Sepsis is a dangerous, sometimes lethal condition that can occur in adults and children. When someone’s immune system battles an infection of some type, it can sometimes go into overdrive. The result can be serious.
Inflammation can end up affecting a person’s whole body, with organ failure and tissue damage as possible consequences. A condition known as septic shock happens when the organs cease to work, which can be a harbinger of eventual death.
Sepsis in children presents another problem. It’s difficult to identify in youngsters because the symptoms closely resemble those of numerous other medical conditions. According to the website Yale Medicine, it’s not uncommon in kids: “Studies estimate that more than 75,000 children are treated for severe sepsis each year in the U.S.”
Sepsis can get going when a child already has an illness or injury. For example, an infected cut or acute appendicitis can lead to sepsis. Because the early signs of it can be missed or misinterpreted, diagnosis and treatment are therefore delayed, putting the child at further risk.
Typical indications of sepsis in kids
- Drowsiness
- Discomfort
- Dizziness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Fever
Just by reading this list of pediatric sepsis symptoms, you can see how alike they are to symptoms of so many other childhood conditions. Various tests can be used to diagnose sepsis, including blood tests, urine tests, spinal fluid tests, X-rays or an ultrasound. There is not currently one test that can pinpoint sepsis.
One doctor has referred to sepsis as “an immune storm.” The chances of recovering from it are more favorable if it is treated quickly. If your child developed sepsis that was diagnosed late, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or improperly treated, you may be considering your legal options. An experienced Texas attorney can guide you through that process.
