World Sepsis Day 2025: Pulmonologist shares how smoking and poor hygiene raise your risk of deadly sepsis

Smoking and poor hygiene habits can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of deadly infections like sepsis. Learn how to protect yourself with simple lifestyle changes. (Image: Pexels)

Sepsis is a life threatening response to infection. Every day, habits like smoking and poor hygiene may disturb the bodies defences which may cause deadly infections. Doctors warn that these habits can put your health at risk.

The most common symptoms of sepsis are fever, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion and body pain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sepsis is a major global health issue. In data published in 2020, there were around 48.9 million cases of sepsis worldwide — and sadly, about 11 million people died from it. That means sepsis was linked to about 1 in 5 deaths globally.

Lighting up a cigarette may seem like a momentary stress reliever, but inside your body, it triggers a far more dangerous chain of events. “Smoking weakens the immune system by damaging vital cells like neutrophils and macrophages,” explains Dr Mahavir Modi, Consultant Pulmonologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. “These are the very cells needed to fight off infection. Without them, the body’s defences are wide open.”

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The respiratory system also suffers. Smoking destroys cilia — tiny hair-like structures that help clear mucus and germs from the airways. Without this protective barrier, infections such as pneumonia can take hold more easily. And pneumonia is one of the major causes behind sepsis. “Chronic smokers often live with low-grade inflammation,” adds Dr Modi. "So when an infection sets in, the immune system tends to overreact. This exaggerated response is a key trigger for sepsis", says Dr Modi.

Not washing your hands properly with soap or leaving wounds untreated might be an open invitation to harmful microbes. "Poor hygiene provides easy entry points for bacteria, viruses, and fungi", Dr Modi cautions. "Once inside the body, these microbes can quickly multiply and spiral out of control", he adds

In unhygienic living conditions, or when food safety is neglected, bacterial overgrowth becomes a real threat. Add a weak immune response to the mix, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Worse yet, hospitals and clinics — places meant for healing — can become hotspots for infection if hygiene protocols aren’t strictly followed. "Hospital-acquired infections are a significant cause of sepsis. Simple oversights, like not washing hands or using unsterile equipment, can lead to devastating outcomes",  Dr Modi notes.

Fighting the danger:

Smoking and poor hygiene don’t just raise your risk — they lower your body’s ability to fight back. What begins as a minor cut, a cold, or a cough can spiral into something life-threatening. The good news? Sepsis is often preventable. “Quitting smoking and maintaining good hygiene aren’t just healthy lifestyle choices,” says Dr Modi, adding, "They’re critical steps in protecting yourself from a potentially fatal condition."

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FAQ:

1. What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a severe, life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

2. What are the common symptoms of sepsis?
The common symptoms include fever, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and body pain.

3. How can smoking increase the risk of sepsis?
Smoking damages vital immune cells and destroys respiratory cilia, making the body more susceptible to infections like pneumonia, which can lead to sepsis.

4. How does poor hygiene contribute to sepsis?
Poor hygiene allows bacteria, viruses, and fungi easy entry points into the body, where they can multiply and potentially lead to sepsis.

5. Can sepsis be prevented?
Yes, sepsis is often preventable by quitting smoking, maintaining good hygiene, and following proper healthcare protocols.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.