Sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis usually develops quickly over a few hours. If it's not treated it can turn into septic shock, which you can die from.
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children include:
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- having a fit (seizure)
- a high or low temperature – feeling very hot or cold when you touch them
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a rash that does not fade when you press it – this type of rash is rare in sepsis, but it may be a symptom of meningitis
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
- not peeing in the last 12 hours (for babies and children under 5 years), or not peeing all day (for children 5 years and over) – you can check a baby's nappy to see if it's dry
Babies and children under 5 years may also not be interested in feeding or they may keep being sick (vomiting).
Symptoms of sepsis in adults
Common symptoms of sepsis in adults include:
- confusion or slurred speech
- uncontrollable shivering
- muscle pain
- difficulty breathing
- blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a high or low temperature – a high temperature is less common in older adults
- not peeing all day or peeing very little in the past 18 hours
Noticing sepsis symptoms
Symptoms of sepsis can be more difficult to notice in some people, such as:
- babies and young children
- people with dementia
- people with a learning disability
- people who have difficulty communicating
Trust your instincts
A child or adult with sepsis might not have every symptom listed. Get immediate medical help if you or your child are unwell and you think there's something seriously wrong.
When and where to get medical help
You need to get medical help immediately if you think you or your child might have sepsis.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
A baby or child under 5 years:
- is breathing very fast or having difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises or their tummy may be sucking under their ribcage when they breathe
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has a very high temperature – 38C or more in babies under 3 months old, or 39C or more in babies 3 to 6 months old
- has a very low temperature – less than 36C, or feels cold to the touch or is shivery
- has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry
- is not responding like they normally do, is not feeding, is difficult to wake or is more sleepy than usual
- has not had a pee for the last 12 hours
- has symptoms you're worried might be sepsis
An adult or child aged 5 years or over:
- is breathing very fast
- is confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense
- has blue, pale or blotchy skin – on black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- has a very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivery
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has symptoms you're worried might be sepsis
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Treatment for sepsis
Sepsis is treated in hospital. Treatment depends on things like your age and how unwell you are.
Treatment for sepsis includes:
- antibiotics – you may be given a general antibiotic to start with and then a more specific one after the cause of the infection has been confirmed
- oxygen to help with breathing
- fluids given into a vein to help rehydrate you
Sometimes you may need treatment in a specialist care unit so you can be closely monitored.
Recovering from sepsis
Sepsis is a serious condition, and it can take weeks or months to recover.
There are some things you can do to help during this time.
Do
be patient and give yourself plenty of time – try not to rush your recovery
try to get enough sleep – adults usually need 7 to 9 hours' sleep each night
eat a healthy, balanced diet – if you have a reduced appetite, eating smaller meals more frequently may help
exercise regularly, but start slowly and build up gradually
keep a diary to track your progress – you can record things like your sleep, exercise and any symptoms you have
talk to your partner or a friend about how you're feeling – you can also contact The UK Sepsis Trust and speak to a support nurse
Complications of sepsis
Post-sepsis syndrome (PSS)
If you've had sepsis, there's a chance you may get post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).
PSS can cause many different physical, emotional and psychological symptoms including:
- feeling very tired
- hearing loss
- nerve damage that may cause numbness or weakness in your hands and feet
- problems with your organs, such as your heart, kidneys and lungs
- depression, anxiety, and loss of confidence and self-esteem
- cognitive problems, such as memory loss and finding it difficult to concentrate
Everyone who gets PSS is affected differently. It often lasts 6 to 18 months, but some people take much longer to recover.
Treatment for PSS involves treating the symptoms, and may include physiotherapy, counselling and additional help and support.
Repeat infections
If you've had sepsis, you may have a higher chance of getting other infections because of damage to your immune system.
Call NHS 111 if:
- you or your child have had sepsis in the past 12 months and have symptoms of an infection, such as a very high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
Causes of sepsis
The exact cause of sepsis is not known. It's thought your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body's organs.
The risk of getting sepsis may also be affected by the type of infection, your age, genetics and any other conditions you have.
Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, but bacterial infections are the most common cause, including:
Who's at risk of getting sepsis
Anyone can get sepsis, but there's a higher chance of getting it if:
- a baby is under 12 months
- you're over 75 years
- you're pregnant, have given birth, or had an abortion or a miscarriage in the past 6 weeks
- your immune system is weakened because you have a condition like HIV or sickle cell disease, you're having chemotherapy, or you're taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
- you have a burn, cut or wound, or a skin infection like cellulitis
- you have a catheter (a tube used to empty pee from your bladder and collect it in a drainage bag)
- you inject illegal drugs or misuse alcohol
Help and support for sepsis
Many people die from sepsis in the UK each year. For those who survive, the long-term effects can be both physical and emotional.
The UK Sepsis Trust
The UK Sepsis Trust provides help and support for anyone affected by sepsis, including family, friends and carers.
Information for people with a learning disability and their carers
