The most common cause of fever is an infection, but it is a typical reaction to many different conditions. When the internal thermostat of the body is reprogrammed to a higher setting, the outcome is a state known as fever.
Every single kid will get a fever at some point. Caregivers must work through the difficulty of determining when to become worried. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of fevers, including what they are, how to take a child’s temperature correctly, the best ways to manage it, and the warning signs that indicate your kid needs to see a pediatrician doctor.
What temperature is considered a fever in a child?
The average temperature of a healthy human being is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In children, a fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Indicators that your kid might be running a temperature include:
- Feels warmer than usual
- Sweating
- Shivering
- Appetite loss
- Sore muscles and joints
- Impatience or pickiness
Take your kid’s temperature with a thermometer if you think he or she could have a fever.
Understanding How to Take a Temp
The accuracy of a temperature reading may depend on the thermometer used.
- Get out your digital thermometer and take a reading. Mercury thermometers should never be used.
- When taking a baby’s temperature, it’s best to use a rectal (bottom) thermometer.
- If used properly, forehead (temporal artery) thermometers are the next best option.
- An accurate temperature reading can be taken either from the mouth or the ear (tympanic). Wait at least 30 minutes after consuming something hot or cold before taking your oral temperature. Wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold before touching your ear.
- Lastly, although taking a temperature in the armpit (axilla) can serve as a rapid check, it is not very reliable.
Causes of fever and high temperature in children
All sorts of things might cause a child to acquire a fever.
- By far, the most common reason kids get a fever is due to an infection. An infection is being fought by your child’s immune system, and the result is a fever.
- Many common childhood illnesses can be traced back to common viruses.
- Bacteria may also be the culprit in the development of other infections. Infections of the upper respiratory tract and sinuses can also contribute to a high body temperature.
- virus-borne illnesses like varicella, measles, and mumps
- infections of the ear, nose, and throat, such as middle ear infections and tonsillitis
- Urinary tract infections in infants and young children
- Bronchiolitis
- Meningitis
- pneumonia;
Some cases of fever have less prevalent causes. Among these are adverse drug or vaccination reactions, chronic joint inflammation, certain tumors, and gastrointestinal conditions including Crohn’s disease.
How do you bring down a child’s fever?
You can assist alleviate your child’s fever and bring it down in a few different ways:
- Provide a lot of water for everyone to drink. Dehydration can occur with prolonged fever.
- Your child’s temperature might be brought down with the use of a sponge bath filled with lukewarm water. The use of cold water or rubbing alcohol to chill a youngster is not recommended. Ingesting or breathing in rubbing alcohol is harmful.
- Get your kid dressed in something cozy by taking off any extra layers. Light, breathable clothes are best for your youngster.
- Keep your youngster cozy by covering him or her with a thin sheet if they seem cold.
What not to do if your child has a fever
- Never give aspirin to your child for a fever or pain. Side effects of aspirin include gastrointestinal distress, gastrointestinal bleeding, and Reye syndrome. The liver and the brain are severely affected by Reye syndrome.
- Sponges will not help bring down your child’s temperature. Sprinkling your child with cool or chilly water might make them shiver, which raises their body temperature.
- If your kid has a fever, don’t try to treat it with rubbing alcohol. If rubbing alcohol is inhaled or absorbed via the skin, it can cause life-threatening symptoms like a coma.
Fever & pain medicine for children
If your kid is suffering from a headache, sore muscles, or a high temperature, give them some acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Children can take acetaminophen in both liquid and chewable pill forms. If your child is vomiting and not able to keep the medicine down by mouth, you can also get it as a pill that is placed in the rectum (suppository).
Both liquid and chewable tablet forms of ibuprofen are available for use in children, making it suitable for use at any age. There are two distinct ibuprofen liquid formulations: one for infants and one for youngsters (including toddlers and children up to age 11 years). Medications for infants come in a more concentrated form (infant drops) than those for children.
It is not suggested to frequently combine or alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen dosing because doing so raises the risk of administering an incorrect dose of one or the other medicine. Fever reducers should be taken only when necessary and stopped once the patient no longer experiences uncomfortable symptoms.
Conclusion
Most cases of fever are benign and resolve on their own. On the other hand, if the fever persists for longer than a day or two, you should see a best child specialist in Lahore as soon as possible because it could be a sign of something more serious. Keeping a watchful eye on your child is of paramount importance in childcare; it’s better to be safe than sorry and find out exactly what ailment your youngster is facing.
FAQs
1. What should you do if you notice a child has a fever?
Don’t let them become too hot. Get them lots of cold drinks. In the event that they report feeling unwell, provide the prescribed amount of paracetamol.
2. How can you keep a fever at bay?
The easiest strategy to avoid getting a fever is to avoid being exposed to any infectious agents. A fever is a common symptom of an infection. To lessen your risk, consider these suggestions: Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating, after using the restroom, and after being in crowded areas.
3. What is the main reason for fever?
Having a fever is a transitory symptom of an underlying medical condition. Part of the body’s immunological response. Infections are the typical root cause of fever. Most adults and kids would probably complain about having a fever.
