What condition might occur when sepsis is not treated promptly?

When sepsis is not treated promptly, it can lead to shock, specifically known as septic shock. In septic shock, the body's response to infection causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure and can result in insufficient blood flow to vital organs, which can lead to organ failure. This condition is critical and life-threatening, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection triggers systemic inflammation, potentially affecting circulation and oxygen delivery to tissue. If not controlled, this severe systemic state can escalate into shock, demonstrating how critical timely treatment is in managing sepsis effectively.

The other conditions mentioned, such as inflammation, infection, and allergy, do not capture the acute and severe progression that can result from untreated sepsis in the same manner. While inflammation and infection are components of the process, they do not specifically illustrate the life-threatening outcomes associated with untreated sepsis. Allergy, on the other hand, is unrelated to this context, focusing on immune responses to allergens rather than infections. This highlights the significance of understanding the dire consequences of sepsis if not addressed swiftly.