Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the overreaction of the immune system following an infection. It is when the immune system, while fighting the infection, starts to damage healthy tissues and organs.

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According to the Cleveland Clinic website, newborns and infants are one of the groups who are at high risk for sepsis. In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, paediatrician Dr Sushil Singla listed some of the common infections that can lead to sepsis.

“A child with pneumonia may develop fever, cough, rapid or difficult breathing, chest discomfort and unusual fatigue or weakness. If the infection becomes severe or spreads into the bloodstream, the child’s condition can deteriorate quickly,” he stated.

The paediatrician noted that parents should seek immediate medical attention if the child is struggling to breathe, is unable to drink or feed adequately, develops bluish lips or skin, or becomes unusually drowsy, less responsive or difficult to wake.

“Older children may complain of burning or pain while urinating, increased frequency or urgency of urination, abdominal or back pain, and fever,” he stated. “In infants and very young children, the signs can be less specific and may include fever, poor feeding, vomiting, irritability or unusual lethargy.”

If a UTI involves the kidneys or remains untreated, the infection can potentially spread to the bloodstream and lead to a more serious systemic infection, cautioned the paediatrician.

“High fever, severe headache, repeated vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures or marked drowsiness are important warning signs. In infants, however, the symptoms may be less typical. Poor feeding, excessive irritability, a weak cry, reduced responsiveness or an unusual change in behaviour may be the first indications that something is wrong,” he stated.

“Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in the stool, very low urine output, extreme weakness or a child who appears increasingly unwell should not be ignored,” he cautioned.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Dr Sushil Singla is the director of the paediatrics department at Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad. He has over 28 years of clinical experience.