Urgent health information
Why It's Important To Know About Sepsis
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect it, don’t wait — seek urgent medical help.
This page is general information and does not replace medical advice.
If you’re worried, trust your instincts and get help.
It’s important that patients, families and caregivers consider sepsis as a possibility when someone is unwell with an infection. Early recognition, timely treatment, and infection prevention all matter.
- Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters. If you suspect sepsis or an infection is not improving (or is worsening), seek urgent medical help.
- Any infection can lead to sepsis. Higher risk includes adults 65+, people with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, lung disease, cancer, kidney disease), weakened immune systems, sepsis survivors, and children under 1.
Urgent warning signs in adults
Seek medical help urgently if you (or another adult) develops any one of the following:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine (in a day)
- Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you’re going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone else has any of these signs. If you're not sure, or someone just feels very unwell, call 111 for advice.
Treatment for sepsis
When detected early, treatment for sepsis is started in hospital straight away. It can worsen quickly.
Treatment may include antibiotics to fight infection, fluids to support circulation and kidneys, and oxygen if required. Once the cause is identified, antibiotics may be adjusted.
You may need other tests or treatments depending on symptoms, including:
- Treatment in an intensive care unit
- A machine to help you breathe (ventilator)
- Surgery to remove areas of infection
Recovering from sepsis
Many people recover well, but recovery can take time. Some physical and emotional effects can last months (sometimes longer).
Some people experience longer-term effects after sepsis, which can include:
- Feeling very tired and weak, and difficulty sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Getting ill more often
- Mood changes, anxiety or depression
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Need to contact us?
For non-urgent dental enquiries, you can contact us.
Related pages
When are antibiotics needed?
When antibiotics help with dental infections, and when they don’t.
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Browse our latest articles and guides.
Contact
Non-urgent enquiries, appointments and general questions.
Policies
Information about how we run the practice and protect patients.
Frequently asked questions
Can sepsis start from a minor infection?
Yes. Almost any infection can lead to sepsis. If someone is worsening quickly or “not right”, seek urgent medical help.
Who is more at risk of sepsis?
Higher risk includes older adults (65+), people with chronic conditions, weakened immune systems, sepsis survivors, and infants under 1.
What should I do if I suspect sepsis?
Get urgent medical help. If symptoms are severe, call 999. Otherwise call 111 or attend A&E. Trust your instincts.
What happens in hospital?
Assessment is urgent. Treatment can include antibiotics, fluids, oxygen, and other supportive care. Some patients need intensive care.
How long is recovery?
It varies. Some recover quickly, others take months and may experience ongoing symptoms after sepsis.
Where can I read more?
You can browse our blog for wider health information.
What our patients say
(Persian)
تجربه بسیار خوبی در این کلینیک دندانپزشکی داشتم. محیط زیبا و تمیز، پرسنل خوش‌برخورد و مهربان، و دکتر بسیار حرفه‌ای که کارم را به بهترین شکل انجام داد. از خدمات عالی شما سپاسگزارم و حتماً به دیگران توصیه می‌کنم.
(English)
I had a great experience at this dental clinic. The environment is beautiful and clean, the staff…Read full review
(Persian)
تجربه بسیار خوبی در این کلینیک دندانپزشکی داشتم. محیط زیبا و تمیز، پرسنل خوش‌برخورد و مهربان، و دکتر بسیار حرفه‌ای که کارم را به بهترین شکل انجام داد. از خدمات عالی شما سپاسگزارم و حتماً به دیگران توصیه می‌کنم.
(English)
I had a great experience at this dental clinic. The environment is beautiful and clean, the staff is kind and welcoming, and the doctor is highly professional and did an excellent job. Thank you for your outstanding service! I highly recommend this place.
Bu diş kliniğinde harika bir deneyim yaşadım. Ortam güzel ve temiz, personel güler yüzlü ve nazik, doktor ise son derece profesyonel ve işini mükemmel yaptı. Mükemmel hizmetiniz için teşekkür ederim! Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.
I've been going to this dentist for almost a year now initially it was just to clean my teeth and do regular check ups and I was really happy with how kind everyone was and the quality of the treatments. After a while I wanted to do teeth whitening but didn't know anything about it or the process. I had a consultation with them …
Read full review
I've been going to this dentist for almost a year now initially it was just to clean my teeth and do regular check ups and I was really happy with how kind everyone was and the quality of the treatments. After a while I wanted to do teeth whitening but didn't know anything about it or the process. I had a consultation with them and they ran through the treatment, cost and everything I needed to know. After a few weeks of using the gels my teeth were considerably whiter and I was receiving compliments from my family and friends on my smile. After a while they suggested I consider veneers for two pegs on the top of my teeth, they also do a monthly instalment and after a few weeks considering it I decided to do it and was very happy with the results. It looks very natural and matches my teeth perfectly and made me a lot more confident with my smile and was getting compliments from a lot of people shortly after getting it done. Would definitely recommend coming here everyone is very welcoming, friendly and professional and I've never had any complaints with any of the treatments
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and …Read full review
I had been suffering with pain for a few weeks from my wisdom tooth. But unable to get into my usual dental surgery for over a month.
Found an appointment for same day. And due to being anxious about dentist I was worried about going.
When I arrived the staff greeted me and eased my nerves.
During the consultant the dentist and staff made me felt at ease. Went through each step and then went through treatment options. Needed to have the tooth removed. The nurse and dentist were amazing. Comforted me and also allowed to have my mum in the room with me. They went through the procedure with my and then my after care afterwards. I would definitely recommend to anywho is nervous about going to the dentist like me.
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Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you. For urgent pain or swelling, please call 01922 624900.