Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) Patient Education

What is SIRS?

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or SIRS, is when your body has a strong and widespread reaction to something harmful like an infection, injury, or illness. It causes inflammation all over the body and can affect how your organs work.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Severe infections like pneumonia or a bad wound infection
  
  

• Trauma or injury (like burns or major surgery)
  
  

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  
  

• Problems with your immune system
  
  

• Other serious illnesses like cancer
  
  

• Older age or very young age (babies)
  
  

• Weakened immune system (from disease or medicines)
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or very low body temperature below 96.8°F (36°C)
  
  

• Fast heart rate (more than 90 beats per minute)
  
  

• Fast breathing (more than 20 breaths per minute)
  
  

• Feeling very tired or weak
  
  

• Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
  
  

• Chills or shaking
  
  

• Low blood pressure in some cases
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• Feeling feverish or chills
  
  

• Feeling dizzy or weak
  
  

• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
  
  

• Confusion or trouble staying awake
  
  

Complications if Untreated

• Organ damage (kidneys, lungs, heart)
  
  

• Severe infections spreading in the body (sepsis)
  
  

• Shock, which means very low blood pressure and poor blood flow
  
  

• Death in severe cases
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Hospital care is usually needed to find and treat the cause
  
  

• Antibiotics if infection is present
  
  

• Fluids through an IV to keep you hydrated
  
  

• Oxygen therapy if you have trouble breathing
  
  

• Medicines to support blood pressure if low
  
  

• Rest and monitor symptoms closely
  
  

Common Medications

• Antibiotics to fight infection
  
  

• IV fluids to prevent dehydration
  
  

• Medicines to support blood pressure (vasopressors) if needed
  
  

• Pain relievers and fever reducers like acetaminophen
  
  

Purpose:
These medicines help treat the cause of inflammation and keep your body stable.

Possible Side Effects:

• Antibiotics can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions
  
  

• IV fluids may cause swelling if given too much
  
  

• Blood pressure medicines can cause headaches or dizziness
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat healthy foods that support your immune system (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
  
  

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco as they can weaken your immune system
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Follow doctor’s orders carefully
  
  

• Get plenty of rest
  
  

• Keep up with vaccinations to prevent infections
  
  

• Practice good hand washing and hygiene
  
  

• Avoid contact with sick people
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Monitor your temperature, heart rate, and breathing regularly if you are at risk
  
  

• Seek medical care quickly if you feel worse
  
  

• Avoid self-medicating without talking to your healthcare provider
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Treat infections early with antibiotics when prescribed
  
  

• Keep wounds clean and covered
  
  

• Manage chronic illnesses well
  
  

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
  
  

• Keep regular health checkups
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if you experience:

• Fever higher than 100.4°F or lower than 96.8°F
  
  

• Heart rate over 90 beats per minute
  
  

• Breathing faster than 20 breaths per minute
  
  

• Feeling confused or very tired
  
  

• New or worsening chills or shaking
  
  

• Trouble drinking or keeping fluids down
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room if you have:

• Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  
  

• Chest pain or pressure
  
  

• Sudden confusion or inability to stay awake
  
  

• Very low blood pressure (feeling dizzy or faint)
  
  

• Signs of severe infection spreading (redness, swelling, warmth around a wound)
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions:
Read each statement carefully. Choose True or False. If false, correct it.

1. True or False: SIRS is a strong reaction in the body that causes inflammation.
   
   

2. True or False: Only infections can cause SIRS.
   
   

3. True or False: A fever over 100.4°F can be a sign of SIRS.
   
   

4. True or False: Fast breathing and a fast heart rate are signs of SIRS.
   
   

5. True or False: SIRS does not affect any organs in the body.
   
   

6. True or False: Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly can be a symptom of SIRS.
   
   

7. True or False: You can treat SIRS at home without seeing a doctor.
   
   

8. True or False: Antibiotics are used to treat SIRS when it is caused by infection.
   
   

9. True or False: Drinking plenty of fluids helps when you have SIRS.
   
   

10. True or False: Smoking does not affect your immune system or SIRS risk.
    
    

11. True or False: Rest is important when recovering from SIRS.
    
    

12. True or False: You should ignore chills or shaking if you have SIRS.
    
    

13. True or False: It is important to get vaccines to prevent infections.
    
    

14. True or False: You should wash your hands often to prevent SIRS.
    
    

15. True or False: Sudden chest pain or severe shortness of breath means you should go to the ER.
    
    

16. True or False: Low blood pressure can be a serious complication of SIRS.
    
    

17. True or False: Taking antibiotics without doctor advice is safe for SIRS.
    
    

18. True or False: Healthy eating supports your immune system.
    
    

19. True or False: Wounds should be kept clean to prevent infections that can cause SIRS.
    
    

20. True or False: You should call your healthcare provider if you feel worse or your symptoms change.
    
    

Individualized Questions for You

1. What symptoms have you noticed that might be related to SIRS?
   
   

2. Have you had a recent infection, injury, or surgery?
   
   

3. What medications are you currently taking?
   
   

4. Have you noticed any side effects from your medicines?
   
   

5. Do you monitor your temperature, heart rate, or breathing at home?
   
   

6. What is your usual diet like?
   
   

7. Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
   
   

8. Have you received all your recommended vaccines?
   
   

9. How do you care for wounds or injuries?
   
   

10. Do you have a support system to help if you get sick?