26/01/2026
🫁 Sepsis & COPD
People living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are at significantly higher risk of developing sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body overreacts to infection.
COPD weakens the lungs’ natural defences and increases the risk of chest and respiratory infections. What may begin as a simple infection can quickly spread into the bloodstream and trigger sepsis, leading to organ failure and, in severe cases, death.
Sepsis can also cause a sudden and severe worsening of COPD symptoms, including:
• Increased shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Low oxygen levels
• Extreme fatigue
• Confusion or drowsiness
This combination can lead to respiratory failure, making early treatment critical.
⚠️ If someone with COPD develops a
chest infection and their breathing suddenly worsens, or they become confused, feverish, or unusually weak, seek urgent medical help. Tell healthcare staff you are concerned about sepsis.
Early recognition and rapid treatment with antibiotics and oxygen can save lives.
By raising awareness of the link between COPD and sepsis, we can help people recognise the signs sooner, get treatment earlier, and improve survival.
Please share this message to help protect those most at risk.
