Stages of Sepsis
What are the 3 Stages of Sepsis?
Sepsis
Definition: The body has a confirmed or suspected infection and shows a systemic inflammatory response.
Symptoms:
- Fever or abnormally low body temperature
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Elevated or low white blood cell count
Key Point: At this stage, the body is reacting to an infection, but organ function is still intact.
Severe Sepsis
Definition: Sepsis plus organ dysfunction or hypoperfusion (inadequate blood flow).
Symptoms:
- Decreased urine output
- Sudden mental confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty breathing
- Low platelet count
- Abnormal heart function
- Abdominal pain
This stage indicates that organs are starting to fail, and immediate medical intervention is critical.
Septic Shock
Definition: A severe form of sepsis where blood pressure drops dangerously low and does not respond to fluid replacement.
Symptoms:
- Persistent hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Elevated lactate levels (indicating poor oxygen delivery to tissues)
- Multi-organ failure
This is the most life-threatening stage, with a high risk of death (30–50% mortality rate).
