Sepsis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You are short of breath or you cough up blood.
- You have a fast heart rate and your chest hurts.
- Your lips or fingernails are blue.
- You feel so dizzy that you have trouble standing up.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have increased swelling in your legs, feet, or abdomen.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have muscle or joint pain.
- You begin to have trouble sleeping, nightmares, or panic attacks.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to help treat an infection or decrease your symptoms.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions based on the cause of your sepsis. The following are general guidelines:
- Rest as often as needed. You may need to rest often during the day. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can drive and go back to work or your daily activities.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods can help increase your energy. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruit, whole-grain breads, low-fat meat and dairy products, fish, and cooked beans. Eat small meals throughout the day. Your provider may recommend that you work with a dietitian to create healthy meal plans.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent sepsis:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have washed your hands first. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Care for wounds and incisions as directed. Keep wounds and incisions clean and dry. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have signs of a wound infection. Signs include redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
- Prevent the spread of germs. Try to stay away from people who have a cold or the flu. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible.
- Ask your healthcare provider about vaccines you may need. Vaccines can help prevent some infections that may lead to sepsis. Get a flu vaccine every year as soon as recommended, usually in September or October. Get a COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters. You may also need a pneumonia vaccine. Your provider can tell you if you also need other vaccines, and when to get them.
- Care for a drain or IV catheter to help prevent an infection. Care instructions will include keeping the device area clean and dry.
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Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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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