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CHILDREN’S HEALTH: BLOOD POISONING

on April 28th, 2009 by admin

Blood poisoning is the spread of an infection into the bloodstream. The infection may be caused either by bacteria or by viruses. Blood poisoning can occur during early infancy, when natural resistance to infection is low. Beyond infancy, blood poisoning results in high fever, chills, and prostration (extreme exhaustion or collapse).

In popular usage, blood poisoning refers to the red streaks that may develop from an infected wound or blister. These red streaks resemble broad, wobbly, red-pencil marks. The streaks quickly (within hours) extend in the direction of the heart. They are signs of the infection traveling along the lymph vessels of the affected part of the body. If ignored, the spreading germs can-within hours or days – reach the bloodstream.

In their trip along the lymph channels, the germs enter the lymph nodes. The nodes swell, become tender, and sometimes redden as their cells fight and kill the germs. If the lymph nodes succeed in fighting off the poisonous germs, the infection is halted. No fever, or a fever below 37.8°C, indicates that the germs have not reached the bloodstream. A sudden, quickly rising high fever (over 38.3°C) generally means they have entered the bloodstream.

Signs and symptoms

The pink or red, slightly wavy lines just under the skin are easily seen in a good light. These lines may be two centimeters to a meter or so long. The lymph nodes toward which these red streaks lead are often swollen and tender.

Home care

If blood poisoning occurs, call your doctor. Elevate the affected part of the body. Apply warm soaks of Epsom salts (one-half cup in a liter of water) to the entire area. If there is an unopened infected blister at the source, include the blister in the soaks. Give aspirin or paracetamol for pain and fever, following the dose recommended on the label.

Precautions

• Always contact your doctor. Blood poisoning is best treated with antibiotics.

• If a child with blood poisoning has a high fever or is prostrate (in a state of collapse), contact a doctor promptly or take the child to a hospital.

Medical treatment

Your doctor will give your child antibiotics by mouth or by injection. The doctor may open and drain the point of infection. Culture of the blood or from the site of the original infection may be necessary. Laboratory tests, including a blood count and urinalysis, may be required. Hospitalization may be necessary if the blood poisoning is severe.

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