How Long Does It Take to Die from Sepsis?

The length of time before sepsis becomes fatal varies, but the risk of death from severe sepsis increases every hour a person does not receive treatment. The chance of survival improves if treatment occurs within 1 hour of diagnosis. Sepsis is the body’s overreaction to an infection. It causes a fast heartbeat, a high temperature, and shortness of breath. Sepsis can be life threatening without prompt treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source estimates that sepsis affects about 1.7 million adults in the United States. 

According to a 2017 study Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , sepsis accounts for 25–30% of deaths globally. 

One study Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source looked at 244 people of different ages who died from sepsis in the hospital. Thirty-two percent died within the first 3 days of ICU admission, and 68% died after this period or elsewhere in the hospital.

Sepsis can progress and lead to septic shock. This happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and no oxygen travels to your organs. Severe sepsis and death risk can increase by 4–9% Trusted Source JAMA Peer reviewed journal Go to source every hour you do not receive treatment. 

Sepsis can cause complications, such as kidney failure, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Some people also develop post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) symptoms, such as:

• hallucinations 
• panic attacks 
• shortness of breath 
• arm swelling 
• reduced appetite 

The National Health Service (NHS) reports that any infection can cause sepsis. Risk increases with the following criteria:

• having diabetes
• being over 75 years old
• having undergone chemotherapy 
• having had a miscarriage or an abortion

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source World Health Organization Highly respected international organization Go to source , sepsis affects many with limited financial means. Also, people with chronic disorders or children with respiratory infections may experience complications. 

Kidney injury can also worsen sepsis and lead to a worse outcome. 

Sepsis can lead to severe sepsis when there is organ failure, causing skin discoloration, chills, and decreased urination, among other symptoms. 

Septic shock can occur if you experience a drop in blood pressure. The Sepsis Alliance explains that this is the final sepsis stage. This stage can cause lightheadedness, fast breathing, and a low body temperature. 

Early treatment increases the chances of survival. Treatment includes oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. 

Septic shock can be life threatening if a person develops respiratory failure, blood clots, or kidney failure. 

A 2020 study notes sepsis accounts for a high mortality rate in people admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). 

People who have had sepsis have a high mortality risk if they received hospital treatment compared to those with other diseases.

The authors of a 2017 study explain that sepsis causes a high mortality risk among older adults. Sepsis accounts for 30-60% of deaths among individuals ages 65 years and older receiving hospital treatment. 

If you have sepsis, widespread body pain is common, according to the American Thoracic Society. Chest pain, which may feel like a heart attack, can cause septic shock. 

Some people describe sepsis pain as the worst pain they have ever felt. 

However, treatments can lessen this pain. One study Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source notes intravenous opioids as part of the first-line treatment plan for persons with nonneuropathic pain.

Sepsis treatment involves improving blood flow to the organs, increasing blood pressure, and treating the cause of infection. 

People may receive antibiotics within 1 hour. Without immediate care, they may go into septic shock. 

They may also have to undergo surgery so clinicians can remove damaged tissue caused by the infection.  

In addition, authors of a 2019 study Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source state that in the case of septic shock, individuals may need frequent blood transfusions. This is because Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source low oxygen delivery can cause organs to stop functioning. 

The recovery period depends on the condition’s severity, treatment plan, and a person’s overall health. Some people experience long-term symptoms, including:

• joint pain
• chest pain
• muscle weakness
• tiredness 

However, specialists can help aid recovery and reduce these symptoms.

Darragh O’Carroll, M.D., reviewed the answers to these commonly asked questions about sepsis. 

Septic shock can cause organ failure and death within a few hours. 

Sepsis is the primary cause of death when no treatment is involved. It can lead to septic shock if an individual experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure. 

You can get sepsis from any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. You may be at risk if you have a weakened immune system, have undergone surgery, or are older than 65. 

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that occurs when your immune system overreacts to an infection. You may experience weakness, chills, and a fast heart rate. 

Without treatment, you may go into septic shock, which can lower blood pressure, damage small blood vessels, and reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood to your organs.

Sepsis is a reaction your immune system produces when you have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. It is more likely to affect persons with a weakened immune system and those who have undergone surgery. 

Without treatment, symptoms can be severe, and some people may also go into septic shock. Death can occur within a few hours. 

Sepsis also has a high mortality rate among those receiving treatment within the ICU department. Older adults may also have a negative outcome.