Sepsis: when an infection turns against the whole body
Recognising it early saves lives
Dr. Yanis Kaddour
Infectious disease specialist
In simple terms
What sepsis actually is, the warning signs in adults and children, and why the first hour matters.
What it is, in plain words
Sepsis is not a specific germ but the body's overwhelming response to any infection. The immune reaction spreads through the bloodstream, blood vessels leak and clot at the same time, blood pressure falls, and organs begin to fail. Every hour of delay in giving antibiotics increases the risk of death.
Signs to look out for
- Feeling profoundly unwell, worse than any previous infection
- Fast breathing and fast heart rate
- Confusion, slurred speech or unusual drowsiness
- Not passing urine for many hours
- Mottled, pale or blue-tinged skin, cold hands and feet, shivering or very high or low temperature
Why it happens
It can follow any infection: chest, urine, skin, abdomen, or an infected line or wound. Risk is higher in babies, adults over 75, pregnancy and the six weeks after birth, diabetes, cancer treatment, no spleen and immunosuppression.
How doctors confirm it
Assessment uses vital signs, lactate, blood count, kidney and liver tests, blood cultures and imaging to find the source. Rising lactate and low blood pressure indicate septic shock.
Treatments and solutions
- Intravenous antibiotics within the first hour, chosen broadly then narrowed once cultures return
- Intravenous fluids to restore circulation, with careful monitoring
- Oxygen and, when needed, vasopressor drugs in intensive care to maintain blood pressure
- Source control: draining an abscess, removing an infected catheter, or surgery
- Rehabilitation afterwards, because fatigue, weakness and memory problems can last months
Living with it day to day
If you or someone you care for has an infection and suddenly deteriorates, say the word sepsis to the medical team: it prompts a specific, time-critical pathway.
When to seek medical help
Call emergency services immediately for confusion, very fast breathing, mottled skin, no urine for a day, or a rash that does not fade under pressure.
This article explains general health information in simple language. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Antibiotic
- A medicine that kills bacteria. It does not work against viruses like colds or flu.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Sepsis: when an infection turns against the whole body?
- What sepsis actually is, the warning signs in adults and children, and why the first hour matters.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Sepsis: when an infection turns against the whole body?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Sepsis: when an infection turns against the whole body?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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