Sepsis

Symptoms

• Fever or Chills: A high fever or the opposite, a significant drop in body temperature.
• Rapid Heart Rate: An unusually fast heartbeat could indicate your body’s response to an infection.
• Difficulty Breathing: Experiencing shortness of breath or a rapid breathing rate.
• Extreme Pain or Discomfort: Patients often describe this as the most severe pain they've ever felt.
• Pale or Discolored Skin: A sign of compromised blood circulation.
• Confusion or Disorientation: Unusual mental changes or difficulty in staying awake.
• Drop in Blood Pressure: This can cause dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded.

When It's an Emergency

When to Visit the ER:

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden fever, severe pain, or rapid heartbeat, especially if you have a recent history of infection.If you notice a combination of these symptoms, especially after a recent medical procedure or hospitalization.Signs You Should Visit the ER:

Rapid Worsening of Symptoms: If symptoms like pain, fever, and breathing difficulty escalate quickly.Simultaneous Occurrence of Symptoms: Multiple sepsis indicators appearing together.Post-Surgery or Post-Procedure: Particularly if symptoms develop after recent medical care.

When It's Not an Emergency

If your symptoms are mild and stable, you may consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. However, when in doubt, an ER visit is always the safer choice.

What Happens at Bellaire ER

When you arrive at Bellaire ER with sepsis, you will be seen quickly by a board-certified emergency physician. Your evaluation may include a physical exam, lab work, and imaging (X-ray, CT, or ultrasound) depending on your symptoms. We diagnose and treat in a single visit — most patients do not need a hospital transfer. Before you leave, your physician will explain your results and provide a clear follow-up plan.