Septicaemia (sepsis) in children
Septicaemia, also known as sepsis or blood poisoning.
Caused by bacteria getting into the bloodstream, and although rare, it can be a serious complication of any type of infection, although most commonly following a bacterial infection.
Sepsis needs to be treated urgently as it affects the major organs in the body and can cause death.
Symptoms of Sepsis in young children
Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in young children, as many of its signs are also common in routine childhood illnesses. If your child has any of the following symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. They may not have all these symptoms. Trust your instincts.
- 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.
- 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
If you’re not sure if it’s sepsis but your child is displaying any of the following symptoms – call 111 and they can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or call you an ambulance.
- You child feels very unwell or like there’s something seriously wrong.
- Has not urinated all day (for older children) or in the last 12 hours (for younger children)
- Keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or liquid down.
- Has swelling or pain around a cut or wound.
- Has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering.
