Understanding Sepsis and Caring for Yourself at Home

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, is generally treated in a hospital setting. While some cases of early sepsis may be managed at home with antibiotics, severe sepsis and septic shock require immediate medical attention and hospital admission.

Once you are released from the hospital, it is very important to follow your doctor’s care plan carefully to help ensure you heal completely and minimize your risk of hospital readmission.

What is sepsis

Sepsis is an infection that is often bacterial, but can also be viral or fungal. The body’s immune system overreacts to the infection, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage. Sepsis can progress through stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Sepsis symptoms vary but can include fever, chills, confusion, rapid breathing and heart rate, changes in mental status, and extreme pain.

If sepsis progresses to septic shock, symptoms can include an inability to stand, not being able to stay awake, and extreme confusion. Septic shock also causes a severe drop in blood pressure.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, fluids, and other support medications are crucial for survival.

Managing sepsis at home

At home, you may continue to experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness and getting tired easily

• Trouble swallowing

• Getting out of breath easily

• Body aches

• Difficulty with mobility, such as walking, standing up, and climbing stairs

• Poor appetite, changes in taste, and trouble gaining weight

• Dry, itchy skin; brittle nails; and hair loss

• Sleeplessness

four people gathered together in a support group

You Are Not Alone

1.4 million people survive sepsis each year in the United States. You can connect with other survivors through a local support group or the Sepsis Alliance Connect support network at https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-alliance-connect/.

Recovering from sepsis

Set reasonable expectations for recovery and give yourself time to return to normal. Some things you can do at home include:

Get plenty of rest. Rest is essential to rebuild your strength.

Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of protein to support healing. Try eating frequent snacks and small meals or drinking supplemental nutrition shakes if you struggle with a poor appetite.

Stay hydrated. Drink at least 64 oz. of fluid per day unless your doctor has instructed you differently.

Reduce stress. Try techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

Exercise gently. Moving rebuilds muscle strength and helps prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia. Try taking short walks every 1 to 2 hours during the day but be aware of your body and avoid overexertion.

Make small goals. Examples are walking a few feet further each day or being able to dress yourself.

Can I get sepsis again?

Yes. After you have been through sepsis, you are at a higher risk of getting a severe infection and developing it again. Sepsis weakens your body and can interfere with your immune system. Take care to avoid infections and contact your doctor right away with any concerns.

Post-Sepsis syndrome

Some people have long-term effects after sepsis, including:

• Nightmares, panic attacks, and hallucinations

• Trouble sleeping

• Muscle and joint pain

• Swelling in limbs

• Weakness

• Confusion and decreased mental function

• Organ failure, including kidney failure

Most of these issues improve with time, but professional resources are available if your issues don’t improve on their own. Keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor during your follow-up visits. They can connect you with the right treatments to help.

man's hand holding a digital ear thermometer

Warning Signs

Get emergency care if you have an infection that is not getting better or signs of sepsis:

• Fever

• Low body temperature

• Chills

• Fast heartbeat

• Confusion

• Extreme muscle pain

• Difficulty waking

• Trouble breathing

• Pale or blotchy skin

I Don’t Feel Like Myself

It’s common to feel unsure, anxious, and depressed after surviving sepsis. You may also experience:

• Trouble concentrating

• Flashbacks and memories about when you were sick

• Anger and frustration at being unable to do things you once could

• Feelings of disconnection and being unsure of what is real and what is not

Sepsis can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognize your feelings and why you have them. Talk about them with friends and family. If your symptoms linger, you may benefit from professional counseling.

References:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The American Lung Association.
2023 GOLD Report. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.
What Is COPD? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Centers for Disease Control.
COPD. The American Thoracic Society Guidelines.
My COPD Action Plan. The American Lung Association.

At Home After Sepsis