Sepsischeck adults

Sepsischeck children

EN

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.

Step 1: Increased risk?

Step 2: Signs for an infection?

Step 3: Could it be Sepsis?

Everyone can get sepsis! Risk factors are:

Weakened immune defense

Age over 60

Chronic conditions, e.g. of the lung, liver, kidney, heart, or cancer, rheumatism, diabetes, HIV/AIDS

Newborns, preterm infants, children less than 1 year old

Asplenia

Lack of vaccination, e.g. against pneumococcus, influenza, COVID-19

Malnutrition

Alcohol / drug abuse

Food poisoning suspected

Recent surgery (last 4 weeks)

Mothers after childbirth

Skin / soft tissue injury

Pressure ulcers (pressure sores, decubitus)

Catheters (venous, urinary, port systems)

Artificial heart valves, joint or endoprostheses

Insect / tick bites

Recent long-distance travel (e.g. to tropical countries)

Sepsis is always caused by an infection. Signs for an infection:

Fever/chills

Cough

Shortness of breath, dyspnea

Sore throat

Abdominal pain

Abdominal tension (muscle guarding)

Burning/pain during urination / dysuria

Cloudy urine

Flank pain

Earache

Stiff neck

Severe headache

Redness of skin, skin is hot to the touch

Abscesses, boils (pus accumulations)

Pain in the mouth or jaw

Back pain (abscess)

Symptoms of an acute, life-threatening illness such as sepsis:

Feeling sick like never before

Altered heart rate: <50 or >120/min

Cold, clammy, mottled skin

Extreme pain

The presence of sepsis is most likely when one of the following symptoms is present:

Sudden confusion, aphasia, sudden change of behavior

Dyspnea, respiration rate > 20/min

Low systolic blood pressure <100

next (Step 2: Signs for an infection?)

Possible outcome

Please provide your details first so that we can give you an assessment or recommendation for action.

call advisory hotline

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

Impressum

Datenschutz