US Medical Term · conditions
Sepsis
Sepsis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sepsis |
| Spanish (Español) | Sepsis |
| Chinese (中文) | 敗血症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 패혈증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhiễm khuẩn huyết |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sepsis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Sepse |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ภาวะติดเชื้อในกระแสเลือด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 敗血症 |
What it means
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes extreme and starts to damage its own tissues and organs. It can develop from any infection, including pneumonia, UTIs, or skin infections. Symptoms include high fever or very low temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and extreme fatigue. Sepsis can progress to septic shock with dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure. Treatment requires immediate hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and sometimes medications to raise blood pressure. Early recognition and rapid treatment are critical to survival and recovery.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I was hospitalized for sepsis and want to understand what happened to my body.
Fui hospitalizado por sepsis y quiero entender qué le pasó a mi cuerpo.
What signs of sepsis should I watch for if I have an infection at home?
¿Qué señales de sepsis debo vigilar si tengo una infección en casa?
What follow-up care do I need after surviving sepsis?
¿Qué cuidados de seguimiento necesito después de sobrevivir a una sepsis?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
A41 Other sepsisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026