SEPSIS INFORMATION GUIDES Sepsisand Blood Poisoning Blood poisoning is a common term that people use to describe sepsis or infection in the blood, either bacteremia or WHAT HAPPENS WITH septicemia. Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood and septicemia is the presence of any infection, including those SEPSIS? caused by a fungus or virus. Scientists are working on discovering what exactly happens Although blood poisoning is a common term for sepsis, it with sepsis. It is known that the inflammatory response causes isn’t an accurate description of the disease and the two terms problems such as blood clotting too much and too fast. This should not be used interchangeably. Sepsis is not an infection. means that parts of the body don’t get adequate blood flow Sepsis is the body’s often deadly response to infection or injury and the nutrients they need. The signs and symptoms of – infections trigger the development of sepsis, which kills sepsis vary widely and can cause organs to fail, requiring life and disables millions, and requires early suspicion and rapid support. treatment for survival. While we still don’t know why our bodies react this way, we Sepsis and septic shock can result from an infection anywhere know that sepsis can cause: in the body, such as pneumonia, influenza, or urinary tract infections. Worldwide, one-third of people who develop sepsis • Leakage from the lining blood vessel linings (much like a die. Many who do survive are left with life-changing effects, water hose with holes in it) such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and • Low blood pressure (hypotension) with reduced blood flow fatigue, and organ dysfunction (organs don’t work properly) to vital organs and/or amputations. • Small clots throughout the body that prevent nutrients from reaching vital organs SEPSIS INFORMATION GUIDE – SEPSIS AND BLOOD POISONING In many cases, these changes cause a person’s organs to stop working. Some of the signs that organs are affected include: • Heart – low blood pressure, fast pulse SEPSIS IS A • Lungs – low oxygen level, problems breathing • Kidneys – making very little urine MEDICAL EMERGENCY • Brain – confusion, coma IF YOU SUSPECT SEPSIS, CALL 9-1-1 OR GO TO A HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY. WHAT IS SEPSIS SEPSIS is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis? Sepsis is a toxic response to an infection. There is no single sign or To learn more about sepsis, symptom of sepsis. It is, rather, a combination of symptoms. or to read tributes and survivor stories, Symptoms can include ANY of the following: visit us online at Sepsis.org S – Shivering, fever, or very cold E – Extreme pain or general discomfort (“worst ever”) P – Pale or discolored skin S – Sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused I – “I feel like I might die” S – Short of breath What should I do if I think a loved one or I have sepsis? If you suspect sepsis, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital and tell your medical The information in this pamphlet is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does professional, “I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS.” not represent or guarantee that this information is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content here does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare provider. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare provider regarding any questions about whether the information in this pamphlet might apply to their individual treatment or care. ©2017 SEPSIS ALLIANCE | 619-232-0300 | WWW.SEPSIS.ORG.