Spotting the Symptoms of Pediatric Sepsis

Spotting the Symptoms of Pediatric Sepsis to Save Lives

Did you know that pediatric sepsis is responsible for more annual deaths than childhood cancers? Sepsis is among the leading worldwide causes of death for babies and young children. In the United States alone, approximately 75,000 children develop sepsis every year. April 16-22 is Pediatric Sepsis Awareness Week, a time to spread awareness to save young lives. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines the facts about pediatric sepsis, including how to spot the symptoms in babies and children.

What Is Sepsis? Why Is It Harmful to Young Children?

Your immune system works hard to protect you against germs (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that can cause infection. Most of the time, this is to your advantage. However, your body may overreact and begin to turn on itself for unknown reasons researchers still don’t understand. Sepsis is the term used when this occurs. Sepsis can be described as an overwhelming, toxic response, causing tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Sepsis is more life-threatening for young children and seniors, those with a weakened or impaired immune system, and those with a chronic illness. It’s a condition that requires an urgent diagnosis and treatment before a person goes into septic shock.

What Are Common Sepsis Symptoms?

Sepsis is typically diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms of sepsis, not an infection. Sepsis symptoms may vary by individual but usually involve signs of organ dysfunction, including:

• Difficulty breathing (lung dysfunction)
• Low-to-no urine output (kidney dysfunction)
• Changes in mental status (brain dysfunction)

Diagnosing sepsis in infants and young children can be more challenging than in adults. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice a combination of these common pediatric sepsis symptoms:

• Bluish or pale skin
• Fast or rapid breathing
• Fever
• Seizures
• Little-to-no urine output
• Dehydration (not drinking or feeding)
• Dry diaper
• Difficulty waking up (lethargy)
• Persistent rashes
• Skin that’s abnormally cold to the touch
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Repeated vomiting
• Dizziness

Who’s Most At-Risk for Pediatric Sepsis?

Sepsis can affect any child at any time, and the symptoms may be difficult to detect. Premature infants and babies are more likely to develop sepsis because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. Neonatal sepsis is a form affecting babies from their birth through their first 90 days. Some neonatal sepsis cases are linked to the passing of an infection from the mother to the child during pregnancy.

What Can Be Done to Prevent or Treat Pediatric Sepsis?

Practicing good hygiene (frequent hand-washing) and staying up-to-date with child vaccinations can help prevent pediatric sepsis. Parents should also use antibiotics as prescribed and treat open skin wounds properly. If you suspect your child is showing signs of sepsis, seek immediate medical care. Most people with sepsis (including babies and young children) will require treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Once the patient’s vital signs are stabilized, sepsis treatment may include ventilators, IVs, antibiotics, and other medications. Sepsis is treatable without severe complications if rapidly diagnosed and treated. However, nearly one-third of pediatric sepsis survivors may develop cognitive or physical impairments or hearing loss. Many young children with sepsis may require a skin graft or amputation before being discharged from the hospital.

Spreading Public Healthcare Awareness for 50 Years

As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has spread public awareness about chronic conditions and other healthcare-related issues for 50 years. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more tips on being proactive about your family’s healthcare this year.