Sepsis is one of the infections with the most severe complications.
Sepsis is also commonly referred to as blood poisoning.
Sepsis may be caused, for example, by infected wounds,
but also infectious diseases such as pneumonia.
When pathogens invade the body
this activates the immune system.
The system fights off the pathogens
and attempts to stop them from spreading.
Sepsis can occur
if bacteria reproduce quickly at one site in the body
and then suddenly enter the bloodstream in large quantities.
This can happen if:
• the body fails to fight off the inflammation at the infection site,
• the pathogens are very aggressive,
• or the immune system is seriously weakened.
This causes an excessive defense response throughout the body
which actually harms the body itself.
This can lead to organ failure and in the worst case
circulatory collapse and multiple organ failure.
Sepsis is life-threatening if left untreated.
But mortality rates are high even if it is treated.
In Germany, sepsis is one of the most common causes
of infection-related death.
So if sepsis is suspected
medical assistance is required immediately.
The sooner treatment is initiated,
the higher the chance of survival.
Signs of sepsis are:
• chills
• severe feeling of discomfort
• high temperature
but there are also other symptoms.
In short:
In sepsis, pathogens spread from an infection throughout the body
via the bloodstream.
This causes a severe immune response with high temperature
causing damage throughout the body.
This may cause organ failure
and circulatory collapse.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition
and must be treated immediately.