Septicaemia, also known as sepsis, is a potentially life-threatening illness that is caused when bacteria from an infection enters the bloodstream.
It is treatable if caught early so it is important you know the signs to look out for.
1. What causes it?
Septicaemia develops from an infection in the body, particularly if it starts in the respiratory system, the skin, the urinary or gastrointestinal system, and occurs when the infection spreads to the blood where it is taken throughout the rest of the body.
The most likely infections to cause sepsis include:
- Pneumonia
- Abdominal infection
- Kidney infection
- Bloodstream infection
2. Symptoms to look out for:
The following symptoms along with an infection can point to a diagnosis of sepsis:
- Feelings of weakness
- Fever or chills; temperature above 38.3°C or below 36C°
- Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute
- Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
For severe sepsis, look out for the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Decrease urine
These are signs of organ failure and it is important you act quickly.
3. Who is most at risk?
Everyone is at risk of developing the blood infection, but the following are more vulnerable:
- The very young or very old
- Anyone with a compromised immune system
- A person who has wounds or injuries, such as burns
- Anyone with an intravenous catheters or breathing tubes
4. Treatment:
It is important to catch sepsis early as it is a rapidly progressive condition and can very quickly become irreversible toxic shock.
Hospitalisation is vital and treatment generally requires intravenous drugs and antibiotics.
Call your doctor immediately if you are concerned about your child.
