09/11/2026 | Ministry of Education/Gov.br

https://www.gov.br/hubrasil/pt-br/hospitais-universitarios/regiao-centro-oeste/humap-ufms/comunicacao/noticias/reconhecer-sinais-de-agravamento-pode-fazer-diferenca-no-tratamento-da-sepse-afirma-infectologista-do-humap-ufms 

The condition can arise from various types of infections and progress to organ impairment.

An infection can become severe when the body reacts in a dysregulated manner, affecting vital organs and putting life at risk. This condition is known as sepsis and requires rapid identification and treatment.

Approximately 400,000 adults and 42,000 children develop sepsis annually in Brazil, according to estimates released by the Ministry of Health. World Sepsis Day, observed on September 13, highlights the importance of recognizing signs of worsening health and seeking medical care.

Sepsis can arise from different types of infections. "It is a serious condition that occurs when the body reacts in a dysregulated way to an infection. The problem isn't just the infection itself. It happens when, in an attempt to fight the infection, the body triggers a response so intense that it can compromise the functioning of other organs," explains infectious disease specialist Erivaldo Elias Junior, from the Maria Aparecida Pedrossian University Hospital at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (Humap-UFMS), part of the HU Brasil network. 

A person might start, for example, with pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or an abdominal or skin infection, and subsequently develop organ dysfunction. "And that is precisely what makes sepsis so serious: it can manifest rapidly," he emphasizes. 

Not every infection progresses to sepsis. The condition arises when the body's response to fighting an infectious agent becomes dysregulated and begins to compromise bodily functions. "Changes may occur in circulation, oxygenation, and the functioning of organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain."

The term "generalized infection" is also frequently used to describe sepsis, but it does not accurately characterize the condition. Sepsis does not necessarily mean the infection has spread throughout the body; the problem lies in the body's dysregulated response, which can disrupt organ function.

Sepsis can also originate outside the hospital setting. A person might be at home with a known or undiagnosed infection and begin to show signs of worsening health. Therefore, vigilance regarding symptoms should not be limited to times of hospitalization.

Although anyone can develop sepsis, certain groups are at higher risk, including the elderly, infants, people with chronic diseases, cancer patients, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have recently undergone surgery or hospitalization. "The risk is also higher among patients using devices such as catheters and tubes. In these groups, an infection can progress more rapidly, making it even more crucial to watch for warning signs," the doctor notes.

However, this does not mean that people without these risk factors are immune. "It all depends on how the body reacts to the specific type of infection or the causative agent," the doctor adds.

Warning signs to watch for

In the presence of a known or suspected infection, certain signs of worsening health should prompt immediate medical attention. Key indicators include shortness of breath or rapid breathing, a drop in blood pressure, a very rapid heart rate, excessive drowsiness, confusion, and a significant decrease in urine output.

Not all signs appear simultaneously. The absence of fever does not rule out risk, particularly among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, who may exhibit a different response to infection. “In cases of sepsis, recognizing that the condition is worsening and starting treatment as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome,” advises the infectious disease specialist. 

Why is rapid care necessary? 

Time is a crucial factor in the progression of sepsis because the condition can advance rapidly and compromise organs within just a few hours. For this reason, when sepsis is suspected, it is essential to recognize the signs, identify and treat the infection, and provide appropriate bodily support. “The sooner we recognize, identify, and treat the triggering infection and provide the necessary organ support, the greater the chances of a positive outcome,” he states.

Medical evaluation is also important even when the signs appear mild. In the early stages, some changes may be subtle, requiring clinical assessment and tests to identify potential organ impairment.

Diagnosis and treatment

Sepsis is diagnosed primarily through medical assessment, considering signs of infection and changes in organ function. Blood tests, cultures, and imaging studies can help identify the cause and assess severity. "Treatment must begin promptly and includes antimicrobials, intravenous fluids, and medications to maintain blood pressure at safe levels. In some cases, the patient may require intensive care," the specialist explains.

Early identification is also important

Identifying early signs of worsening health is crucial, as changes can occur during a hospital stay. Early recognition allows the medical team to re-evaluate the patient, investigate the possibility of sepsis, and initiate necessary measures before the condition progresses to more severe complications. 

According to the specialist, specific protocols help organize this process. "The hospital has a specific protocol for sepsis identification and management, guiding the team from the recognition of initial signs of severity to the start of treatment and patient monitoring."

In addition to protocols, staff training and monitoring for signs of clinical deterioration help reduce delays and facilitate a faster response when sepsis is suspected. 

At Humap, care for patients with suspected sepsis follows a specific protocol. The team assesses signs of severity, investigates the likely source of infection, and orders the necessary tests. 

Treatment begins as early as possible based on clinical assessment, including the use of antimicrobials when indicated, as well as supportive measures to maintain blood pressure, oxygenation, and organ function. 

In the most severe cases, the patient receives intensive monitoring and, when necessary, may be transferred to an intensive care unit. Once test and culture results are available, the treatment is re-evaluated and may be adjusted based on the identified causative agent and the patient's clinical progress. “The goal of the protocol is precisely to reduce delays, standardize procedures, and ensure that patients with sepsis receive the necessary interventions as quickly as possible.” 

Prevention begins with infection management

Not all cases of sepsis can be prevented, but certain measures help reduce the risk. According to the specialist, outside the hospital setting, prevention involves steps to reduce the occurrence of infections and seeking medical evaluation when signs of worsening health appear. 

Keeping vaccinations up to date, properly caring for wounds, managing chronic diseases, and using medications according to professional guidance are some of the recommended measures. Early recognition and treatment of an infection can also help prevent the condition from progressing to a more severe stage. 

Within healthcare settings, prevention includes infection control measures—such as proper hand hygiene and the correct care of catheters, tubes, and other devices—as well as the appropriate use of antimicrobials.