Understanding Sepsis: A Life-Threatening Emergency

An infection is something most of us face at some point, whether it’s a UTI, a cut on the skin, or a bout of pneumonia. But sometimes, an infection triggers a chain reaction that becomes a silent, rapid emergency. That emergency is sepsis.

At Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, we want everyone in our community to know the facts, recognize the signs, and understand when to seek immediate emergency care.

What is Sepsis?  Sepsis is not an infection itself. Instead, it is your body’s extreme, life-threatening response to an infection you already have.

When your immune system goes into overdrive to fight an infection, it can trigger widespread inflammation. Without rapid treatment, this inflammation quickly leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.

Where Do Sepsis-Causing Infections Start? While any infection can trigger sepsis, they most commonly start in four key areas:

• The Lungs (like pneumonia)

• The Urinary Tract (UTIs)

• The Skin (infected cuts, wounds, or surgical sites)

• The Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract

The Hard Facts About Sepsis:  Sepsis is incredibly common, and most cases actually begin before a patient ever enters a hospital.

• 1.7 Million: The minimum number of American adults who develop sepsis each year.

• 350,000+: The number of adults in the U.S. who die from sepsis during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice annually.

• 1 in 3: The ratio of hospital deaths in adults where sepsis was present during their stay.

How to Spot the Signs: S.E.P.S.I.S.

Because sepsis is a medical emergency where every minute counts, memorizing the symptoms can save a life. A person with sepsis may show one or more of these warning signs:

Who is Most at Risk?  While anyone can develop sepsis from an infection, those at the highest risk include:

• Adults aged 65 and older.

• Infants under one year old.

• People with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing cancer treatments).

• People with chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic lung disease.

Prevention & Action: What You Can Do: You can significantly lower your risk of sepsis by stopping infections before they start and acting quickly if things worsen.

1. Prevent Infections First

Practice good hand hygiene, keep cuts clean and covered until healed, and stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines (like the flu shot).

2. Know the Signs & Act Fast

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one has an infection that isn't getting better or is rapidly worsening, do not wait.

Ask the Crucial Question:

When speaking to a doctor or emergency room staff, always ask directly: "Could this be sepsis?"

Our dedicated medical teams are trained to diagnose sepsis rapidly through physical exams and targeted blood work, starting life-saving antibiotics and fluid therapy immediately to protect your organs and help you recover.