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HCA Healthcare

Colleton Hospital

Sepsis

Sepsis is a complication caused by the body's overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is the body responding to an infection. If not identified and treated early, it can lead to a medical emergency.

Who is at risk of Sepsis?

Individuals who have Sepsis before, undergone surgical and invasive diagnostic procedures, chemotherapy or radiation and treatment and individuals less than one year and greater than sixty five years old with:

Individuals with:

  • Chronic Illness: Diabetes, Kidney and Liver Failure, Heart Disease
  • Malnutrition
  • Invasive Devices: PICC Lines, Central Lines, Foley Catheters, Implanted Tubes or Ports
  • Surgical, traumatic or chronic wounds

There are three stages of Sepsis:

Stage 1

SEPSIS

  • Temperature greater than 100.4 F or less than 96.8 F
  • Respiratory rate greater than 20 per minute
  • Heart greater than 90 beats per minute
  • An infection such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wounds, infected lines/ports

Stage 2

SEVERE SEPSIS

  • SEPSIS
  • Signs of organ damage such as decreased urination, altered mental status

Stage 3

SEPTIC SHOCK

  • Severe SEPSIS
  • Steady decreasing blood pressure

How do I recognize when my loved one needs assistance?

Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Fever, shaking, chills
  • Confusion or difficulty waking your family member up
  • Nonstop nausea and vomiting
  • Nonstop diarrhea
  • Fast heart rate
  • Fast breathing
  • Not making as much urine

Ways to decrease your change of getting sepsis:

  • Washing hands with soap and warm water
  • Keep blood sugar under control
  • Take medications the way your doctor has prescribed to you
  • Stay on track with your doctor appointments