Septicemia, also known as sepsis, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection, usually caused by bacteria, enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. It is the body's most extreme response to an infection and can lead to septic shock, which has a high death rate. Common causes of septicemia include lung infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and infections in the intestines or gut. People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and lung disease are at higher risk. Symptoms of sepsis include a change in mental status, fast breathing, sweating, lightheadedness, and shivering. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, managing blood flow to organs, and treating the source of the infection