Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
(SIRS) is a collection of signs that
the body is reacting to a range of injuries
or illnesses (Box 2), and is not specific to
infection. The body may respond by
raising the heart or respiratory rate to
increase the amount of oxygen – by
altering body temperature or increasing
white cell production – to overcome infection.
Raised blood sugars and new confusion
or an altered mental state may be early
signs of metabolic stress or hypoxia (Survive
Sepsis Organisation, 2009).