Sepsis: know the signs and save a life
Information for patients and carers
Out of approximately 250,000 cases of sepsis each year in the UK, 46,000 people will die (Sepsis Trust, UK). By being aware of the early warning signs of this illness this number can be reduced.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection that without quick treatment can cause multiple organ failure (source: NHS, 2017).
How do you get sepsis?
Sepsis can be triggered by an infection in any part of your body. The most common sites of infection leading to sepsis are the lungs, urinary tract, tummy (abdomen), and pelvis.
Sepsis is not linked with certain people or illnesses, it can affect anyone. It is more common after a minor illness.
The people who are at higher risk, are those who:
have long-term medical conditions
have low immune systems
have recently had chemotherapy or surgery
have open wounds or injuries
are very young or very old
have had a recent serious illness.
Is sepsis contagious?
No, it is not contagious.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of sepsis include:
very high or very low temperature
shivering or chills
fast heartbeat
fast breathing
feeling ill, not feeling your usual self.
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These can then be followed with:
dizziness or fainting
sudden confusion
being sick
diarrhoea
muscle ache and pains for no reason
mottled skin (see photo)
breathing problems
not passing your normal amount of urine
slurred speech.
Please note that many of these symptoms can be linked with other illnesses, so do not panic.
If you have concerns at home, please contact your GP. If you are in hospital when you notice symptoms, please speak to your hospital doctor or nurse.
How is sepsis diagnosed?
In East Kent we use the early warning score (EWS) system. The EWS system makes sure that when a patient is becoming unwell, that the signs can be spotted early and acted upon immediately. All clinical staff are trained to spot people becoming more unwell and if EWS are increasing.
Early treatment will help people get better quicker.
If your nurse or doctor has concerns, blood tests will be taken and, possibly an x-ray.
How is sepsis treated?
A diagnosis of sepsis will include a standard course of treatment called Sepsis 7.
The Sepsis 7 treatment is:
oxygen (if needed, a small number of patients will not need oxygen)
intravenous antibiotics and intravenous fluids
blood tests including a lactate level,
and a strict fluid balance.
The medical team will also be told that the patient needs an urgent review of their condition.
Each of these treatments will help you respond to the infection. Other tests may be needed, this will be discussed with your doctor.
The treatment plan after this is specific to each patient. Before any decisions are made, your doctor will discuss your plan with you.
While in hospital you will be closely monitored. Your vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and heart beat) will be recorded.
How long will I have to stay in hospital?
Your hospital stay will depend on:
how your body is coping with fighting the infection
the results of your blood tests, and
your individual treatment plan.
Not all patients will have to stay in hospital until the infection has cleared. This will be discussed with your doctor.
When can I go home?
Once your doctor is happy for you to be discharged from hospital, you will most likely go home with new medications. This does not mean the infection has gone, but it is under control and you should slowly start getting better.
When can I return to work? How will I feel?
There is no specific length of time to stay off work; it depends on you and your job. You will feel more tired than usual on leaving hospital, while your body is recovering from the infection. This is completely normal.
What should I do if I have any concerns?
If you notice any changes or are worried about yourself or a loved one, please speak to a member of staff and explain your concerns. You will sometimes notice changes in the person you are visiting quicker than staff, as you know them when they are well / normal. Please do not hesitate to tell the nurse looking after them as soon as you can.
If you are at home and you feel unwell or start noticing some of the symptoms of sepsis, please either see your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. Or, if you are concerned go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.