Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It occurs when the body’s immune response becomes overactive, leading to inflammation, low blood pressure, and potential organ damage. Sepsis requires urgent medical attention, but early recognition and timely treatment greatly improve outcomes.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our infectious disease specialists collaborate closely with hospital teams (hospitalists and critical care specialists) to identify sepsis quickly, begin appropriate treatment, and support recovery during and after hospitalization.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Sepsis can develop from almost any infection, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, or abdominal infections. Sometimes symptoms appear gradually; other times they worsen quickly.

Common symptoms of sepsis include:

• Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Extreme fatigue or confusion
• Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
• Decreased urine output
• Skin that feels unusually warm, cool, or clammy

Because sepsis progresses quickly, symptoms that seem “worse than an ordinary infection” should never be ignored.

Evaluation

If sepsis is suspected, evaluation will begin immediately. Your care team will:

• Review your symptoms and the suspected source of infection
• Assess vital signs and oxygen levels
• Perform a focused physical exam
• Identify warning signs of organ dysfunction (confusion, low urine output, low blood pressure)
• Coordinate rapid transfer to the hospital when needed

Early testing guides critical treatment decisions and helps prevent complications.

Diagnosis & Risk Assessment

Sepsis diagnosis requires identifying the infection and determining how the body is responding. Testing is designed to pinpoint the cause quickly and evaluate organ function.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Blood cultures to detect bacteria in the bloodstream
• Lactate levels, a marker of poor circulation or tissue stress
• Complete blood count (CBC) to assess infection severity
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Chest X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound to locate the infection source
• Urine, sputum, or wound cultures

Assessment of Severity

Healthcare providers evaluate sepsis using criteria such as:

• Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) or qSOFA scores
• Blood pressure trends
• Oxygenation and respiratory status
• Changes in mental clarity
• Urine output

This helps determine whether the patient has:

• Sepsis
• Severe sepsis
• Septic shock (a medical emergency requiring ICU care)

Your healthcare provider will explain results clearly and guide your family through what to expect during treatment.

Treatment & Management

Sepsis treatment begins immediately, ideally within the first hour, to stop the infection and stabilize vital organs.

Initial treatment includes:

• Broad-spectrum IV antibiotics to cover likely bacteria
• IV fluids to improve blood pressure and circulation
• Oxygen therapy for respiratory support
• Medications to maintain blood pressure (vasopressors) if shock is present
• Source control, such as draining an abscess or removing infected tissue

Medical care is often provided in an intensive care unit (ICU) so the medical team can monitor your condition closely.

Ongoing Management

After stabilization, treatment may include:

• Switching to targeted antibiotics based on culture results
• Managing complications such as kidney injury or breathing difficulties
• Pain control and fever management
• Nutrition support
• Physical therapy to prevent muscle loss

The goal of treatment is to resolve the infection, protect organs, and support the body through recovery.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Sepsis recovery can take days, weeks, or even months, depending on severity. After discharge from the hospital, your infectious disease specialist will:

• Review your infection source and confirm it has resolved
• Adjust or discontinue antibiotics as needed
• Monitor organ recovery (kidney, liver, heart, lungs)
• Evaluate for post-sepsis fatigue or cognitive changes
• Coordinate care with your primary care physician and other specialists

Many patients notice lingering fatigue, weakness, or memory difficulties, a cluster of symptoms called post-sepsis syndrome. Our team provides ongoing support and referrals to rehabilitation when needed.

Prognosis & Preventive Care

With early treatment, most patients recover well from sepsis. However, preventive measures are essential to reduce the risk of future infections.

Ways to protect your health include:

• Keeping up-to-date with influenza, pneumococcal, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines
• Managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or COPD
• Recognizing early signs of infection (fever, worsening cough, painful urination, skin redness)
• Seeking care quickly when symptoms escalate
• Practicing good wound care and hygiene
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use

The infectious disease team at The Medical Group of New Jersey is committed to helping patients recover fully and stay healthy long after their infection is treated.