Welcoming a new addition to the family is an exciting prospect and the last thing you want is anything to go wrong. Sadly, infants can be vulnerable and complications may arise.
Sepsis is not uncommon in babies under 3-months old and the symptoms can be serious. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to treat the condition successfully. Recognizing the signs as early as possible will result in the best possible outcome for your child.
What do symptoms of sepsis in infants look like?
The symptoms of sepsis are not always obvious and they can vary depending on age. Common factors to look out for include an apparent lack of energy in your child. They may be more tired than usual and have problems retaining focus. You also want to keep an eye on their heart rate and breathing, as a rapid increase in either could be a sign that something is not right.
What are the treatment options?
After you have raised concerns with healthcare providers, they will be able to carry out a number of tests. Blood tests can be utilized to examine whether or not any bacteria are present. Your doctor may also recommend checking the spinal cord for infection by performing a lumbar puncture. As long as you bring matters to the attention of medical professionals early, modern advances in medicine will allow them to identify a suitable course of treatment.
Hold health care facilities to account
While sepsis is not completely preventable, effective hygiene measures can reduce the risk. Make sure that hospitals are encouraging everyone to wash their hands regularly. This includes anyone who oversees the care of you or your child.
Coping with the illness of your child can be difficult, but you can get through it as a family. If you feel that your medical team has let you down, there are a number of legal options open to you.