What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body responds abnormally to an infection. Normally, our immune system fights off infections, but sometimes it attacks our own organs and tissues. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, it can cause tissue damage, lead to multiple organ failure and even death. The mortality rate is 10%, rising to 40% when septic shock occurs.

Sepsis is not a disease but a collection of complications. The body develops sepsis when the immune system reacts more aggressively than necessary to an infection. If, in addition, hypotension occurs – that is, a significant drop in blood pressure – this is known as septic shock, the most serious form of sepsis.

The symptoms of sepsis are non-specific, so they can initially be mistaken for flu, gastroenteritis or a lung infection. Symptoms can vary from person to person and differ between adults, children and the elderly.

The first step is the early administration of appropriate antibiotics, as there is no single drug to treat sepsis. Treatment is administered according to the severity of the condition, and its aim is to halt and reverse the process.