Septic Shock

Septic shock is the most severe, dangerous stage of sepsis. Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts harming your body.

Septic shock can cause extremely low blood pressure and organ failure even with fluid treatment. With septic shock, your cells aren’t using oxygen properly, and the way your body uses energy is disrupted.

Septic shock is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

Sepsis vs. septic shock — what’s the difference?

Sepsis exists on a scale of severity. It may start with an infection and bacteria in your blood (bacteremia). It can then progress to septic shock. This can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

In other words, sepsis is like your house is on fire and it’s spreading quickly. Septic shock is like the fire is so intense that the walls are falling in — the structure is collapsing.

Septic shock symptoms

When sepsis turns to septic shock, your blood pressure will begin to drop significantly. You may experience very high and then very low body temperatures. Symptoms of septic shock can affect your whole body. These may include:

• Lightheadedness
• Peeing less or not at all
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Cool arms and legs
• Pale, blue or grayish skin discoloration
• Altered mental status or confusion

What causes septic shock?

Septic shock happens when an infection triggers such an extreme immune response that it causes a chain reaction of harmful effects throughout your body. The steps involved in developing septic shock are:

• Infection: Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. Fungi and viruses are also potential causes. Infections can start anywhere in your body, but most often develop in your lungs, belly or urinary tract.
• Immune system overreaction: Instead of just fighting the germs, your immune system releases massive amounts of inflammatory substances (cytokines) into your bloodstream.
• Widespread inflammation: The cytokines make your blood vessels leaky. The blood vessels also widen too much, which causes a drop in blood pressure.
• Poor blood flow: When you have low blood pressure, less oxygen and nutrients can reach your organs.
• Organ damage: Without oxygen, organs like your kidneys, liver, heart and brain start to fail.
• Metabolic breakdown: Your cells can’t make or use energy properly, making organ failure worse.

Risk factors

Your chances for developing septic shock increase if:

• You developed pneumonia outside the hospital
• You’re age 65 or older
• You have a weakened immune system
• You’re taking immunosuppressants
• You have certain health conditions, like diabetes, obesity or cancer
• You’re admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• You’ve had previous hospitalizations
• You have a biological family history of sepsis

Complications of this condition

Septic shock is a serious medical condition that can lead to severe complications, including:

• Brain damage
• Lung failure
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Tissue death (gangrene)
• Death

How is septic shock diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may diagnose septic shock if you have sepsis and you start to develop worsening signs and symptoms. These include extremely low blood pressure, cooler limbs and skin discoloration.

Your provider may order certain tests, including:

• Blood tests
• Pulse oximetry
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

What are the treatment options for septic shock?

If you develop septic shock, you need immediate treatment. You’ll likely be transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). Depending on your condition, healthcare providers may try several septic shock treatments, including:

• Antibiotics to fight the infection
• IV fluids and medications that raise blood pressure to improve circulation
• Corticosteroids to support blood pressure and reduce inflammation
• Insulin to lower your blood sugar level
• Oxygen therapy through a face mask or nasal cannula
• Mechanical ventilation if you can’t breathe well on your own
• Surgical procedures to drain abscesses or remove dead tissue

Can a person recover from septic shock?

Yes, but recovery can take a long time. You may continue to have symptoms for months or years. These long-term effects are called post-sepsis syndrome. These effects can include:

• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of appetite
• Weakened immune system
• Mood disorders, anxiety or depression
• Nightmares or flashbacks

To help with your recovery, make sure you:

• See your healthcare provider regularly
• Develop healthy eating habits
• Stay physically active
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid infections

What is the life expectancy of someone with sepsis shock?

Septic shock is a severe, life-threatening condition. People do survive, but the survival rate is low. Survival depends on several factors, including:

• Your age
• Your overall health
• The cause of the condition
• Whether you’ve had organ failure
• How quickly you received treatment

Without immediate treatment, most people die if they develop septic shock. According to studies, rates of death — even with treatment — range from 10% to 52%. Early recognition and fast treatment can make a lifesaving difference.

How can septic shock be prevented?

To prevent septic shock, you need to prevent sepsis. The best way to do that is to avoid getting infections. If you do get an infection, get treatment right away.

It’s also important to keep up to date on your vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent some infections, and they greatly lessen the severity of others.