Know about handling fever in babies, fever in
newborn and fever in children.
Fever In Children
Fever can be described as the condition in which the
temperature of a person's body exceeds the limit that is considered
normal. A quite common ailment in adults as well as children, it is not
a very severe problem in majority of the cases. In fact, in children,
fever often means that the body is trying to recognize and fight an
enormous variety of viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. However,
it can surely make the child feel uncomfortable and, sometimes, even
dehydrated. Let us know more about fever in children, how to diagnose
it, how to treat it at home and when to approach a doctor.
How To Know
Your child has fever if his temperature is:
- Higher than 100.4o F (38o C), measured rectally
- Higher than 100o F (37.8o C), measured orally or in the ear
- Higher than 99o F (37.2o C), measured under the arm
Causes Of Fever In Children
- Bacterial Infections
- Viral Infections
- Certain Medications
- Use of Illicit Drugs
- Heat Illness
Symptoms Of Fever In Children
Infants
- Irritability
- Fussiness
- Lethargy
- Being too quiet
- Feel warm or hot to touch
- Not feeding normally
- Cry too much
- Breathing rapidly
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Older Children
- Feeling hot or cold to touch (as compared to others)
- Body aches
- Headache
- Having difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much
- Poor appetite
Handling Fever In Babies
- Increase your child's intake of water and other fluids. It is
very important to keep his/her body well hydrated. If he/she refuses
to have too many fluids at one time, given them at frequent
intervals.
- Let your child get proper rest and sleep. This will allow his/her
body rejuvenate and recover completely.
- As long as the temperature is at or below 38.5oC, do not give
antipyretic medication to your child, unless he/she is 3 months or
younger.
- If your child does not feel like eating, do not force him/her to
do so. Let him/her eat or drink whatever he/she desires, except the
drinks containing caffeine. If he/she has diarrhea as well, limit
the intake of fruits and juice.
- Sponge your child with a wet compress as many times as you can.
When it is not possible, keep a wet compress on his/her forehead,
temples and feet, using lukewarm water. Please do not use rubbing
alcohol.
- Do not put too many clothes on your child. Dress him/her lightly
and make sure that the clothes are not too tight,
Call Your Doctor
In the following cases, you will need to call the doctor:
- Your child is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature of
100.4o F (38o C) or higher.
- Your child is 3 to 6 months in age and has a temperature of 101o
F (38.3o C) or higher.
- Your child is older than 6 months and has a temperature of 104o F
(40o C) or higher.
