Blood poisoning

It is estimated that there are 31,000 cases of severe sepsis in England and Wales every year, and the number of cases seems to be rising. Approximately 30% to 50% of people with severe sepsis will die because of the condition.

Sepsis refers to an infection that has spread through the blood, causing symptoms throughout the whole body. This is known as a systematic response.

Sepsis is often referred to as either blood poisoning or septicaemia, though it could be argued that both terms are not entirely accurate. Sepsis is not just limited to the blood but can affect the whole body, including the organs. Septicaemia refers to a bacterial infection of the blood; whereas sepsis can also be caused by viral or fungal infections.

Usually, an infection is limited to one part of the body. This is referred to as a localised infection. However, if somebody is particularly vulnerable to infection, for example they have a weakened immune system, the infection can carry on spreading. The infection will spread first into the blood and then into other organs.

Unfortunately, rather that helping to get rid of sepsis, the immune system actually makes it worse. This is because the immune system releases a high number of infecting-fighting proteins known as cytokines. These proteins, rather than fighting the infection, actually cause damage to the organs of the body and affect blood circulation.

Severe sepsis and septic shock

If sepsis is allowed to progress, it can move into a more serious phase of the condition known as severe sepsis. Severe sepsis happens when one or more organs have been damaged by the infection, or there is a significant loss of blood supply to tissues and organs (hypoperfusion).

Septic shock is another type of sepsis where the infection causes a massive drop in blood pressure. This results in symptoms of shock, such as cold skin and increased heart beat.

Sepsis can interfere with many of the vital processes of the body, including blood pressure, breathing and organ function; all of which can result in death.

Treatment will normally require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) where the functions of the organs and body can be supported while the infection is treated.