Sepsis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]
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Overview
History and Symptoms
History
The patient’s history is important in determining the likely site and cause of the septic process. This, in turn, helps in deciding the appropriate antimicrobial therapy and treatment approach.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sepsis are often related to the underlying infectious process. When the infection crosses into sepsis, the resulting symptoms are that of:
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which include:
- General inflammation
- Fever
- Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
- Raised heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing rate (tachypnea).
A capillary leak syndrome can develop with severe swelling, edema, and third spacing of fluids. General symptoms can include flu like symptoms as well as shaking chills or rigors.
The immunological response that causes sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response causing widespread activation of inflammation and coagulation pathways. This may progress to dysfunction of the circulatory system and, even under optimal treatment, may result in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and eventually death.