Sepsis – Information for patients, relatives and carers

What is Sepsis?
Infection is caused by germs entering the body which can be either viral or bacterial. Sepsis is a rare but serious reaction to an infection which can affect your whole body. You may have heard sepsis being called different names such as blood poisoning or septicaemia.

Why does Sepsis occur?
Sepsis occurs when your body’s natural responses to fighting an infection becomes overwhelmed. This can happen in just one area of your body such as, your lungs or bladder or, in more serious cases can be more widespread, affecting the blood. Infections are very common. The majority can be treated without hospital treatment. However, some infections develop into sepsis, as a result this is likely to require a stay in hospital.

Who is at risk of Sepsis?
Everyone is at risk of developing sepsis, even those in good health. However, you may be more at risk if you are:

• Over 75
• Have long term medical conditions such diabetes or heart conditions
• Have a weak immune system, on long term steroids or receiving chemotherapy
• Have had any surgery in the last 6 weeks
• Have any open wounds
• Pregnant or have given birth in the last 6 weeks

What symptoms might you get?
You may feel like you are developing flu and have some or all of the symptoms below:

Sepsis Symptoms:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured

If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about a loved one please seek medical help immediately.

What investigations might you need?
You will have a variety of different blood tests to help identify the bugs causing your infection and therefore making sure the most appropriate antibiotics are given to you. You may be asked to provide a sample of urine/spit/poo to help identify the source of infection. X-rays, such as chest or tummy, may also be carried out to help identify the source of infection. You are likely to need a small tube, a cannula, to be inserted into one of your veins to enable intravenous fluids and antibiotics to be given to you. You may also require a tube to be inserted into your bladder, a urinary catheter, to help us monitor your urine output and tell us how well your kidneys are working.

What treatment will you receive?
Everybody reacts differently when fighting sepsis and not everyone will require the same treatment, below are a list of treatments you may receive:

• intravenous antibiotics
• intravenous fluids
• oxygen
• pain relief if you need it
• medication to help reduce a raised temperature

Who can I speak to if I have questions?
The team that are caring for you will be able to answer most of the questions you have and give you an update on your progress. The Trust has a dedicated Sepsis Nurse Specialist who provides education and support to staff to make sure we are continually improving our practices. The Sepsis Nurse Specialist can be contacted, by our staff, for further information as required.

Recovering from Sepsis
You may experience a variety of physical, psychological and emotional problems while recovering. These are listed below, This is known as Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) and usually lasts between 6 and 18 months, you may not experience all of these.

Physical effects:

• Fatigue/trouble sleeping
• Repeated infections
• New allergies and sensitivities
• Brittle/loss of hair/nails/teeth
• Intolerance of very bright/noisy or crowded spaces
• Temperature sensitivities. Often feeling very cold or sweaty
• Joint pain/muscle weakness
• Dizziness/nausea/headaches/breathlessness
• Poor appetite/change in taste
• Change in vision

Psychological/cognitive effects

• Difficulty with short term memory/concentration
• Problems with speech, finding the right words/performing tasks you previously found easy
• Low mood/mood swings
• Lack of interest in things you previously enjoyed
• Anxiety/fear of becoming unwell
• Loss of confidence
• Guilt for worrying your loved ones
• Flashback to your hospital stay
• Frustration/isolation. No one understands what you have been through
• Strain on your relationships

The UK Sepsis Trust provides a service which enables adults that have been affected by sepsis to meet either at a local support group or via social media:
contact them on: 0808 800 0029
email: support@sepsistrust.org

What to do if you become unwell again:
You should see your GP if you feel you do not improve once discharged, or begin to feel unwell again. If you can not wait for a GP appointment you should call 111 for advice. If you feel too unwell for the above go to your local Emergency Department.

Resources to find out more information on sepsis:
Further information can be found via the following national organisations:
UK Sepsis Trust: https://sepsistrust.org/
NHS Choices: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/