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About Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body's extreme response to an infection. It can lead to organ damage, shock, and even death if not treated quickly. TheDrugClub understands the urgency and high costs associated with sepsis treatment, offering significant savings on crucial prescriptions to help members afford the care they need.

The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.

MedlinePlus overview of Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is your body's overactive and extreme response to an infection. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Without quick treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.

What causes sepsis?

Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, but other types of infections can also cause it.

The infections are often in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, or bladder. It's possible for sepsis to begin with a small cut that gets infected or with an infection that develops after surgery. Sometimes, sepsis can occur in people who didn't even know that they had an infection.

Who is more likely to develop sepsis?

Anyone with an infection could get sepsis. But certain people are more likely to develop it:

Adults 65 or older

People with chronic (long-lasting) conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease

People with weakened immune systems

Pregnant women

Children younger than one

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis can cause one or more of these symptoms:

Rapid breathing and heart rate

Shortness of breath

Confusion or disorientation

Extreme pain or discomfort

Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold

Clammy or sweaty skin

It's important to get medical care right away if you think you might have sepsis or if your infection is not getting better or is getting worse.

What other problems can sepsis cause?

Severe cases of sepsis can lead to septic shock, where your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and multiple organs can fail.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

To find out if you have sepsis, your health care provider:

Will take your medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms

Will do a physical exam, which includes checking vital signs (your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing)

Will likely order lab tests that check for signs of infection or organ damage

May order imaging tests such as an x-ray or a CT scan to find the location of the infection

Many of the signs and symptoms of sepsis can also be caused by other medical conditions. This may make sepsis hard to diagnose in its early stages.

What are the treatments for sepsis?

It is very important to get treatment right away. Treatment usually includes:

Antibiotics.

Maintaining blood flow to organs. This may involve getting oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids.

Treating the source of the infection.

If needed, medicines to increase blood pressure.

In serious cases, you might need kidney dialysis or a breathing tube. Some people need surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection.

Can sepsis be prevented?

To prevent sepsis, you should try to prevent getting an infection:

Take good care of any chronic health conditions that you have

Get recommended vaccines

Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing

Keep cuts clean and covered until healed

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus topic page. Topic date: 06/03/2003. MedlinePlus file date: 10/15/2026 02:30:37.

This information is educational and is not medical advice.

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