The rise in fever is one of the most concerning issues for families. “What if he/she has a seizure?”, “Should I take them to the hospital immediately?”, “Should I give them fever-reducing syrup?”, “Or should I give them a lukewarm bath or call the doctor?” Hundreds of such questions pass through your mind in seconds.
WHY IS MY CHILD HAVING A FEVER?
Fever is the elevation of body temperature above its normal daily range. It is not a disease by itself but rather a sign of the body’s fight against infections. Fever is most commonly caused by viruses and is seen in all age groups, especially in children aged 2-5 years in daycare.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD HAS A FEVER?
If your child feels warmer than usual, you should check their temperature. We consider temperatures above 37.5°C orally, 38.5°C rectally, and 38°C aurally as fever. In children, body temperature is typically higher than in adults and is about 1°C higher in the evening compared to the morning.
WHAT CAN WE DO BEFORE GOING TO THE DOCTOR?
- If there is no history of seizures, if the fever is not very high, and if your child does not feel unwell, give them a lukewarm bath (29-32°C) before administering any medication.
- Keep the room cool (21-22°C). Dress them in thin, cotton clothing.
- Undress them and keep their hands and feet warm.
- Ensure they take more fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Fever-reducing medications should be given in doses appropriate for the child's age and weight. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be preferred. However, it is important to remember that unnecessary and excessive doses of these medications can disrupt liver function tests and may sometimes cause nosebleeds, especially Ibuprofen, which can negatively affect the immune system. Additionally, Aspirin should not be given for viral infections like chickenpox, as it can lead to Reye's Syndrome, which causes liver failure and can result in coma and death.
FEVER IS PRESENT BUT THERE’S NO NEED TO PANIC!
When evaluating a child with a fever, the child's overall condition is more indicative than the height of the fever. There is no correlation between the height of the fever and the severity of the illness. Common viral infections, which are the most frequent cause of fever in children, can cause temperatures of 39-40°C. Conversely, some serious illnesses, such as meningitis, may not lead to very high fevers. However, for infants aged 0-3 months, you should seek medical attention for any elevated body temperature.
For older children:
- If your child is awake,
- Active,
- Playing,
- Eating and drinking,
- Sleeping comfortably,
- Breathing without any problems, do not worry excessively.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY:
- If your child is under two years old,
- If the fever is above 40°C,
- If there is crying, moaning, or restlessness when touched,
- If they cannot suck or do not want to eat anything,
- If there is a tendency to sleep with fever,
- If you observe any change in consciousness,
- If there are purple rashes on the skin,
- If they are having difficulty breathing,
- If there is difficulty swallowing,
- If they have a history of seizures,
- If their general condition is worsening,
- If there is stiffness in the neck,
- If there is persistent vomiting and diarrhea,
- If the fever has lasted more than three days, seek medical attention without delay.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS:
- Wiping the body with alcohol or vinegar,
- Not removing clothing for fear of them getting cold and overdressing,
- Giving very hot or very cold drinks,
- Giving cold baths,
- Administering fever reducers to prevent the fever from rising before it occurs,
- Using antibiotics to reduce fever without a doctor's examination.
Dr. Emel ŞEN
Pediatrician
