[3 min read]
In this article:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that overwhelms the body and requires immediate, urgent treatment.
- Sepsis can cause blood clots, organ damage and even death.
- Infants, seniors, pregnant people, patients with large wounds and those from marginalized communities are at a higher risk for sepsis.
- Use TIME to recognize the symptoms of sepsis: Temperature, Infection, Mental Decline and Extremely Ill. Learn More.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. If not recognized and treated quickly, sepsis can lead to organ failure, long-term disability or death.
In the United States, more than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with sepsis each year. Every two minutes, someone dies from it. That includes 350,000 adults and 6,800 children annually.
“One device we use to remember the important signs and symptoms of sepsis is TIME, which stands for temperature, infection, mental decline and extremely ill,” says Heather Martin, director of quality at Providence Swedish. Martin is among the members of Providence Swedish leadership who supports the development of sepsis education and protocols for Providence Swedish caregivers. “If you or a loved one is experiencing any combination of these symptoms, we advise calling 911 or going to your local emergency department. It’s also important to let a clinician or caregiver know that you are concerned about sepsis because of these symptoms. It helps us advance treatment quickly.”
Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain groups are at higher risk, including infants, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and individuals from marginalized communities. The key to survival is early recognition and timely treatment. For every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases by 4 to 9%.
Sepsis is a public health crisis, but knowing the signs could help you save someone’s life — or your own. Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include:
- High heart rate or low blood pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, shivering or feeling very cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a single test to diagnose sepsis,” says Martin. “If we think a patient might be septic, we look for symptoms such as skin infections and inflammation throughout the body and perform a series of blood and urine tests to rule out other types of infection.”
“Many patient populations are vulnerable to sepsis, including people with cancer or autoimmune diseases, but there are some that might be surprising, like athletes and those with neglected dental health, pregnancy, and even children” says Martin.
If you or someone you know shows signs of sepsis, seek emergency medical care immediately. To learn more, speak with your primary care physician or visit the Sepsis Alliance website for more information about the symptoms of sepsis, how to treat it and how patients and families from across the country have been affected by sepsis.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
