Sepsis: knowing the symptoms
Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to infection. It can affect anyone but is more common in people who have a weakened immune system, a long-term condition, and those who are very young or are frail. The incidence is particularly high in patients with a learning disability.
Identifying sepsis in babies and young children
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
- abnormal temperature – low as well as high
- difficulty (or rapid) breathing
- lack of interest in eating and drinking, or have stopped feeding
- not passing urine for 12 hours or longer
- repeated vomiting
- being sleepier than usual or difficult to wake
- a high-pitched cry
- change in mental state including unresponsiveness or agitation
- irritability
- mottled pale or bluish skin, or a rash that does not fade when pressed
Parental concern is another key feature that needs to be considered.
Identifying sepsis in adults and older children
Symptoms may include:
- feeling extremely unwell
- abnormal temperature – low as well as high
- chills and shivering
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- feeling dizzy or faint
- decreased urine production
- a change in mental state, such as confusion, disorientation or agitation
For further information, see:
- Signs of Sepsis, the UK Sepsis Trust
- Symptoms of sepsis, NHS England
