Home Health Center Septic Shock   Septic Shock - Symptoms

Symptoms of Septic Shock



The nature of septic shock is such that signs and symptoms can manifest in any organ or organ system. It could even affect the heart, the brain, intestines, kidneys or the liver.

Some of the main symptoms that you can keep a look out for are:

• Low blood pressure, especially standing
• Lightheadedness or spells of dizziness
• Large variation in temperature – very low or very high
• Low or no urine
• Palpitations or erratic heart beat
• Low or accelerated heart beat
• Shortness of breath
• Inexplicable skin rashes or discolored patches
• Rigors
• General malaise
• Anxiety and confusion

It is important to remember that all of these symptoms may or may not appear together. These are atypical symptoms which are present in a wide variety of conditions. Of all these symptoms, fever is a very important symptom. Occasionally an altered mental function is also a symptom of septic shock.

Occasionally depending on the place of the infection, the symptoms of sepsis can also vary.

If it is a head or neck infection, some of the symptoms could be a severe headache, stiffness in the neck, a sore throat or a sinus infection

• If you have a chest or pulmonary infection – a chronic cough or chest pain could be symptoms
• Abdominal infections can lead to abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea
• Pelvic infections can lead to vaginal or urethral discharge or  pelvic pain
• Bone or soft tissue infections can lead to localized limb pain or tenderness, edema or swollen joints