In our latest podcast episode, we talk to Teresa, who is a volunteer for the UK Sepsis Trust following her son Ben’s experience of sepsis.
What is sepsis?
The UK Sepsis Trust says ‘Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive.’ It always starts from an infection, often a UTI or chest infection, but it can be due to any infection. Sepsis can lead to multi organ failure, septic shock and even death if not treated quickly. Globally, 11 million deaths a year are due to sepsis. However, it can be treated relatively simply with intravenous antibiotics and fluids. It often affects young children, older adults or those with an underlying health condition, but anyone can be affected by sepsis.
What are the signs of sepsis?
The signs vary for different age groups. In adults, the UK Sepsis Trust recommend using the word SEPSIS to identify signs:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
A child may have sepsis if they:
- Are breathing very fast
- Have a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Look mottled, bluish, or pale – on darker pigmented skin, colour changes may show on the inside of the forearms or palms
- Have a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Are very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feel abnormally cold to touch
A child under 5 may have sepsis if they:
- Are not feeding
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have not passed urine for 12 hours
Ben and Teresa’s Story
Ben, Teresa, and his sister.
Ben’s sepsis story began after he had a major operation on his spinal cord tumour. From this operation, he deteriorated into septic shock. During his five weeks in hospital, he was in an induced coma and faced a pneumothorax, blood clots, infections and had a tracheotomy. He experienced multi organ failure and emergency surgeries.
Teresa says: ‘It was absolutely horrific hearing your son calling out ‘Mum!’ and there’s nothing you can do.’
She wishes she had had more information on sepsis at the time in order to advocate for his care. She feels that all hospitals should be able to direct families affected by sepsis to the UK Sepsis Trust or have their own sepsis nurse on hand to support them. She wants the NHS to improve on listening to families who know their loved ones best.
Listen to the full story on the Hidden Voices Podcast. If you have been affected by anything discussed on our podcast and would like to find further support, please get in touch with our Information and Guidance Team.