what does it mean to go septic

Going septic means that the body is experiencing sepsis, which is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the bodys response to an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Symptoms of sepsis may include a change in mental status, fast, shallow breathing, sweating for no clear reason, feeling lightheaded, and shivering. Sepsis can progress to severe sepsis and septic shock, which is a severe drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Early treatment of sepsis improves chances for survival. If you or someone you know has an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse, it is important to seek medical care immediately and ask if the infection could be leading to sepsis.