Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection in the body causes extremely low blood pressure and organ failure due to sepsis. It is the last and most severe stage of sepsis. Septic shock occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection, causing inflammation throughout the body that can cause dangerously low blood pressure. Any type of bacteria can cause the infection, and fungi and viruses can also be a cause, although this is rare.

Symptoms of septic shock include a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Other symptoms of sepsis may include a change in mental status, fast and shallow breathing, sweating for no clear reason, feeling lightheaded, shivering, and symptoms specific to the type of infection. People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing septic shock.

Septic shock is a severe medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Treatment may include antibiotics, oxygen, medication, breathing machine (mechanical ventilation), dialysis, and drugs to treat low blood pressure, infection, or blood clotting. In severe cases of sepsis or septic shock, the large decrease in blood pressure and blood flow can kill organ tissue, and surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue. The survival rate of septic shock is low, but people do survive. Survival depends on age, health, cause of the condition, if there has been organ failure, and how quickly treatment is received. Without treatment, most people die of septic shock. With treatment, 30% to 40% of people with septic shock die[[3]](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis...