Short description

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection. It occurs when the body's response to the infection is dysregulated, resulting in organ damage.

Synonyms
Septicemia
Blood poisoning

Detailed description

Sepsis can develop from various infections, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or a wound infection. It can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, among other things. The body’s response to the infection becomes so unbalanced that the function of vital organs is impaired.

Sepsis is a medical emergency and must be identified and treated quickly. Treatment depends on the cause and includes, for example, targeted treatment of the infection as well as measures to stabilize circulation and organ function. In severe cases, it can lead to septic shock and multiple organ failure.