Conditions Sepsis

Sepsis always stems from a local, limited infection. The infection is usually caused by bacteria, but viruses, fungi and parasites can also cause sepsis. Sepsis is also known as blood poisoning, but it has nothing to do with poisoning in the usual sense. Rather, it is a runaway defense response of the body to the infectious agents. Pathogens and inflammatory messengers spread throughout the body and damage vital organs. 

An infection can be accompanied by various symptoms. For instance, general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and a rapid heartbeat may occur. The occurrence of some symptoms depends primarily on which region of the body is affected.

An infection can become noticeable, for example, through one of the following symptoms:

• coughing, cough
• stomach ache
• reddened and painful wound
• burning sensation during urination, possibly accompanied by bladder and flank pain

Furthermore, additional symptoms may occur if an infection spreads throughout the body.

The symptoms of sepsis include:

• sudden disorientation
• breathlessness and rapid breathing
• racing heart
• fever and shivering
• moist skin due to increased sweating
• pain and feeling very unwell

If there are signs of an infection, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Sepsis is an emergency and you should call the emergency services immediately.

Sepsis is always caused by an infection. The infection is usually bacterial, but viruses, fungi and parasites can also cause sepsis. As long as the body can keep the infection local, sepsis does not occur. It is only when it breaks through that pathogens and inflammatory messengers flood the entire body. This can cause damage to organs and circulatory collapse.

Any type of infection can cause sepsis: purulent, inflamed wounds to the skin or mosquito bites, inflamed teeth, infected prostheses, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and many other infectious conditions. Sepsis is the final common pathway if the body’s own defense system can no longer hold back the infection.

Sepsis is life-threatening. As the disease progresses, vital organs can be damaged and consequently cease to function properly. It often affects the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys.

Septic shock is a severe form of sepsis. In this case, cardiovascular function is impaired, and the organs are no longer adequately supplied with blood. Sometimes multiple organs fail. Patients with septic shock have a high risk of dying. If a severe course of the illness is survived, long-term physical and psychological aftereffects may occur.

There is no protection against sepsis itself, but infections that can cause sepsis can be prevented.

The following general measures help to avoid infections, which reduces the risk of sepsis:

• Hygiene: wash hands regularly and thoroughly. Ensure hygienic practices when preparing meals.
• Consult a doctor if you suspect you have an infection. This allows it to be detected and treated at an early stage.
• If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed and for the specified period.
• Strengthen your immune system through healthy eating.
• Vaccinations help to avoid certain infectious diseases.

Would you like information about sepsis prevention and early detection? You will find an infographic on this on the website of the Robert Koch Institute.

Doctors may suspect sepsis if typical symptoms are present. A physical examination is also performed and various parameters are measured. These values include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.

In addition, several blood samples are collected. This allows various inflammation markers to be determined and the function of important organs to be assessed. Potential pathogens can also be detected. In addition to blood samples, urine samples are also examined, for example. Further investigations may be necessary to identify the pathogen and the site of infection.

Sepsis is an emergency. It is important to recognize this quickly and begin hospital treatment immediately. This improves the chances of recovery and can prevent potential long-term damage.

Even before the blood test results are available, the affected individuals receive an antibiotic. This is effective against the most common bacterial sepsis pathogens. They are also given intravenous fluids to stabilize the circulation.

If the sepsis pathogen is detected in the blood samples, the antibiotic can be replaced with a more effective medication if necessary. Depending on the pathogen, this may involve a different antibiotic or even a medication against viruses or fungi.

In severe cases, it is usually necessary for the infected person to be treated in intensive care. Various measures are initiated there to support the functioning of vital organs.

In certain cases, surgery may also be necessary to treat the infection.

The Deutsche Sepsis-Hilfe e.V. (German Sepsis Help) provides those affected and their relatives a network for exchanging ideas and receiving support. On this website, you can find information about sepsis, seek advice, and locate contact persons.

Go to the Deutsche Sepsis-Hilfe e.V. website

The Sepsis Foundation provides detailed information about the prevention, risk factors and early detection of sepsis in its booklet.

The “Germany Recognizes Sepsis” initiative of the Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e.V. (German Coalition for Patient Safety) offers a free brochure on the topic of sepsis. This is also available in simple language.