R65: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome [SIRS]

R65.9: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, unspecified

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), unspecified, is a widespread inflammatory response within the body that can be triggered by a variety of severe conditions, including infection, trauma, and operations. It manifests as a cluster of symptoms that involve more than one body system. The patient may have a fever or be hypothermic, presenting with unusually high or low body temperature. Heart rate may be increased and breathing can be rapid. The patient may also exhibit abnormal white blood cell levels—either too high or too low. When such an inflammatory response happens, it can disrupt normal blood circulation and potentially lead to organ failure. This reaction can escalate rapidly, so SIRS should be recognized and managed urgently in a medical setting. The term 'unspecified' means the specific cause behind the syndrome is not identified.