Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical CareFAQs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
FAQs
Symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome can develop within 90 days of recovering from sepsis and includefatigue,joint pain, andpanic attacks.The symptoms can last anywhere from six to 18 months.
This article discusses the frequent and rare symptoms associated with post-sepsis syndrome and the complications that may develop because of it.
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Post-sepsis syndrome affects many bodily systems. They include:
Because sepsis infection can cause the entire body to undergo negative changes, countless symptoms may arise when a person develops post-sepsis syndrome. Symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Some of the most common physical symptoms include:
The psychological symptoms most associated with post-sepsis syndrome include:
These symptoms can make coping with post-sepsis syndrome nearly impossible.
Cause of Post-Sepsis SyndromeThe damage to various organs and bodily systems is likely to blame for the widespread and debilitating post-sepsis symptoms.
Cause of Post-Sepsis Syndrome
The damage to various organs and bodily systems is likely to blame for the widespread and debilitating post-sepsis symptoms.
Symptoms of Sepsis in the Elderly
Though post-sepsis syndrome isn’t always life-threatening, it can cause serious health complications because of the way it affects various bodily systems.
The more severe and rare complications and symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome include:
Post-Sepsis Syndrome and DeathThe death rate of post-sepsis syndrome isn’t well known. That said, there is a high mortality rate in people who had sepsis and recovered. The rate of sepsis deaths roughly two years after hospitalization ranges from 22% to 70%.
Post-Sepsis Syndrome and Death
The death rate of post-sepsis syndrome isn’t well known. That said, there is a high mortality rate in people who had sepsis and recovered. The rate of sepsis deaths roughly two years after hospitalization ranges from 22% to 70%.
What Is Septic Shock?
Complications of Preexisting Conditions
There is a connection betweenpreexisting conditionsand the risk of developing post-sepsis. The severity of post-sepsis syndrome may also correlate with preexisting health disorders.
Some conditions and health issues that can increase the risk of developing post-sepsis syndrome and worsened outcomes include:
Reducing the RiskBecause a preexisting condition can worsen post-sepsis syndrome, it is possible to lower your risk with lifestyle changes. Infection prevention techniques include:Cleaning all scrapes and cutsWashing your hands and bathing regularlyWatching for signs of infection to get treatment quicklyGetting vaccinated
Reducing the Risk
Because a preexisting condition can worsen post-sepsis syndrome, it is possible to lower your risk with lifestyle changes. Infection prevention techniques include:Cleaning all scrapes and cutsWashing your hands and bathing regularlyWatching for signs of infection to get treatment quicklyGetting vaccinated
Because a preexisting condition can worsen post-sepsis syndrome, it is possible to lower your risk with lifestyle changes. Infection prevention techniques include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you start to experience any symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome following recovery from sepsis, contact your healthcare provider.
Though the syndrome isn’t always dangerous, it can lead to severe and life-threatening health complications. You will want to ensure that you seek the medical help you need to monitor and treat it effectively.
Treatment for Post Sepsis SyndromeThere are various treatments available for post-sepsis syndrome. The therapy you receive will depend entirely on the symptoms you are experiencing and how the syndrome affects your body. Some possible treatments include:Cognitive behavioral therapyPhysiotherapyAntibiotic therapiesLifestyle changes to address weight management, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
Treatment for Post Sepsis Syndrome
There are various treatments available for post-sepsis syndrome. The therapy you receive will depend entirely on the symptoms you are experiencing and how the syndrome affects your body. Some possible treatments include:Cognitive behavioral therapyPhysiotherapyAntibiotic therapiesLifestyle changes to address weight management, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
There are various treatments available for post-sepsis syndrome. The therapy you receive will depend entirely on the symptoms you are experiencing and how the syndrome affects your body. Some possible treatments include:
Difference Between Sepsis and Septicemia
Summary
Post-sepsis syndrome develops following sepsis. The syndrome has many different symptoms that affect you both physically and psychologically. Common symptoms include cognitive decline, fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, new onset of anxiety or depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disturbances.
In some cases of post-sepsis syndrome, people may develop more severe health issues, including organ damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Because some of the syndrome’s complications can be life-threatening, it’s vital to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome.
