A41.9: Sepsis, unspecified

You have sepsis (blood poisoning).

Pathogens have gotten into your blood. There are various kinds of pathogens. These include bacteria or fungi, for example. There are various causes why pathogens can get into the blood. A very common reason is another prior illness that was caused by pathogens. Such illnesses may for instance be inflammations of the lungs or abdominal organs.

When pathogens get into the blood, that is called sepsis (blood poisoning). With blood poisoning, the body reacts much too strongly to the pathogens in the blood. Blood poisoning can affect the entire body. Blood clots may form in the small blood vessels. These blood clots damage the organs.

Because many organs can be damaged by blood poisoning, you can have many different symptoms. You will feel very sick. For example, you may have a high fever. Your heart may beat very fast, which sometimes results in very rapid breathing. For example, the kidneys or liver may no longer work properly. The brain may also no longer be able to work properly. You might be very tired or even fall unconscious. Sepsis is a severe illness.