What is SIRS?

SIRS stands for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. In medicine, it refers to a widespread inflammatory response triggered by various severe insults, such as infection, trauma, burns, pancreatitis, or ischemia. It is characterized by a set of clinical criteria, including abnormal body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell count. SIRS itself is not a disease, but rather a clinical response that can be indicative of a serious underlying condition. It is commonly used in medical settings to identify patients at risk for sepsis or other critical illnesses, prompting further investigation and treatment.