A Word From Verywell
Having sepsis can be a traumatic experience because it is severe and life-threatening. The risk of developing post-sepsis syndrome only makes things worse because if you do recover, you may still have to cope with other health complications and debilitating symptoms.
The best thing you can do to avoid post-sepsis syndrome is everything you can to protect yourself against infections that can lead to sepsis. It’s not always easy, but you can reduce your risk with good hygiene practices and appropriate wound care.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome can begin to develop within 90 days of recovery. After they do, they can last anywhere from six to 18 months. It is hard to determine how long you will have to cope with the syndrome if you develop it because it’s difficult to predict.Sepsis has a high mortality rate of roughly 50%. If a person happens to be in the other 50% that survives, they could develop post-sepsis syndrome. Though not all people die from post-sepsis syndrome, the mortality rate is also high and can range from 22% to 70%.
Frequently Asked Questions
The symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome can begin to develop within 90 days of recovery. After they do, they can last anywhere from six to 18 months. It is hard to determine how long you will have to cope with the syndrome if you develop it because it’s difficult to predict.
Sepsis has a high mortality rate of roughly 50%. If a person happens to be in the other 50% that survives, they could develop post-sepsis syndrome. Though not all people die from post-sepsis syndrome, the mortality rate is also high and can range from 22% to 70%.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sepsis Alliance.What is post-sepsis syndrome?van der Slikke EC, An AY, Hancock REW, Bouma HR.Exploring the pathophysiology of post-sepsis syndrome to identify therapeutic opportunities.EBioMedicine.2020 Nov;61:103044. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103044Mostel Z, Perl A, Marck M, et al.Post-sepsis syndrome - an evolving entity that afflicts survivors of sepsis.Mol Med.2019 Dec 31;26(1):6. doi:10.1186/s10020-019-0132-zGritte RB, Souza-Siqueira T, Curi R, Machado MCC, Soriano FG.Why Septic Patients Remain Sick After Hospital Discharge?Front Immunol.2021 Feb 15;11:605666. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.605666
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sepsis Alliance.What is post-sepsis syndrome?van der Slikke EC, An AY, Hancock REW, Bouma HR.Exploring the pathophysiology of post-sepsis syndrome to identify therapeutic opportunities.EBioMedicine.2020 Nov;61:103044. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103044Mostel Z, Perl A, Marck M, et al.Post-sepsis syndrome - an evolving entity that afflicts survivors of sepsis.Mol Med.2019 Dec 31;26(1):6. doi:10.1186/s10020-019-0132-zGritte RB, Souza-Siqueira T, Curi R, Machado MCC, Soriano FG.Why Septic Patients Remain Sick After Hospital Discharge?Front Immunol.2021 Feb 15;11:605666. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.605666
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sepsis Alliance.What is post-sepsis syndrome?van der Slikke EC, An AY, Hancock REW, Bouma HR.Exploring the pathophysiology of post-sepsis syndrome to identify therapeutic opportunities.EBioMedicine.2020 Nov;61:103044. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103044Mostel Z, Perl A, Marck M, et al.Post-sepsis syndrome - an evolving entity that afflicts survivors of sepsis.Mol Med.2019 Dec 31;26(1):6. doi:10.1186/s10020-019-0132-zGritte RB, Souza-Siqueira T, Curi R, Machado MCC, Soriano FG.Why Septic Patients Remain Sick After Hospital Discharge?Front Immunol.2021 Feb 15;11:605666. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.605666
Sepsis Alliance.What is post-sepsis syndrome?
van der Slikke EC, An AY, Hancock REW, Bouma HR.Exploring the pathophysiology of post-sepsis syndrome to identify therapeutic opportunities.EBioMedicine.2020 Nov;61:103044. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103044
Mostel Z, Perl A, Marck M, et al.Post-sepsis syndrome - an evolving entity that afflicts survivors of sepsis.Mol Med.2019 Dec 31;26(1):6. doi:10.1186/s10020-019-0132-z
Gritte RB, Souza-Siqueira T, Curi R, Machado MCC, Soriano FG.Why Septic Patients Remain Sick After Hospital Discharge?Front Immunol.2021 Feb 15;11:605666. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.605666
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