What is Sepsis?
Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) is the immune system's overreaction to an infection or injury. The immune system is how your body defends itself against infection. normally our immune system fights infection - but sometimes, for reasons we don't understand, it attacks our body's own organs and tissues. If not treated immediately sepsis can result in organ failure and death. with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.
How to spot sepsis in adult
Sepsis can initially look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection, there is no one sign. Symptoms present differently between adults and children.
Early Symptoms: Fever, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and quick breathing.
Late Symptoms: Feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and cold, clammy or pale mottled skin.
Seek medical help urgently if you (or another adult) develop any of these signs:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you are going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
Sepsis in children
* An unwell child with either a fever or very low temperature....think could it be sepsis?
* Breathing fast
* Had a fit or convulsion
* Looks mottled, bluish or pale
* Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
* Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
* Feels abnormally cold to touch
Sepsis in children under 5 years
Suspect sepsis if he/she:
* Is not feeding
* Is vomiting repeatedly
* Has not passed urine for 12 hours (no wet nappy for 12 hours)
For further information please visit:
https://sepsistrust.org/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/