Sepsis
9-minute read
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or someone else has sepsis, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Key facts
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to an infection.
- Symptoms may include fast breathing, fever, confusion, severe pain, discoloured skin and drowsiness.
- Sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure or death if not treated quickly.
- It often needs to be treated in the intensive care unit, where you can be closely monitored.
- If you think you may have sepsis, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body damages its own tissues and organs in response to an infection. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure and even death if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
What is the difference between sepsis and septicaemia?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to an infection. This leads to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction.
Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. This can trigger sepsis. It is just one cause of sepsis. Sepsis can also come from other infections.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Sepsis can be challenging to recognise because its early symptoms may resemble those of other illnesses. The symptoms can progress quickly, so it's important to know what to look for in both adults and children.
Symptoms in adults
Sepsis symptoms in adults can start mildly and escalate quickly. Symptoms may include:
- fast breathing or breathlessness
- fast heart rate
- fever or low temperature and chills
- drowsiness, confusion or slurred speech
- muscle aches, headache and feeling very unwell
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- reduced urine (wee)
- blotchy or discoloured skin
Symptoms in babies and children
Sepsis in younger children may look different from how it appears in older children. Newborns often have non-specific symptoms, such as feeding difficulties, irritability or not settling.
Other symptoms may include:
- fast breathing or pauses in breathing
- blotchy or discoloured skin, cold skin or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed
- few wet nappies or reduced urine (wee)
- drowsiness or confusion
- floppy limbs or restlessness
- vomiting
- seizures
- unexplained severe pain
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or someone else has sepsis, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Sepsis needs immediate treatment. The risk of dying from sepsis increases with each hour that passes before treatment begins.
What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?
Stay on the phone unless you are told to hang up. Follow the call taker's instructions while waiting for the ambulance.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
When should I see a doctor?
Always see a doctor and ask 'Could it be sepsis?' if:
- you are feeling very unwell
- you are not getting better from an infection
- you are quickly getting worse
- you are more concerned about your child than you normally are when they are sick
Sepsis can develop more quickly in young children and babies. Seek urgent medical care if your child has any symptoms of infection.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
What causes sepsis?
Sepsis is caused by a strong response to an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. It occurs when your body's immune reaction causes damage to your organs while trying to fight the infection. This causes your organs to not work properly, which is life threatening.
The infection can be anywhere in your body, such as:
- an infected cut
- lung infection
- urinary tract infection
Who can get sepsis?
Anyone can get sepsis, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- children under one year of age and older people
- people with long-term illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease or heart disease
- people with long-term infections such as AIDS or non-healing wounds
- those with weakened immune systems, such as from chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- anyone with recent surgery, burns or medical tubes inside their body
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
- people who have had sepsis before
How is sepsis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and will do a physical examination. This may include checking:
- your breathing
- your heart rate, blood pressure and temperature
- your level of consciousness
- your urine output (how much you wee)
- where the source of your infection might be
Your doctor will organise blood tests. Other bodily fluids, such as pus, urine and sputum (mucus coughed up from your airways), might also be tested.
To find the source of the infection, you may also need x-rays and other scans.
How is sepsis treated?
If you have severe sepsis, you will need to be monitored very closely. This may mean you will need to be treated in the intensive care unit.
Sepsis treatment may include:
- antibiotics — given as soon as sepsis is suspected
- medicines to support blood pressure and organ function
- intravenous (IV) fluids (fluids given through a drip into a vein)
- oxygen
People with sepsis may need help for their lungs or kidneys to work. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the infection.
What are the complications of sepsis?
Sepsis can cause complications such as:
- damage to the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, lungs and liver
- permanent disability
- septic shock
- death
People who have had septic shock may develop gangrene. Gangrene may need to be treated with the amputation of fingers, toes or limbs.
Sepsis can affect different organs and impacts everyone differently. Many people fully recover, but recovery may take time.
Post-sepsis health complications
Post-sepsis syndrome is a complication that affects up to half of people who survive sepsis.
Symptoms may include physical symptoms such as:
- headaches
- tiredness
- muscle weakness
- changes in appetite
- sleep disturbances
Cognitive and emotional symptoms may include:
- changes in behaviour
- trouble concentrating
- fear of medical treatments
Your doctor can help you to manage any ongoing symptoms and can refer you to other specialists if necessary.
Can sepsis be prevented?
People who have had sepsis are at a higher risk of getting it again. This is because sepsis can change the immune system. Here are tips to lower your risk:
- Keep up with vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and flu.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands
- Watch for any signs of infection, such as insect bites or skin injuries that don't heal well.
- Visit your doctor if you have an infection and follow prescribed treatments.
- Tell healthcare providers if you have had sepsis before.
- Be aware of warning signs and act quickly.
Resources and support
- You can download the app "Could this be sepsis?" from Sepsis Australia to check symptoms.
- Sepsis Australia provides a guide on life after sepsis and a list of support groups.
- The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care offers information for parents, carers and families of children with sepsis.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
NSW Health provides translated information on sepsis.
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.