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.
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4 comments
Doreen Bass
Only knew about after being discharged from hospital! It was never mentioned
Pauline Brown
I’ve just survived sepsis. Fortunately I was already in the hospital with a medical issue. It was caught in time and I was given the appropriate antibiotics and thankfully made a full recovery.
Zoe Davies
I survived sepsis almost 2 years ago, I had no symptoms of any illness, just suddenly felt really cold and started shaking, couldn’t even speak my voice was so shaky, I then vomited, I called 111 they sent a paramedic, who then called an ambulance, in AandE I became unconscious and was given adrenaline in my vien, after several tests and a head scan I was taken up to critical care, they still didn’t know I had sepsis, finally they found an antibiotic that worked, turned out it was a kidney infection ,it was a very scary time for me pancreatic, heart condition, we’re both suggested. I was lucky, but shocked to hear it could happen again.
Julie Durkin
My dad passed away from this the care home he was in was wiating for an infection to show its self