Sepsis in children

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It's a serious illness that requires care right away in a hospital.

It causes inflammation across large areas of the body and can damage tissue and organs. It can also lead to very low blood pressure.

Sepsis can get worse very quickly.

Symptoms of sepsis can include low blood pressure, breathing problems, fast heartbeat, and confusion. Infants may have a bulging soft spot, urinate less, show no interest in feeding, have changes in muscle tone, or lose skin color. Your child may have a fever, low body temperature and chills, or cool and clammy skin.

Doctors will treat your child with antibiotics. They will try to find the infection that led to sepsis.

Machines will track your child's vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and pulse rate. Your child will get fluids through an I.V. Your child may also get strong medicine. This can help raise your child's blood pressure.

Children with sepsis might need to be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) for several days or weeks. An ICU is a part of the hospital where very sick people get care.

Equipment in the ICU can support many body systems. These systems include breathing, circulation, fluids, and help for organs like the kidneys and heart. If your child needs help breathing, a ventilator may be used.