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Sepsis can affect anyone and is always triggered by a previous infection. You should take warning signs seriously and act immediately.
Rapid pulse, racing heart, shortness of breath, pain, chills with high fever – signs of an infection in the body, which, however, in combination with other symptoms, can also indicate blood poisoning, a so-called sepsis. Sepsis, also known as a bloodstream infection, can develop as a life-threatening consequence of a wound, as was the case with Til Schweiger, but also as a result of a variety of infectious diseases. Sepsis is caused by various pathogens, such as pneumococci, meningococci, staphylococci or streptococci. This causes the body’s reaction to an infection to get out of control, which can lead to serious damage to organs. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Take signs of infection seriously
Sepsis can occur as a result of an infection. The signs of sepsis are according to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) are often non-specific, meaning they can also occur in other diseases. Symptoms of an infection, which can also result in blood poisoning, are loud Sepsis Foundation:
- Fever
- chills
- Sore throat
- stomach pain
- Strong headache
- Ear pain
- Pain in the mouth or jaw
- Lower back pain
- Cough
- Frequent and painful urination
If you have an infectious disease, such as a bladder infection, urinary tract infection or pneumonia, it is important to have it treated appropriately in order to prevent sepsis from developing.
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Sepsis is always caused by an infection – recognize warning signs
If you have signs of infection, you should also pay attention to the following symptoms of possible sepsis:
- Previously unknown feeling of illness
- Low resting heart rate, less than 50 beats per minute
- High resting heart rate, over 120 beats per minute
- heart racing
- shortness of breath
- Damp skin
- Skin with a bluish-purple appearance
- Reddish, marbled-looking skin
- Strong pain
- Cold extremities
- confusion
- Apathetic state
- change of character
- More than 20 breaths per minute
- Very low blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure value (upper value) is below 100 – the average value is 120 to 80 mmHg
Sepsis is the most serious form of infection. It occurs when the body’s defenses are no longer sufficient to stop the spread of a local infection. The pathogens can then enter the bloodstream and lead to activation of the body’s defense systems, especially the immune and coagulation systems. This means that not only is the actual pathogen combated – vital organs such as the lungs, heart and kidneys can also be irretrievably damaged. This can lead to multi-organ failure and in the result of septic shock, as cult actor Fritz Wepper is said to have experienced, lead. Sepsis, treated too late or untreated, is always fatal.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.