The signs of sepsis can be challenging to spot, especially in children. This is why it is often misdiagnosed or there is a delay in diagnosing sepsis.
For babies and young children, symptoms of sepsis include:
- blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
- a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
- not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
Symptoms in older children and adults include:
- acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
- blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
In the case of both children and adults, not all symptoms listed above may be present.
