Septic shock

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level (severe hypotension).

The fall in blood pressure is a reaction to a serious bacterial infection that develops in the blood, causing an inflammatory response from the body that is known as sepsis. If sepsis is not treated, it will lead to septic shock.

Sepsis

Sepsis is where an infection spreads through the blood, causing symptoms to develop throughout the whole body.

The term ‘sepsis’ is sometimes used to refer to blood poisoning (septicaemia). This is not entirely accurate because sepsis is not just limited to the blood but affects the whole body, including the organs. Sepsis can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

The effects of sepsis

Sepsis can affect many of the vital processes of the body including:

• blood pressure,
• breathing, and
• organ function.

Sepsis can result in septic shock if it is not treated immediately. The symptoms of shock include cold skin and increased heartbeat.

Someone who has septic shock will usually be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) so that their body’s functions and organs can be supported while the infection is being treated.

Outlook

The death rate for septic shock is high. Between 30 and 50% of people with severe sepsis will die from it.

For someone with septic shock, their chances of survival will depend on:

• the cause of infection,
• the number of organs that have failed, and
• how soon treatment is started.