Overview Severe sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an
infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into
the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger
inflammatory responses throughout the body. This
inflammation can trigger a cascade of changes that can
damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail.
If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure
drops dramatically, which may lead to death.
Anyone can develop sepsis, but it's most common and
most dangerous in older adults or those with weakened
immune systems. Early treatment of sepsis, usually with
antibiotics and large amounts of intravenous fluids,
improves chances for survival.
Your diagnosis will be upgraded to severe sepsis if you
also exhibit at least one of the following signs and
symptoms, which indicate an organ may be failing:
 Significantly decreased urine output
 Abrupt change in mental status
 Decrease in platelet count
 Difficulty breathing
 Abnormal heart pumping function
 Abdominal pain
Septic shock

To be diagnosed with septic shock, you must have the

Symptoms
signs and symptoms of severe sepsis — plus extremely
low blood pressure that doesn't adequately respond to
Many doctors view sepsis as a three-stage syndrome, simple fluid replacement.
starting with sepsis and progressing through severe
sepsis to septic shock. The goal is to treat sepsis during
When to see a doctor
its early stage, before it becomes more dangerous.

Most often sepsis occurs in people who are hospitalized.

Sepsis
To be diagnosed with sepsis, you must exhibit at least
two of the following symptoms, plus a probable or
confirmed infection:
People in the intensive care unit are especially
vulnerable to developing infections, which can then lead
to sepsis. If you get an infection or if you develop signs
and symptoms of sepsis after surgery, hospitalization or
an infection, seek medical care immediately.

 Body temperature above 101 F (38.3 C) or below

96.8 F (36 C)
 Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
 Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very
sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time
breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at
home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults,
babies, and people with other diseases can become very
ill. They may need to be in the hospital.
You can get pneumonia in your daily life, such as at
school or work. This is called community-associated
pneumonia. You can also get it when you are in a hospital
or nursing home. This is called healthcare-associated
pneumonia. It may be more severe because you already
are ill. This topic focuses on pneumonia you get in your
daily life.
What causes pneumonia?
Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause
pneumonia.
Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs
into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the
disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses
make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is
easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic,
disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer,
or diabetesalso makes you more likely to get pneumonia.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually come
on quickly. They may include:
 Cough. You will likely cough up mucus (sputum)
from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or
tinged with blood.
 Fever.
 Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.
 Shaking and "teeth-chattering" chills.
 Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough
or breathe in.
 Fast heartbeat.
 Feeling very tired or very weak.
 Nausea and vomiting.
 Diarrhea.
When you have mild symptoms, your doctor may call this
"walking pneumonia."
Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder
symptoms. They may not have a fever. Or they may have a
cough but not bring up mucus. The main sign of pneumonia
in older adults may be a change in how well they think.
Confusion or delirium is common. Or, if they already have
a lung disease, that disease may get worse.
Symptoms caused by viruses are the same as those caused
by bacteria. But they may come on slowly and often are not
as obvious or as bad.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do
a physical exam. He or she may order a chest X-ray and
a complete blood count (CBC). This is usually enough for
your doctor to know if you have pneumonia. You may
need more tests if you have bad symptoms, are an older
adult, or have other health problems. In general, the
sicker you are, the more tests you may need.
Your doctor may also test mucus from your lungs to find
out if bacteria are causing your pneumonia. Finding out
what is causing your pneumonia can help your doctor
choose the best treatment for you.
How is it treated?
If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your doctor will give
you antibiotics. These almost always cure pneumonia
caused by bacteria. Be sure to take
the antibiotics exactly as instructed. Do not stop taking
them just because you feel better. You need to take the
full course of antibiotics.
Pneumonia can make you feel very sick. But after you
take antibiotics, you should start to feel much better.
Call your doctor if you do not start to feel better after 2
to 3 days of antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if
you feel worse.
There are things you can do to feel better during your
treatment. Get plenty of rest and sleep, and drink lots of
liquids. Do not smoke. If your cough keeps you awake at
night, talk to your doctor about using cough medicine.
You may need to go to the hospital if you have bad
symptoms, a weak immune system, or another serious
illness.
Pneumonia caused by a virus usually is not treated with
antibiotics. Sometimes, antibiotics may be used to
prevent complications. But home treatment, such as rest
and taking care of your cough, usually is all that is done.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

Experts recommend immunization for children and
adults. Children get the pneumococcal vaccine as part of
their routine shots. Two different types of
pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for people
ages 65 and older. If you smoke, or you have a long-term
health problem, it's a good idea to get a pneumococcal
vaccine. It may not keep you from getting pneumonia. But
if you do get pneumonia, you probably won't be as sick.
You can also get an influenza vaccine to prevent the flu,
because sometimes people get pneumonia after having
the flu.
You can also lower your chances of getting pneumonia
by staying away from people who have a cold, measles,
or chickenpox. You may get pneumonia after you have
one of these illnesses. Wash your hands often. This helps
prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that may
cause pneumonia.