Sepsis is the immune system's overreaction to an infection or injury.
Normally our immune system fights infection but sometimes, for reasons we don't yet understand, it attacks our body's own organs and tissues. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death. Yet with early diagnosis, it can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Often Sepsis symptoms can lead to more prevalent diagnosis which can waste precious time, so remember be direct ask the simple question,
Could it be Sepsis?
The figures show that 25,000 children are affected by Sepsis each year in the UK, 1 in 4 of all Sepsis survivors suffer permanent, life-changing after effects and 5 people are killed every hour in the UK as a result of Sepsis.(UK Sepsis Trust)
Symptoms
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness, palpitations, shortness of breath or racing heartbeat
It feels like your going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
How to Spot Sepsis in Children - if in doubt just ask 'Could it be Sepsis?'
- Are they breathing very fast?
- Are they fitting or having a convulsion?
- Do they look blue or pale?
- Is there a rash that does not fade when you press it?
- Are they lethargic or difficult to wake?
- Do they Feel abnormally cold to touch?
- Not Feeding
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Has not passed urine for 12 hours
Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child has any of these symptoms.
People most at risk of sepsis include those:- With a medical condition or receiving medical treatment that weakens their immune system
- Who are already in hospital with a serious illness
- Who are very young or very old
- Who have just had surgery or who have wounds or injuries as a result of an accident
If concerned and require advice call NHS 111 and consult NHS Sepsis website (UK Sepsis Trust) Have you had any experiences with Sepsis?
Let us know in the comments section below.
