Sepsis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sepsis?
An emergency medicine doctor (a doctor who treats sudden, serious illness) usually starts sepsis care in a hospital. An infectious disease doctor (a doctor who treats infections) may help too. Some people are watched closely in a specialist care unit. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is your body's overactive and extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Without quick treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
The germs do not cause the symptoms directly. Chemicals that the body releases cause the response. Sepsis usually develops quickly over a few hours.
Severe cases can lead to septic shock. In septic shock, blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and several organs can fail.
Symptoms
Sepsis can cause one or more of these symptoms:
- Fast breathing and a fast heart rate.
- Confusion or disorientation (feeling mixed up about where you are).
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold.
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
- Blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
A change in thinking and very fast breathing may be the first signs of sepsis. A high temperature is less common in older adults.
Babies and children may breathe very fast, have a seizure, or be sleepier than normal. Babies and children under 5 may also not want to feed.
Causes and who gets it
Sepsis happens when an infection you already have sets off a chain reaction in your body. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, but other types of infections can also cause it.
The infection is often in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, or bladder. Sepsis can begin with a small cut that gets infected or with an infection that develops after surgery.
Anyone with an infection could get sepsis, but some people are more likely to get it.
- Adults 65 or older.
- Children younger than one.
- Pregnant women.
- People with long-lasting conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease.
- People with weakened immune systems.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors take your medical history and ask about your symptoms. They do a physical exam. They check vital signs, such as your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. They will likely order lab tests that check for signs of infection or organ damage. They may also order imaging tests, such as an x-ray or a CT scan, to find where the infection is.
A blood test often confirms the infection. But it may miss the infection in people who have been taking antibiotics. Sepsis can be hard to find early. Many of its signs can also be caused by other medical conditions.
Treatment
Sepsis is treated in a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Antibiotics are usually given through a vein, and they need to be given as quickly as possible.
Other care can include:
- Oxygen, plus fluids given through a vein, to keep blood flowing to your organs.
- Treatment of the source of the infection.
- Medicines to raise your blood pressure, if needed.
- Kidney dialysis (a machine that cleans the blood) or a breathing tube, in serious cases.
- Surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection, for some people.
People with sepsis are usually in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Sepsis is a serious condition, and it can take weeks or months to recover.
When to see a doctor
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Get care right away if you think you or your child might have it.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you think you or your child might have sepsis. Warning signs include breathing very fast and being confused or having slurred speech. Others are blue, pale or blotchy skin and a rash that does not fade when you press it.
Get medical care right away if an infection is not getting better or is getting worse. A person with sepsis might not have every symptom.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can help you take good care of long-term health conditions, such as diabetes. They can also help you get recommended vaccines. These steps can help prevent infections that lead to sepsis.
Common questions
Can sepsis be treated at home?
No, sepsis is treated in a hospital. Sepsis develops quickly and needs urgent treatment.
What is septic shock?
Septic shock is a severe case of sepsis in which your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and several organs can fail. Without treatment, sepsis can turn into septic shock, which a person can die from.
Can sepsis be prevented?
You can lower your risk by trying to prevent infections. Get recommended vaccines, wash your hands, and keep cuts clean and covered until they heal. In the hospital, taking out urinary catheters and IV lines when they are no longer needed also helps.
How long does it take to recover from sepsis?
It can take weeks or months to recover from sepsis. Damage from poor blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidneys may take time to improve. There may be long-term problems with these organs.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
