QuestionsCategory: ParentingChildhood Sepsis
mumstuff asked 3 years ago

I’m worried I won’t spot the signs – what should I look out for and what exactly is it 

1 Answers
Riverside Cares Staff answered 3 years ago

Hi 
Thank you for your question – it is an issue of great concern. We have created a short online course which may be very useful (£5.00) https://www.riversidetrainingcompany.co.uk/product/sepsis-in-children-elearning-certificated-short-course/
I hope this list of things to consider will also be of help: 
What is childhood sepsis
Sepsis is a serious life-threatening condition. It occurs when the body’s immune system misfires and incorrectly reacts to an infection and begins to attack its own organs and tissues. It is not fully understood why adults and children who have been previously healthy develop sepsis from a minor infection.
Early signs can include:

  • not responding normally to social cues
  • behavioural changes
  • waking only with prolonged stimulation
  • decreased activity
  • fever, shivering or feeling cold
  • fast heart rate
  • fast breathing and shortness of breath
  • sweaty or clammy skin
  • not having had a wet nappy or passed urine in the last 12 hours
  • continuous vomiting – unable to keep any food or drink down
  • swelling or redness or pain around a wound

Signs of sepsis include:

  • blue tinge to the lips or tongue, pale or blotchy skin
  • the hands and feet may be very cold to the touch
  • a baby or child not responding normally
  • a baby or child not wanting to play or feed/eat
  • in babies, a weak high-pitched cry
  • being very tired and wanting to sleep more than usual
  • being more difficult to wake up than normal
  • having less wet nappies or going to the toilet less
  • becoming confused
  • slurred speech
  • a rash that does not fade when you press it
  • signs of difficulty breathing for example; breathing faster than normal and shallow, stomach sucking in under the ribcage, flaring of nostrils, struggling to get their breath or grunting

Children may not present with all the symptoms above
If you are seeing any of these signs seek urgent medical attention.