A WEAK, high-pitched cry could be a sign your child has sepsis.
The condition – a life-threatening reaction to an infection – can be difficult to spot, so it’s vital to know what to look out for.
GettyA weak, high-pitched cry can be a sign of sepsis[/caption]
The most common symptoms include a rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it and difficulty breathing, according to the NHS.
This could present as grunting noises, their stomach sucking under their rib cage, breathlessness or breathing very quickly.
Youngsters may also have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, and they may feel sleepier than normal or be difficult to wake, the health service says.
Not being interested in feeding or their usual activities can also indicate sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning.
Finally, when a child with the condition cries, it often sounds weaker and higher pitched.
If you notice any of these signs, you should go to your nearest A&E or call 999.
Symptoms differ slightly in older children and adults, though many are the same.
As well as changes to the skin, a rash and breathing problems, people may also act confused, slur their words or not make sense when they talk.
Again, you should dial 999 or visit your closest hospital if you notice any of these signs.
Anyone can get an infection that leads to sepsis, but certain groups are more vulnerable than others. These include:
Babies under one, particularly if they were premature or their mum had an infection while pregnantPeople over 75Those with diabetesPeople with a weakened immune system, from having chemotherapy or an organ transplant, for exampleAnyone who has recently had surgery or a serious illnessWomen who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion
There are a few things you can do to prevent the risk of infection, including keeping wounds clean and properly dressed.
You should also seek treatment for any mouth infections and boils, and ensure you stay up to date with your child’s immunisations.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
A spokesperson said: “If the child has blood poisoning and it is diagnosed and treated quickly they should recover fully without any long-term damage.
“With more severe cases of blood poisoning, the damage to the child’s organs and body tissue may affect them permanently.
“In the most severe cases of blood poisoning, when treatment is too late to correct any damage done to the child’s body, it can be fatal.”
What is sepsis?
SEPSIS is a life-threatening reaction to an infection.
It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.
You cannot catch sepsis from another person.
Sepsis is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning.
The most common symptoms in babies and young children include:
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their rib cage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
In adults and older children, the following can be signs of sepsis:
Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in:
Babies and young children
People with dementia
People with a learning disability
People who have difficulty communicating
Source: NHS