Sepsischeck adults

Sepsischeck children

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Sepsis checklist for adults

This checklist provides valuable information for both medical staff and the general public. It helps to recognize signs of sepsis at an early stage, take the necessary measures and provides information about

Individual risk of sepsis: factors that increase the risk of sepsis. Signs of illness: symptoms of infections that can lead to sepsis. Early signs of sepsis: signs that indicate the onset of sepsis. Emergency signs: symptoms that require immediate medical treatment.

Sepsis is a serious infection in which pathogens enter the bloodstream and can trigger an excessive reaction of the immune system. This can lead to organ damage and death if left untreated.

Select the answers that apply and then click on "Next"

Step 1: Risk factors

Step 2: Signs of infection

Step 3: Can it be sepsis?

Sepsis can affect anyone. Risk factors are

Weakened immune system (congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, e.g. AIDS, treatment with drugs that can damage the immune system)

Older than 60 years

Chronic diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, cancer, rheumatism, diabetes, HIV

Premature or newborn babies, infants (see sepsis check children)

Spleen missing

No vaccinations, e.g. against pneumococci, influenza, COVID-19

Malnutrition

Abuse of drugs or alcohol

Suspected food poisoning

Surgery in the last 4 weeks

Pregnant women and mothers after birth

Superficial or deep wound

Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)

Catheter (blood vessels / urinary bladder)

Artificial heart valves or joints

Animal bites or insect bites

Recent trip (e.g. to tropical countries)

Sepsis is always triggered by an infection. Suspected signs of infection:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

Sore throat

Abdominal pain

Hard, painful abdomen

Frequent / painful urination

Cloudy urine

Pain on the side of the back

Earache

Stiff neck

Severe headaches

Reddened or heated skin

Accumulation of pus (abscess)

Pain in the mouth or jaw

Spinal pain (abscess?)

If any of the following signs are present, medical clarification is required immediately:

An unprecedented feeling of illness

Changed pulse: below 50 or above 120/min

Moist, cold or marbled-looking skin

Extreme pain

If one of these signs is present, sepsis is highly probable.

Confusion, change of character, apathy

More than 20 breaths per minute

Upper blood pressure value is less than 100

Next (Step 2: Signs of infection)

Recommendation for action

Please provide your details first so that we can give you a recommendation for action.

Sepsis Foundation

Our checklists do not claim to be exhaustive and should always be used in combination with a medical assessment. - ©Sepsis Foundation

Learn more about sepsis by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Click here for more information

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