WITH a life-threatening infection like sepsis, young children are particularly vulnerable because of their weaker immune systems.
Here is everything you need to know about how the “silent killer” affects young children…
Getty – Contributor Notoriously difficult to diagnose, sepsis symptoms can differ among older and younger children
What are the symptoms of sepsis in children?
Although sepsis is a rare condition, it can be deadly if not treated quickly.
According to the NHS website, you should take your child to A&E immediately if they feel “abnormally cold to touch” or is “very lethargic or difficult to wake”.
Additionally, if your child has developed a blue tone to their skin, looks very pale or is “breathing very fast” then this is reason to call 999.
Another crucial symptom of sepsis is a “rash that does not fade when you press it”.
Getty – Contributor Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a condition that is always triggered by another infection – be it a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection
You should also seek urgent medical attention by calling 111 if your child is finding it difficult to speak, making “grunting noises with every breath” or has developed a worryingly high or low temperature.
In older children, sepsis can also cause diarrhoea, less frequent urination, clammy skin and slurred speech.
What are the symptoms of sepsis in toddlers and babies?
Due to their weak immune systems, parents of toddlers and babies have to be extra vigilant when looking out for symptoms of sepsis.
A temperature of over 39C or below 36C in babies aged three to six months warrants a call to 111.
If your child is struggling to eat or drink and not wet their nappy for over 12 hours, then this could also be a sign of the life-threatening condition.
BBC William Mead was just 12 months old when he died from sepsis in December 2014
You should also seek urgent medical attention if you baby has developed a bulging soft spot on their head.
Young children with sunken eyes who are physically weak, whining and crying could also be suffering from sepsis.
Serious sepsis symptoms in children under five that require immediate medical attention
looks mottled, bluish or pale very lethargic or difficult to wake feels abnormally cold to touch breathing very fast a rash that does not fade when you press it suffering from fits or convulsions
What causes sepsis?
Sepsis is always triggered by a prior infection, such as pneumonia, UTIs, cellulitis and stomach infections.
It effectively causes a sufferers’ immune system to go into overdrive and attack the body.
It can lead to organ failure if left untreated as well as developing into septic shock.
Certain types of fungi, viruses and parasites can trigger the condition but bacteria can be the most dangerous, potentially leading to septicaemia.
Getty – Contributor Sepsis patients are put on an IV to monitor fluids and prevent kidney failure
How is it treated?
Early diagnosis of sepsis is critical when dealing with this life-threatening condition.
Signs and symptoms of the illness have been added to the “red book” given to parents of newborns and doctors and nurses have been trained in identifying “silent killer.”
Depending on the severity of the condition, sepsis is treated with a course of antibiotics lasting around seven to 10 days.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered first to immediately treat the infection.
Getty – Contributor Children who abnormally cold, lethargic or breathing very fast should be immediately taken to hospital