2023-04-17 05:00:54
Sepsis is an exaggerated inflammatory response by the body to an infection caused by viruses or bacteria. Popularly known as generalized infection, it can cause changes in the functioning of vital organs such as the kidneys and heart. However, although serious, the signs to identify the condition can be confused with the symptoms, for example, of a flu.
It can be even more difficult to identify sepsis in children, who often don’t know how to translate what they are feeling – so parents need to be aware. Infectologist Werciley Vieira Júnior, from Hospital Santa Lúcia, in Brasília, points out that any infection can turn into sepsis, and the situation can happen in all age groups.
The condition is characterized when, as a result of the infection, the patient’s blood pressure becomes dangerously low. “The child’s whole body will react to the infection by producing, in an exaggerated way, proteins called cytokines, which disrupt the functioning of some vital organs. If the inflammatory response is not treated, sepsis can lead to death”, warns Júnior.
To avoid the most serious consequences, the doctor points out some ways to detect sepsis in children early. Check out:
1. Change in behavior
Due to changes in the functioning of some organs, the child may become fatigued, tired and sleepy, as her body is spending a lot of energy trying to stabilize itself.
2. Acceleration of breathing and heart rate
Sepsis can speed up a child’s breathing and heart rate, which causes blood pressure to drop dangerously: the process is called tracheal pull. Breathing difficulty still generates mental confusion in the patient, as brain oxygenation worsens.
3. Skin changes
“One of the organs affected by sepsis is the liver, as cytokines pass through it. The malfunction brings consequences such as the yellowish appearance of the child’s skin”, says the infectologist. Because of tissue damage caused by the inflammatory response, parts of the patient’s body may become cold and clammy.
4. Change in crying
One of the body’s reactions to sepsis is to cause pain and fever — in sensitive children, symptoms can cause crying. However, instead of being strident and vigorous, the crying becomes weak, because they lack the strength to manifest discomfort.
Upon noticing the association of factors, the doctor asks the parents to take the child to the hospital, as sepsis can only be accurately detected from tests. With confirmation of the condition, health professionals can determine the best treatment for the inflammatory response.
In order to prevent sepsis, it is necessary, first of all, to avoid infections: therefore, it is essential to have your vaccines up to date and to be wary of any changes. “Under no circumstances give antibiotics to the child on your own, leave that to health professionals”, reinforces Werciley.
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