Adult sepsis
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own healthy tissues and organs. It is not yet known why some people develop sepsis, and some don’t.
Sepsis can be triggered from conditions such as the flu, a urinary tract infection, chest infection, or a bacterial infection following a skin graze or cut.
It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose sepsis as early symptoms suggest a less serious illness, such as a cold or gastroenteritis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires urgent medical attention. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to serious consequences such as kidney failure, need for life support, limb loss and even death.
Signs and symptoms
There is no single symptom of sepsis. If you are over 18 years of age and have an infection, signs you may have developed sepsis can include one or more of the following:
- Fast breathing or breathlessness
- Fever and chills
- Low body temperature
- Low or no urine output
- Fast heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- New fatigue, confusion, drowsiness or change in behaviour
- Pain or ‘feeling worse than ever’
Sepsis in children is slightly different. Please refer to Sepsis in children – Health conditions directory or Children’s Health Queensland for more information.
How is sepsis diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose sepsis. Health professionals diagnose sepsis by asking you about your symptoms and what has happened to you in the lead up to your illness, monitoring your temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, performing a physical examination, and through tests including blood tests and medical imaging as needed (X-Ray, ultrasound, CT scan).
The healthcare team will look for a source of infection that may be causing sepsis. This is assessed through blood tests (blood cultures) as well as other body fluids such as urine, sputum, stool samples, or wound swabs.
Treatment
Sepsis may be preventable but, when it does occur, it is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment.
Depending on your condition, you may need to stay in hospital. Treatment includes antibiotics and if required, medication to support any organs that are not functioning well. This may include the need for some intravenous fluids and, in more severe cases, medications to support blood pressure and ventilation in the intensive care unit to support breathing.
Sepsis is an emergency that requires urgent medical intervention. Being aware of the signs and symptoms is essential for early medical treatment. If you have any of the above symptoms of sepsis, or you are not getting better or are getting sicker, trust your gut feeling. Go to the nearest emergency department or see your GP and ask the doctor or nurse, ‘Could it be sepsis?’. Even if you have seen a doctor for your concerns, go back again and ask, ‘Could it be sepsis?’.
Prevention
The best way to prevent getting sepsis is to avoid an infection. You can do this by:
- seeking medical advice for infections and illnesses
- staying up to date with vaccinations
- keeping wounds and cuts clean as they heal
- maintaining good hygiene, including washing your hands.
If you or someone you are caring for experiences any of the symptoms, call triple zero (000) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department and ask, ‘Could it be sepsis?'.
To learn more about sepsis, watch this short animation video.
Health outcome
For further information please contact your local doctor, community health centre, or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for health advice.