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Sepsis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a condition that develops when your immune system reacts too strongly to an infection. Your immune system normally fights the germs causing an infection. Sepsis develops when your immune system stops attacking the germs and starts attacking healthy cells throughout your body. This causes a low blood pressure (BP) and inflammation. Sepsis is considered severe if the inflammation affects how one or more of your organs work. Sepsis must be treated immediately to prevent septic shock. Septic shock is sepsis with a life-threatening low BP that leads to organ failure.

What increases my risk for sepsis?

What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

How is sepsis diagnosed?

How is sepsis treated?

Several treatments may be needed if sepsis causes one or more organs to stop working correctly. Treatments are often started in the emergency room and continued in an intensive care or critical care unit of a hospital. You may need any of the following:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to prevent sepsis?


Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.