Sepsis signs every parent should know

Sepsis is a serious condition that can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. It happens when the body reacts to an infection in a way that harms its own organs, such as the heart, lungs or kidneys. While any child can develop sepsis, it is more common in children who have an infection, an open wound, have recently had surgery, or have a weakened immune system.

Every year, more than 80,000 children in the United States experience severe sepsis. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help parents and caregivers act fast, which is critical because sepsis can worsen quickly.

The signs of sepsis in children can look like other common illnesses, which makes it tricky to identify. However, there are key symptoms parents and caregivers should watch for, including fever of 101.5°F or higher, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, being irritable, confused or hard to comfort, vomiting or diarrhea, less interest in playing or feeding and getting sicker quickly.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Alpern, division head for Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Lurie Children’s, “Sepsis can affect any child, progresses quickly, and is difficult to diagnose. Children may have subtle signs of infection including fever, high heart rate or not acting themselves. Early recognition and treatment can be lifesaving. If you are concerned about your child, we want to know — we work best together as a team to identify and treat sepsis.”

Sepsis can progress rapidly, so early action is crucial. If your child shows any of the symptoms above, it is important to contact a health care professional immediately. Be specific when describing your concerns. Alpern advises parents to say, “I am concerned this may be sepsis,” when speaking with medical staff. This clear communication can help doctors act quickly to diagnose and treat the condition.

If sepsis is suspected, doctors will often begin treatment right away. This usually includes antibiotics to fight the infection and other medicines to support organs that are not working properly. Early treatment can make a big difference in a child’s recovery.

While sepsis cannot always be prevented, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk. These include washing hands regularly to prevent infections, keeping wounds clean and covered, and making sure your child stays up to date on vaccinations. Children with chronic health conditions should take extra care to avoid infections. Proper wound care and hygiene are especially important to lower the risk of sepsis.

Sepsis is a medical emergency, and knowing the signs can save lives. If your child has a fever and other symptoms like fast heart rate, trouble breathing, or unusual behavior, seek medical help right away. As Alpern emphasizes, “Early recognition and treatment can be lifesaving.”

By staying alert and acting quickly, parents and caregivers can help protect children from the serious effects of sepsis.

• Children’s health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.