What Is Sepsis? Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Emergency Care

Sepsis is one of the most dangerous medical emergencies in the world — yet many people still don’t recognise it when it starts. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, triggering widespread inflammation and organ damage. Early treatment saves lives, which is why understanding what sepsis is, its symptoms, and when to seek emergency care is crucial for every household.

Sepsis can develop from infections that seem minor at first (a cough, a urinary tract infection, even a small skin wound). When the immune system becomes overwhelmed, the infection triggers a harmful chain reaction throughout the body. Without urgent treatment, sepsis can progress to septic shock — a life-threatening drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure.

Understanding What Sepsis Is

Sepsis isn’t an infection itself. It’s the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. This reaction damages tissues and organs and can quickly become fatal if not recognised early. According to global health agencies such as the WHO, sepsis accounts for millions of deaths each year — many of which are preventable through early detection and rapid medical care.

Any infection can lead to sepsis, but the most common starting points include:

Lung infections (e.g., pneumonia)
Urinary tract or kidney infections
Abdominal infections
Skin and wound infections

Sepsis is more common in older adults, young children, pregnant or recently pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems — but it can happen to anyone.

Symptoms of Sepsis: What You Should Watch For

The signs of sepsis often resemble common illnesses, which makes early recognition challenging. However, there are key red flags that should never be ignored.

Common symptoms include:

Fever, chills, or feeling unusually cold
Rapid heartbeat
Fast, shallow breathing
Confusion, disorientation, or sudden behaviour changes
Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
Severe pain or discomfort
Pale, mottled, or clammy skin

If you notice two or more of these symptoms during an infection, sepsis should be considered a medical emergency.

When Sepsis Becomes Life-Threatening

Sepsis can quickly progress to septic shock, which is defined by dangerously low blood pressure and signs of organ failure. Symptoms may include:

Difficulty breathing
Very low urine output
Bluish or pale skin
Fainting or collapse
Inability to stay awake

At this stage, minutes matter. Septic shock requires urgent ICU-level treatment.

When to Seek Emergency Care

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

You suspect an infection and notice symptoms of sepsis
Symptoms worsen rapidly
You feel “something is very wrong” even if you can’t fully explain it

In the UK, the NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E straight away if you think someone has sepsis. Early treatment — including antibiotics, oxygen support, and fluids — significantly improves survival.

To understand how infections can impact other areas of your health, also check out our article on How Stress Affects Blood Pressure — and What to Do About It, which explores another important aspect of bodily responses to stress and illness.

How to Reduce Your Risk

While sepsis can’t always be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

Treating infections promptly
Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations
Practising good wound care
Monitoring symptoms during illnesses
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes

Awareness is one of the strongest tools in preventing severe complications.

What’s Your Take?

Have you or someone you know ever experienced sepsis or a severe infection?
Share your story or questions — your experience could help someone else recognise symptoms early.