Sepsis is a critical medical emergency that arises when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. Often described as the body’s toxic and overactive reaction to infection, sepsis, much like strokes or heart attacks, demands immediate diagnosis and treatment. It can rapidly progress to severe sepsis and ultimately, septic shock, highlighting the urgency of recognizing and addressing this condition.
Often mistakenly referred to as “blood poisoning,” sepsis is far more complex than simply bacteria in the bloodstream. To gain a clearer understanding of sepsis and differentiate it from the outdated term “blood poisoning,” further resources are available here.
What Exactly Happens in Sepsis?
Normally, your immune system is a robust defense mechanism, diligently fighting off harmful germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites to prevent infections. When an infection occurs, the immune system kicks into gear to combat it, sometimes requiring assistance from medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics. However, in cases of sepsis, something goes awry. For reasons that are still being researched, the immune system malfunctions. Instead of solely targeting the infection, it begins to harm the body’s own healthy tissues and organs. This self-destructive response is the hallmark of sepsis.
Who is Most Vulnerable to Sepsis?
While anyone can develop sepsis, certain individuals are at a higher risk due to a greater susceptibility to infections. These vulnerable groups include:
- Infants: Their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
- The Elderly: Immune systems weaken with age.
- Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease can increase infection risk.
- People with Weakened Immune Systems: This includes individuals with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients.
- Malnourished Individuals: Poor nutrition can compromise the immune system, making infections more likely, as detailed in studies here.
Recognizing Sepsis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Sepsis diagnosis is based on a constellation of signs and symptoms that emerge as a result of the body’s dysregulated response to infection, rather than solely on the infection itself. If you or someone you know exhibits multiple sepsis symptoms, particularly in the presence of a known or suspected infection or if they belong to a high-risk group, medical professionals will consider sepsis as a potential diagnosis.
The Escalation: From Sepsis to Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Sepsis can progress to more severe stages if not promptly treated.
Severe Sepsis is diagnosed when, alongside the general signs of sepsis, there are indications of organ dysfunction. These signs point to specific organs struggling to function properly:
- Lungs: Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
- Kidneys: Reduced urine output or complete lack of urine production.
- Liver: Abnormal liver function tests.
- Brain: Changes in mental status, confusion, or disorientation.
Septic Shock represents the most critical and life-threatening stage of sepsis. It is characterized by a dangerously low blood pressure that does not respond adequately to fluid resuscitation. Patients in septic shock require intensive care in the ICU and are often described by physicians as the “sickest patients in the hospital” due to the severity of their condition.
The Burden of Sepsis: A Significant Health and Economic Issue
Sepsis is not only a major health concern but also a significant economic burden. It is the number one cost associated with hospitalizations in the United States. The annual costs for acute sepsis hospitalization and subsequent skilled nursing care are estimated to be around $62 billion. This staggering figure only accounts for a portion of the total sepsis-related expenses, as many patients incur substantial healthcare costs even after hospital discharge.
The average cost per hospital stay for sepsis is double the average cost compared to all other hospital conditions. Furthermore, sepsis is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, adding an additional $3.5 billion annually to healthcare expenditures.
Survival rates for sepsis remain a serious concern. Studies indicate that approximately 30% of patients diagnosed with severe sepsis do not survive. Among those who do recover, up to 50% may experience post-sepsis syndrome, a condition that can lead to long-term physical and psychological challenges. Until a definitive cure for sepsis is discovered, early recognition and prompt treatment are paramount for improving survival rates and minimizing long-term complications for sepsis survivors.
Updated January 13, 2022.
