The immune system itself, while indispensable and often remarkable, can sometimes react badly to an invasion and make the problem worse. Sepsis is caused by the body’s dangerous and potentially life-threatening response to an infection. Sepsis symptoms include fever and chills, low body temperature, rapid pulse, decreased urination, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people recover from mild sepsis, but severe sepsis symptoms, like changes in mental ability, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness often require treatment in an intensive care unit. Untreated, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death.
The primary treatment for sepsis is antibiotics, which are often administered via intravenous (IV) line. Clinicians will monitor and adjust the amount (titration) and type of antibiotic as needed. Vasoconstrictors may also be used to decrease the diameter of blood vessels, which helps push the antibiotics into the central circulatory system. Examples of these medications include norepinephrine (or Levophed), phenylephrine (or Neo-Synephrine), vasopressin or epinephrine.