Guide To The Serious Symptoms Of Sepsis

High Fever Or Low Body Temperature

When there is minimal or severe sepsis, the body sends systemic responses to stop the infection from spreading. High or low body temperatures happen to be part of this response. Changes in body temperatures are expected due to the patient's increased heart rate and rapid breathing. Fever or hypothermia may quickly complicate sepsis leading to septic shock that is fatal.

High fever or low body temperature causes reduced blood flow that interrupts blood circulation to the vital organs. Body temperature changes are also signs of severe immunity problems as they often damage the blood vessels. The result is improper oxygenated and deoxygenated blood transportation that causes organ failure and death.

Mental Ability Changes

Organ dysfunction causes mental ability changes, such as confusion and disorientation, especially in the elderly. Being anxious, apprehensive, and agitated also indicate alterations in mental status. Memory loss and personality changes may also occur. They indicate organ failure in patients. Survivors of sepsis go through a difficult time during treatment as various medical procedures are necessary to correct organ failure. This leaves them with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological problems. The cognitive effects of sepsis in older patients are sometimes long-term. Sepsis is, therefore, a serious condition that may affect a patient's quality of life if it is not addressed.