Sepsis occurs when there are pathogenic toxins in the blood. It is the body’s life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure or even death. Symptoms of sepsis include altered mental status, increased respiratory rate, low blood pressure and abnormal heart rate, body temperature and white blood cell count. Severe sepsis occurs when there are signs of organ dysfunction and altered cerebral function. Septic shock occurs when a person’s blood pressure is severely low. Early detection of sepsis is the best chance for survival.
