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Sintomi della sepsi nei bambini

Rete di sicurezza per la sepsi infantile

Sepsi è una condizione potenzialmente letale - i sintomi possono essere vaghi o gravi. Questa brochure spiega cosa osservare e quando cercare aiuto.

A colpo d'occhio

  • Sepsis is a life-threatening condition needing emergency hospital treatment.

  • Symptoms of sepsis can be vague and not specific.

  • Call 999 if a child has fast breathing, a fit, cold clammy skin, or a rash that doesn't fade.

  • Also call 999 if a child is very lethargic, abnormally cold, or has severe muscle pain, confusion, or slurred speech.

  • For children under 5, seek immediate medical attention if they are not feeding, vomiting repeatedly, or have not passed urine for 12 hours.

  • If a child is unwell with a fever or very low temperature, ask: Could it be sepsis?

This leaflet was originally produced in collaboration with The UK Sepsis Trust - it has since been updated. This charity is committed to raising awareness of sepsi and improving the care of patients with sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and needs emergency treatment in hospital. The symptoms of sepsis may be vague and not specific. If your child is unwell with either a febbre or very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), just ask: Could it be sepsis?

Call an ambulance immediately - 999 if in the UK - If your child has any of the following:

  • Is breathing very fast.

  • Has a 'fit' or convulsion.

  • Has clammy, cold skin and looks blue, pale or patchy (mottled).

  • Has a rash that does not fade when you press it. The glass test is a good way to work this out - press a clear glass against the rash - if the rash non fade or disappear, call an ambulance immediately.

  • Is very lethargic or difficult to wake.

  • Feels abnormally cold to touch.

Other severe symptoms to look out for - again, call an ambulance if your child:

  • Has severe shivering.

  • Has severe muscle pain or tummy (abdominal) pain.

  • Is confused or disorientated (not sure where they are).

  • Has slurred speech.

  • Is feeling very dizzy or faint

  • Is not passing urine all day (18 hours for older children and adults; 12 hours for younger children)

Any child under 5 years of age with the symptoms below may have sepsis - you must seek immediate medical attention (call your GP or go to your nearest emergency department) if your child:

  • Is not feeding.

  • Is vomiting repeatedly.

  • Hasn't had a wee or a wet nappy for 12 hours.

If your child does have sepsis they may also have other symptoms of infection such as a flu-like illness (cough, fever, muscle aches and joint pains) or diarrhoea and vomiting.

Early treatment saves lives. In the UK, call 999 if you are very concerned. Call your GP immediately if you're concerned, but don't think your child needs to go straight to hospital. If there is any delay in talking to a doctor then call for an ambulance immediately.

Domande frequenti

What should I do if my child has some symptoms of sepsis, but I'm not sure if it's severe enough for an ambulance?

If you are concerned about your child's health but do not believe they need to go to the hospital immediately, you should contact your GP right away. However, if there is any delay in reaching a doctor or getting advice, you should call an ambulance by dialling 999 in the UK.

Ulteriori letture e riferimenti

Informazioni sull'autoreVisualizza il profilo completo

Immagine dell'autore

Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Medico di base, Autore medico

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Il Dr Colin Tidy è un medico del NHS, con sede nell'Oxfordshire.

Informazioni sul recensoreVisualizza il profilo completo

Immagine dell'autore

Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP

Medico di base, Autore medico

MBChB (1992), DRCOG, DFFP, MRCOG (Part 1) MRCGP (2007), DFSRH (2013), MSc - medical education (2020)

La Dott.ssa Hayley Willacy era un medico di base del NHS che lavorava nel nord-ovest dell'Inghilterra, e si è ritirata dalla pratica clinica nel 2022 dopo 30 anni. 

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