You have been treated for sepsis. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
What is sepsis?
It is a rare but serious complication of an infection anywhere in the body. Although sepsis can affect children, this leaflet is about sepsis in adults who may be more susceptible. We suspect sepsis if you become extremely ill with infection.
However, please be assured that not all infections lead to sepsis.
What causes sepsis?
It is most commonly associated with infections in the lungs (pneumonia or chest infections), skin (cellulitis), urinary tract (pyelonephritis or urinary tract infections), or in the pelvis or abdomen (tummy area).
It can also occur as a result of infection in other parts of the body. However, sometimes the cause is not known.
Who is most at risk of sepsis?
People who:
- are over 65
- are immunosuppressed due to an existing medical condition
- are immunosuppressed due to treatments (chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, eg, methotrexate or long-term steroid treatment)
- are recovering from recent surgery
- have ulcers or wounds from an accident or injury
- have IV lines (drips) or catheters
- repeated attendances with the same infection problem
What symptoms should I watch for?
Contact NHS 111 immediately if you or the person you care for has or had an infection and has one or more of the symptoms listed below:
- A high temperature or shivering
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Unable to walk
- Unable to pass urine or urine smells offensive (foul)
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulties or fast breathing
- Coughing or being short of breath
- Hot, tender skin rash, particularly if it spreads rapidly
- Change in skin ulcer
- “I know something is badly wrong”
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling faint or stiff neck
- Unable to tolerate bright light
Gut feeling (intuition) is very important as sepsis can be a life-threatening condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential, so trust your instincts if you feel something is not quite right.
What will happen if sepsis is suspected?
If you (or the person you care for) have these symptoms, you need to see a GP or practice nurse or come to hospital for tests and treatment. They will examine you and carry out observations (eg, breathing rate, heart rate).
It is extremely unusual for the observations to be normal in sepsis.
You may need antibiotics, as well as intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, until your diagnosis has been confirmed.
What happens next?
Depending on the severity of the infection, you (or the person you care for) may need to be admitted to hospital or may be able to continue antibiotic treatment at home.
Further information
Symptoms of sepsis – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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