What Happens If I Leave Sepsis Untreated? A Review By Doctors

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Expert opinion from Shobha S Reddy

MBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience · India

Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream by the immune system to fight infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can cause a cascade of symptoms that damage multiple organ systems, leading them to fail and sometimes result in death. Bacterial infections are most often blamed for sepsis, though can be caused by viruses, parasites, and fungi. In hospitalized patients, bacteria enter through IV lines, surgical wounds, catheters, bedsores, etc. It is common in people with a weak immune system like HIV, those on immune suppressants, pregnant women, diabetes. Sepsis is a medical emergency and has to retreat aggressively if not it can cause clotting of blood vessels, hypoxia, acidosis, organ failure, shock, and eventually death.

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Sepsis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that consists of an exaggerated inflammatory response that occurs in response to a particular infection, usually compromising the proper functioning of the body's organs and tissues. Any infection can potentially be a gateway for pathogens into the body and, therefore, can culminate in sepsis, however, more serious infections and more delicate sites such as the lung and kidneys are at increased risk compared to minor skin infections, for example. When untreated, there is a high possibility of progressing to septic shock and multiple organ failure. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the septic patient and institute rapid treatment.

→ Learn more about sepsis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to sepsis.

Expert opinion from Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

There is a real chance for the patient to die if sepsis is not treated. It’s not impossible to survive a sepsis, but one will be at great risk of having organs failure and shock. Those will be the probable cause of death.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.