Could it be sepsis? These are four words that can have an immediate impact on the treatment of a child and can save a life. Do you know the signs of sepsis in babies and kids? It’s important we’re all aware of what to look out for, so here’s a guide to identifying and seeking treatment for sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment, but if caught early, is treatable and patients can make a full recovery. It occurs when the body is fighting an infection but instead of healing, it starts to injure its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can develop anywhere in the body following bacterial, viral or fungal infections, with babies and kids under five at a higher risk of developing it.
Symptoms
While sepsis is rare, any child can develop sepsis, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms:
- Cold skin
- Working hard to breathe
- Seizure
- Drowsy or confused
- Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
- Blotchy, blue or pale skin
- Floppy
- A lot of pain or very restless
The symptoms for sepsis are often similar to other illnesses, making it difficult to detect in the early stages, however, parents know their child best. Follow your gut instinct. If your child is presenting as sicker than expected, is not getting better, or has never been this unwell before, it’s important to ask, “Could it be sepsis?”, and seek immediate treatment.
When to see a Doctor
A child does not have to present with all symptoms to be diagnosed with sepsis. Ring Triple Zero (000) or head to Emergency if your child has shown any of the above symptoms.
To diagnose sepsis, a doctor will monitor your child’s temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Your child could also have blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans.
Following a sepsis diagnosis, treatment will take place in the hospital and can include antibiotics and support for organs that may not be functioning properly. In more serious cases, this can include intravenous fluids, medications to support blood pressure, and ventilation to support the lungs.
Ongoing treatment may be required and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some ongoing treatment can include medication and physiotherapy.
Reducing the risk of Sepsis
The best ways to reduce the risk of sepsis in kids include:
- Staying up to date with childhood immunisations, which help protect kids against harmful infections.
- Good hygiene – regularly washing your child’s hands, keeping cuts and scrapes clean, not sharing personal items like drink bottles, and avoiding people that are unwell.
- Most importantly, if your child is sicker than usual or not getting better, ask your doctor, could it be sepsis?
Support for families affected by sepsis
A child’s diagnosis of sepsis is a life changing event for the child and their family. The Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program, Family Support Program is an evolving model of care that aims to provide key resources and programs to support all children and families affected by sepsis. This support is offered at all points of their journey, from the acute phase of diagnosis, to discharge, longer-term recovery and bereavement, if their child did not survive.
Useful websites
Children’s Health Queensland – Sepsis signs and symptoms
Children’s Health Queensland – Paediatric Sepsis Signs Checklist
Sepsis Australia App - Could this be sepsis?