WOULD you be able to tell if your little one had sepsis?
Sepsis is a life threatening reaction to an infection.
If your child is unusually sleepy and has a rash that doesn’t fade, they might be suffering from sepsis
But its symptoms can be tricky to spot, as they often resemble other conditions like flu or a chest infection.
The reaction happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection in your body and starts to damage your tissues and organs.
Medics say it’s vital that parents and carers are able to spot the sings of the deadly response.
Posting to the CPR Kids platform on Instagram, paediatric nurse and managing director of the company, Sarah Hunstead, described a few symptoms parents should be on the lookout for if their child seems unwell.
Your child might have sepsis if:
1. They seem to be in a lot of pain
Sarah said you should pay attention if your child seems to be restless and in pain.
If they’re not responding to you like they normally do or not interested in food or other normal activities, this is another sepsis red flag, according to NHS guidance.
2. Their breathing has changed
Your child might be breathing fast or pausing for a long time between each breath, Sarah continued.
You may also notice that they can’t draw a breath in with ease and are making grunting noises.
Pay attention for a sucking motion at the base of your kid’s throat or under their ribcage.
This is what is called a tracheal tug – if you spot this in your child, it’s a sure-fire sign they need medical attention.
3. Their skin is blotchy and pale
Your child’s skin might be very blotchy, or it could be blue or grey-tinged and pale.
This might also be visible on their lips or tongue.
If your child has brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, the NHS noted.
4. They feel cold to touch
Your child’s skin might also feel abnormally cold when you touch it if they have sepsis.
5. They’re strangely sleepy or floppy
Your little one might seem drowsy and confused, and you might struggle to wake them up.
Being unusually floppy is another red flag.
7. They’re fitting
Your child might be suffering fits or convulsions.
8. They have a specific rash
You should go to A&E if your little one has a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, Sarah warned.
The NHS recommended you roll a glass over the rash to see if it fades.
9. They cry has changed
Finally, the NHS said a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like your kid’s normal cry could be a sign of deadly sepsis.
If you notice any of the above signs in your child or baby, you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately.
Though anyone can get an infection that leads to sepsis, there are certain groups that are more vulnerable, including:
babies under one, particularly if they’re premature or their mum had an infection while pregnantpeople over 75people with diabetespeople with a weakened immune system, from having chemotherapy or an organ transplant, for example people who have recently had surgery or a serious illnesswomen who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion
Sepsis can’t be passed on from one person to another. And though it’s not always possible to prevent the deadly reaction, there are certain things you can do to lower the likelihood.
keep up to date with vaccines, particularly for babies, children, older people and pregnant womencarefully clean and care for any woundstake antibiotics correctly – follow the instructions and take all your prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel betterwash your hands regularly and teach children how to wash their hands well
If you think someone has sepsis, trust your instincts and seek help.