Sepsis

Sepsis occurs when the body’s attempt to combat an infection causes harm to the tissues and organs. It may result in life-threatening conditions and can, in fact, be fatal. Kidney infections are a common cause of sepsis. In a child, the symptoms might not be clear or they might be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Common symptoms of sepsis in children include lower body temperature, low blood pressure, and lower urination than normal. Sepsis may damage the entire immune system of a child, resulting in poor organ function due to poor blood circulation, life-threatening conditions like cancer, and trauma. Organs that are at risk include the kidneys, the lungs, the skin, the liver, the stomach, the colon and the organs of the urinary tract. Sepsis may be treated with intravenous antibiotics and will require hospitalization and close monitoring by a doctor.