Our immune system protects our bodies from a variety of things, including viruses, bacteria, and toxins, so having a healthy one is important. Sometimes, however, an immune system can weaken or fail. It can even work against us, causing autoimmune disorders, which can put one at greater risk for sepsis and lead to septic shock.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, also known as septicemia or blood poisoning, occurs when the body has a severe response to an infection. Instead of the immune system defending the body, it releases chemicals, potentially leading to  mass inflammation and damage to the kidneys, lungs, liver, or other major organs.

The body is vulnerable to a number of things, but sepsis is typically caused by bacterial infections, and most incidences of sepsis occur in people who are or have recently been hospitalized Those individuals are at risk of contracting sepsis through wounds or incision sites, bed sores, catheters, and IV lines.

Sepsis symptoms include:

• Fast heartbeat
• Extremely low body temperature
• Fever and chills
• Sweaty or clammy skin
• Decrease in urination
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

If left untreated, sepsis can progress to septic shock.

What is Septic Shock?

Septic shock, the most severe stage of sepsis, ranks as one of the highest causes of death in ICUs in the United States each year.

Septic shock occurs when sepsis is left untreated and progresses to circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities. These include:

• Low blood pressure and/or high pulse rate; difficulty breathing with increasing oxygen requirement
• Lab abnormalities - kidney or liver dysfunction, blood count abnormalities
• Confusion or change in mental status

At this stage, immediate medical attention is critical.

What Are Septic Shock Symptoms?

Depending on a patient's progression through the phases of sepsis, symptoms range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

• Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
• Respiratory issues
• Confusion
• Temperature exceeding 101⁰ F
• Fever and chills
• Increased heart rate
• Organ failure
• Urological issues

Who is at Risk for Septic Shock?

"Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have existing medical conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for developing septic shock,” explains Dahlia Philips, MD, a Summit Health infectious diseases and travel medicine specialist.

People also can develop sepsis and septic shock from urinary tract infections and exposure to certain intravenous (IV) devices, urinary catheters, and breathing tubes. These medical devices can quickly introduce foreign bacteria into an already vulnerable body.

How to Detect Sepsis and Septic Shock

Diagnosis for sepsis and septic shock is generally made using a combination of blood tests and physical exam findings; however, there are other ways to determine infection progress, such as:

• X-rays
• MRIs
• CT scans
• Urinary tests
• Wound examinations

Can You Survive Sepsis and Septic Shock?

Sepsis and septic shock can cause dangerous and life-threatening complications and require immediate medical attention and treatment for the best prognosis. Chances of survival are greatly dependent on infection source and how far along infection has progressed, but thanks to early symptom recognition and treatment options, it can be survivable.

If you are concerned about your risk of sepsis, talk to your provider. If you don’t have a primary care physician, call 908-273-4300 or visit summithealth.com.