Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection which, if left untreated can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Sepsis is sometimes referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a reaction to an infection in which the body attacks its own organs and tissues. It can affect anyone at any age. Sepsis affects 250,000 people every year in the UK and claims at least 44,000 lives. Of these, at least 14,000 of these deaths are preventable.
Sepsis can occur following any infection and there is no one sign of sepsis. The more quickly Sepsis is recognised and treated the better the outcome.
Sepsis affects 250,000 people every year in the UK and claims at least 44,000 lives. Of these, at least 14,000 of these deaths are preventable.
Anyone can develop sepsis after an injury or minor infection, although some people are more vulnerable.
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 your child has any of the symptoms listed below, is getting worse or is sicker than you’d expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently fromNHS 111.
Temperature
Over 38C in babies under three months
Over 39C in babies aged three to six months
Any high temperature in a child who cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
Low temperature (below 36C – check three times in a 10-minute period)
Breathing
Finding it much harder to breathe than normal – looks like hard work
Making “grunting” noises with every breath
Can’t say more than a few words at once (for older children who normally talk)
Breathing that obviously “pauses”
Toilet/nappies
Not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours
Eating and drinking
New baby under one month old with no interest in feeding
Not drinking for more than eight hours (when awake)
Bile-stained (green), bloody or black vomit/sick
Activity and body
Soft spot on a baby’s head is bulging
Eyes look “sunken”
Cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
Baby is floppy
Weak, “whining” or continuous crying in a younger child
Older child who’s confused
Not responding or very irritable
Stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down
Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child has any of the symptoms below:
Looks mottled, bluish or pale
Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
Feels abnormally cold to touch
Is breathing very fast
Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
Has a fit or convulsion
Early symptoms of sepsis may include:
A high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
Chills and shivering
A fast heartbeat
Fast breathing
In some cases, symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock (when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level) develop soon after. These can include:
Feeling dizzy or faint
A change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Slurred speech
Severe muscle pain
Severe breathlessness
Less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day
Cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
Loss of consciousness
If sepsis is detected early and hasn’t affected vital organs yet, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics. Most people who have sepsis detected at this stage make a full recovery. Almost all people with severe sepsis and septic shock require admission to hospital. Some people may require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Because of problems with vital organs, people with severe sepsis are likely to be very ill and the condition can be fatal. Sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated quickly, and in most cases leads to a full recovery with no lasting problems.
