By: Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, MD, MPH, FAAP
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly damage the body, causing organ failure and death.
Treating sepsis as fast as possible can save a child's life. It can be tricky to spot early signs of sepsis in infants and children. The symptoms often look like other common illnesses.
Here's what parents need to know about sepsis and when to get medical care.
What causes sepsis?
Sepsis starts after an infection. For example, urinary tract infections, skin infections, pneumonia, appendicitis, and meningitis can all lead to sepsis.
The immune system overreacts to the infection, causing harmful, out-of-control inflammation.
There is a higher risk of sepsis if your child has a condition that affects their immune system, is getting chemotherapy or if they have a Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) infection.
Signs of sepsis in kids
Sepsis is more common in newborns and young infants, but it can affect people of all ages. An infant or child with sepsis may have symptoms such as:
Fever or low temperature (newborns and infants may have low temperature)
Fast heart rate or weak pulse
Fast breathing or shortness of breath
Feeling cold and having chills
Skin is cold, with blotchiness and/or color changes
Behavior changes, such as seeming confused or dizzy
Extreme pain or discomfort
Significant nausea and vomiting that continues or leads to dehydration
Diaper has been dry for more than 12 hours or child is not able to drink enough fluid
Sepsis in infants (neonatal sepsis)
When an infant gets a blood infection in the first 4 weeks of life, it is called neonatal sepsis. Neonatal sepsis is a top cause of serious illness and death. A newborn with signs of sepsis should be tested if they have:
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis or a possible case of sepsis is managed in the hospital. A child may need antibiotics and other medications. They might also get fluids and treatment to prevent organ failure. Blood, urine and spinal fluid tests, an x-ray or ultrasound and surgery may be needed.
After they get better, some children have new physical or mental health issues that need long-term care.
Remember
Catching sepsis early and getting treatment right away is often the difference between life and death. People who survive sepsis are more likely to get it again. To help avoid infections, take good care of your child's chronic health conditions, remind them to wash their hands, keep cuts or wounds clean and covered until they heal, and get recommended vaccines.
More information
About Dr. Owusu-Ansah Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, and she also serves as an EMS physician. Dr. Owusu-Ansah is an attending physician at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she serves as the EMS medical director. Dr. Owusu-Ansah is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She has contributed to the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act. Dr. Owusu-Ansah has expertise in health media. She has served as a medical advisor for the Emmy-nominated HBO Max series "The Pitt" and created an HBO short film about her career, titled "In Good Hands."
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