Recognising the signs and symptoms of sepsis
Date published:
It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Also known as blood poisoning or septicaemia, it can be a life-threatening condition. Get medical help immediately if you think you’ve noticed the early signs of sepsis.
Sepsis and septic shock
You should keep sepsis in mind when someone:
- becomes very unwell
- acts differently than they have previously when they had an infection
- has a fast heartbeat
- has fast breathing or difficulty breathing
The early symptoms of sepsis include:
- a high temperature (fever) or, due to changes in circulation, a low body temperature instead
- chills and shivering
In some cases, and often very quickly, severe sepsis or septic shock can develop. Symptoms include:
- feeling dizzy or faint
- confusion or disorientation
- slurred speech
- severe muscle pain
- severe breathlessness
- not urinating for a day
- cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin, or grey (ashen) appearance
You can find more information at the following link:
Severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies.
If you think you or someone you know has one of these conditions, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.