Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

2:00pm - 5:00pm

80's & 90's Music Marathon

Debbie Harry

I Want That Man

Midlands Woman Underlines Value Of Fast Action For Sepsis

Thursday, 7 March 2024 10:19

New data from the HSE shows nearly 40% of people don't know what symptoms to look for in sepsis.

One in five people who develop sepsis will die from it - but 39% of adults don't know what symptoms to look out for.

That's according to new research from the HSE.

It wants to raise awareness about the condition - which happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection.

Tullamore woman Aisling O Rourke's father passed away from sepsis and says you need to act fast:

The Health Service Executive say to look out for the following symptoms when it comes to sepsis.

If a child or baby:

  • Has blue, pale or blotchy skin 
  • Lips or tongue has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
  • Is being very sluggish, unusually sleepy and hard to wake feels unusually
  • Cold to touch
  • Has had no pee or wet nappies for more than 12 hours
  • Is breathing very fast
  • Has fits or convulsions
  • Has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
  • Has an infection,
  • Is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse - it may be sepsis.

If an adult:

  • Is acting confused, slurring their speech, not making sense or not their usual self
  • Has difficulty breathing, breathlessness or is breathing very fast
  • Their lips are blue or slightly blue
  • Pounding in their chest
  • Has hands and feet that feel cold, clammy and look pale
  • Feels dizzy, faint or loses consciousness (passes out)
  • Is not peeing as much as normal - for example, not peeing for a day
  • Has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
  • Has severe muscle pain
  • Is complaining of severe leg pain or difficulty standing
  • Has an infection, is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse - it may be sepsis

Share

More from Midlands News

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103