includes physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that persist long after the acute phase of the illness has passed.

For some, the immune system may remain weakened after sepsis, making them more susceptible to future infections. Overall, recovery from sepsis can be a prolonged and complex process, often lasting months, years even, requiring a combination of medical, physical, and psychological rehabilitation.

What is sepsis negligence?

Sepsis negligence occurs when a medical professional fails to identify, diagnose, or treat sepsis promptly, resulting in harm to the patient. Timely medical intervention is critical to prevent serious complications or death. In cases of negligence, the healthcare provider may have overlooked key symptoms, failed to conduct necessary tests, or delayed initiating appropriate treatment. This breach in the standard of care can lead to worsening health outcomes, prolonged recovery, or permanent damage for the patient.  

Examples of sepsis negligence include dismissing signs such as high fever, rapid heart rate, or confusion, misdiagnosing the condition as something less severe, or failing to administer antibiotics or fluids urgently. If this happens, the patient may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation to address the harm caused. Such claims aim to cover losses, including physical and emotional suffering, financial expenses, and long-term care needs.

Can a solicitor help with a compensation claim for a sepsis misdiagnosis?

Expert solicitors can provide vital support if you are seeking compensation for a sepsis misdiagnosis. Healthcare providers are expected to deliver a reasonable standard of care. If a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of sepsis occurs, and it causes harm, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. They will review your case to determine whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards. This includes examining medical records, consulting independent medical experts, and assessing the extent of harm caused by the delay or error in diagnosis.

Sepsis is a serious condition, and any delay in treatment can lead to severe complications or lasting effects, which strengthens the need for legal representation. If negligence is established, solicitors will work to secure compensation that reflects your losses, such as additional medical costs, loss of income, or the pain and suffering endured. Their expertise ensures your claim is presented effectively, giving you the best chance of a successful result.