Spotting Sepsis: A Guide to Its Ten Symptoms

9. Increased Breathing Rate

People with sepsis often breathe faster. Healthy individuals inhale and exhale at a rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. However, people with sepsis breathe in and out more rapidly even when resting. When examining a patient with possible sepsis, doctors look for a rapid breathing rate to help them make the diagnosis. In some cases, rapid breathing is the first sign of sepsis but is usually quickly followed by other signs and symptoms such as fever and a fast heart rate. Sometimes, people with sepsis have shortness of breath and labored breathing. Breathing difficulties become disabling or life-threatening. In severe cases, an individual with sepsis may require supplemental oxygen or need an airway tube to get enough oxygen. However, not every person with sepsis will experience severe breathing problems.