Sepsis

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Recent data has revealed that on average 90,000 Australians are diagnosed with sepsis each year, with more than 13,000 people losing their life.

Sepsis starts with an infection which may result after surgery, from a wound, an illness or condition such as a urinary tract infection.

Most cases of sepsis can start at home but can also develop in hospital.

Sepsis is an emergency that starts quickly and requires treatment fast. If you think you have sepsis, seek medical treatment immediately by calling Triple Zero (000), or visiting a clinic or hospital.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms for sepsis differ between adults and children.

Adults:

• short wind/fast breathing
• heart beating too fast
• Feeling really hot/fever
• skin colour has changed/rash/mottled skin
• runny poo/diarrhoea
• feeling really tired or confused
• feeling sick in the stomach/vomiting
• feeling really cold/chills
• not much urine
• feeling so sick you feel like you could die
• severe pain or discomfort.

Children:

• fast breathing or long pauses in breathing
• floppy body
• blotchy, blue or pale skin
• a lot of pain or very restless
• fit or seizure
• drowsy, difficult to wake up, irritable or confused
• cold skin
• rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
• nausea, vomiting, unable to eat, drink or breastfeed
• pass less urine or have fewer wet nappies.

You know your body and your child best. If you are concerned you, your child or loved one is sicker than ever before, or the illness is getting worse, ask ‘could it be sepsis?’

Post sepsis syndrome

Post sepsis syndrome (PSS) is a condition that includes physical and/or psychological long-term effects that can occur from having sepsis. PSS affects up to 50% of sepsis survivors and is more likely after experiencing an admission in ICU or a long hospital stay for severe sepsis. PSS can affect people at any age; however, the elderly and those with chronic diseases are at higher risk.

Post sepsis syndrome can result in various physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional symptoms, which can impact your quality of life after sepsis and your ability to return to normal daily activities.

Common symptoms of post sepsis syndrome include:

• Physical symptoms
  • extreme fatigue and weakness
  • disabling muscle and joint pain
  • difficulty moving or poor mobility
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble sleeping/insomnia
  • hair loss, skin issues like dryness or peeling
  • swelling in the limbs
  • difficulty swallowing
• Cognitive symptoms
  • poor concentration and memory loss
  • slowed thinking and difficulty with decision-making
  • impaired mental functioning
  • clouded thinking
• Psychological & emotional symptoms
  • depression, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem
  • flashbacks, vivid dreams, nightmares or hallucinations
  • panic attacks
  • mood swings
  • feeling frustrated and socially isolated

Sepsis can affect your whole body. It is normal to go through a period of recovery after sepsis.  Rehabilitation and discharge planning should start early during your hospital stay to ensure the right people are involved in your care during and after leaving hospital. This may include allied health services such as physiotherapy, follow up with specialist doctors and community health services tailored to your needs for recovery.

Contacts

For more information and assistance, contact Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety by emailing ceps.health@nt.gov.au.