Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a potentially lifethreatening condition. It is an infection that spreads quickly through the blood to infect the entire body. The infection is caused by germs called bacteria. Sepsis may cause your blood pressure to drop or small blood clots to form.

The infection makes it hard for oxygen and nutrients to get to body organs, like the kidneys and lungs, and they may start to fail. Sepsis may cause death in people who have weak immune systems or other health problems if their bodies are not able to fight infections.

Signs and symptoms

• Fever

• Confusion

• Fast breathing

• Chills or shaking

• Fast heartbeat

• Light-headedness

• Less urine output

• Skin rash or skin colour changes

Investigation

Blood tests or other investigations may be done to check for sepsis.

Treatment

Early hospitalisation may stop spread of infection. It may also boost your chances of surviving sepsis.

Patients may require close monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU). Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, oxygen, and other medicines may be part of the treatment. Once the blood investigation result is back, the doctor may select or change to a specific antibiotic that fights the infection more effectively.

The doctor may also order IV fluids and medications to increase the blood pressure if it is too low.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg

Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg