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Symptoms of sepsis in children

شبكة أمان تعفن الدم للأطفال

مراجعة من قبل Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP آخر تحديث بواسطة الدكتور كريشنا فاخاريا، MRCGPLast updated 11 Feb 2023

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في هذه السلسلة:الإنتانSymptoms of sepsis in adults

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition - the symptoms can be vague or severe. This leaflet covers what to look out for and when to seek help.

At a glance

  • Sepsis is a life-threatening condition needing emergency treatment in hospital.

  • Early treatment of sepsis can save lives.

  • Call 999 if your child has very fast breathing, fits, or cold, blue, pale or patchy skin.

  • Call 999 if a rash does not fade when pressed with a glass.

  • Call 999 if your child is very lethargic, abnormally cold, or severely shivering.

  • For children under 5, seek immediate medical attention if they are not feeding or repeatedly vomiting.

This summary has been automatically generated from the article content to help readers quickly understand the key points.

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This leaflet was originally produced in collaboration with The UK Sepsis Trust - it has since been updated. This charity is committed to raising awareness of تعفن الدم and improving the care of patients with sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and needs emergency treatment in hospital. The symptoms of sepsis may be vague and not specific. If your child is unwell with either a الحمى or very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), just ask: Could it be sepsis?

Call an ambulance immediately - 999 if in the UK - If your child has any of the following:

  • Is breathing very fast.

  • Has a 'fit' or convulsion.

  • Has clammy, cold skin and looks blue, pale or patchy (mottled).

  • Has a rash that does not fade when you press it. The glass test is a good way to work this out - press a clear glass against the rash - if the rash does not fade or disappear, call an ambulance immediately.

  • Is very lethargic or difficult to wake.

  • Feels abnormally cold to touch.

Other severe symptoms to look out for - again, call an ambulance if your child:

  • Has severe shivering.

  • Has severe muscle pain or tummy (abdominal) pain.

  • Is confused or disorientated (not sure where they are).

  • Has slurred speech.

  • Is feeling very dizzy or faint

  • Is not passing urine all day (18 hours for older children and adults; 12 hours for younger children)

Any child under 5 years of age with the symptoms below may have sepsis - you must seek immediate medical attention (call your GP or go to your nearest emergency department) if your child:

  • Is not feeding.

  • Is vomiting repeatedly.

  • Hasn't had a wee or a wet nappy for 12 hours.

If your child does have sepsis they may also have other symptoms of infection such as a flu-like illness (cough, fever, muscle aches and joint pains) or diarrhoea and vomiting.

Early treatment saves lives. In the UK, call 999 if you are very concerned. Call your GP immediately if you're concerned, but don't think your child needs to go straight to hospital. If there is any delay in talking to a doctor then call for an ambulance immediately.

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التهاب السحايا

العدوى

التهاب السحايا

Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues around the brain. It is a serious condition, caused by various types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The infection that causes meningitis often causes a blood infection as well (this is known as septicaemia) which can be life-threatening. If you suspect meningitis - obtain medical help immediately.

بقلم الدكتور كولين تايدي، MRCGP

الإنتان

العدوى

الإنتان

Sepsis is a reaction to severe infection. It can involve many different parts of the body. The germs causing the infection are usually bacteria, but less often can be viruses or fungi.

بقلم الدكتور كولين تايدي، MRCGP

الأسئلة الشائعة

What is the 'glass test' and how do I use it to check for a rash?

The 'glass test' is a simple method to check if a rash is serious. You press a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the rash does not fade or disappear when the glass is pressed, you should call an ambulance immediately.

My child has a fever, but seems generally okay. Could it still be sepsis?

Sepsis symptoms can be vague and not specific. If your child is unwell with either a fever or a very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), it's important to ask: 'Could it be sepsis?' If you are very concerned, call 999. If you are concerned but don't think your child needs to go straight to hospital, call your GP immediately.

How quickly do I need to act if I suspect sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment in hospital. Early treatment saves lives, so it's important to seek medical attention immediately if you are concerned.

If my child has flu-like symptoms, could it actually be sepsis?

Yes, if your child has sepsis, they may also show other signs of an infection such as a flu-like illness, which can include a cough, fever, muscle aches, and joint pains. They might also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

What specifically should I look out for in a child under 5 years old that might suggest sepsis?

For children under 5, you should seek immediate medical attention if they are not feeding, are vomiting repeatedly, or haven't had a wet nappy for 12 hours or haven't had a wee for 12 hours. These could be signs of sepsis.

When should I call my GP versus calling an ambulance for suspected sepsis?

You should call an ambulance (999 in the UK) immediately if your child has any of the severe symptoms listed, such as very fast breathing, a fit, clammy skin, a rash that doesn't fade with the glass test, or extreme lethargy. If you are concerned but don't think your child needs to go straight to hospital, call your GP immediately. However, if there's any delay in speaking to a doctor, you should call for an ambulance immediately.

These questions and answers have been generated from the information in this article.

قراءة إضافية ومراجع

تابع القراءة أدناه

About the authorView full bio

Author image

الدكتور كولين تايدي، MRCGP

General Practitioner, Medical Author

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.

About the reviewerView full bio

Author image

الدكتورة هايلي ويلاسي، زميلة الكلية الملكية للأطباء العامين

General Practitioner, Medical Author

MBChB (1992), DRCOG, DFFP, MRCOG (Part 1) MRCGP (2007), DFSRH (2013), MSc - medical education (2020)

Dr Hayley Willacy was an NHS GP working in northwest England, who retired from clinical practice in 2022 after 30 years. 

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