Fever in children: What to do? When to worry?

Fever is one of the most common complaints in children. It is the body’s method to kill the germs and most of the time is not a bad sign of a serious disease.  But at the same time, it might be an indication of a serious problem. Core temperature of 38°c or 100.4°f or more is fever by definition.

Parents become very anxious when children get a fever.

So, there are some tips as Pediatrician to the parents about fever

What must be done during fever

1. Measure temperature: try to measure the temperature with a digital thermometer and keep a record of it.
2. Give rest: do not send the children to school or tuition or anywhere outside during fever.  As rest is the best method to help the body fight against infection
3. Give plenty of water and liquids: body’s requirements of water increase during fever.  Give frequent and small sips of water and liquids to ensure the child is passing urine at least 4 to 6 hourly.
4. Give feed: most of the time children refuse feed during time of fever.  Try to give small and frequent meals.  Give feeding when fever is less or down. Do not give junk or outside food during fever.
5. Avoid exertion when fever is down, children start jumping and their usual activities.  Though little bit of activity is ok but try to limit it as if body is exhausted, it can’t give its 100% to fight infection.
6. Give Paracetamol: with the advice of your doctor paracetamol is a safe drug for fever.  It can be given 4 to 6 hourlies.  It’s better if you don’t give Ibuprofen, Nimesulide or Mefenamic acid containing drugs without consulting doctor.
7. Give sponging of body or give a bath to the child if fever is very high and not decreasing with paracetamol.
8. Look for any danger symptoms as mentioned below.  Visit your doctor or emergency if any danger symptoms are seen.

Danger symptoms of fever: Must visit a doctor or emergency if any one of it is present

1. Repeated vomiting
2. Lethargic child.  That means severe lack of energy and activity
3. Convulsions
4. Bleeding from any site
5. Repeated loose stool
6. Significant abdominal distention
7. Rash
8. Swelling of neck or any other body part
9. Cough disturbing feeding and sleep
10. Breathing difficulties
11. Earache not responding to paracetamol
12. Fever of prolonged duration (more than 5 days)
13. Any fever in less than 3 months old babies

When not to worry

1. Active and playful child
2. Absent any of the danger signs mentioned
3. Fever of short duration (usually less than 3  to 5 days)

Takeaway message:

1. Since most of the time fever itself is not dangerous for the child,  vigorous efforts to bring down the temperature is not needed.  Rather antipyretic like paracetamol should be given to the distressed child to improve child’s activity and wellbeing.
2. Try to document temperature with a digital thermometer
3. Do visit your doctor or emergency if any danger symptoms seen

drabhijitmisra.com Disclaimer: All health information provided on this blog is for general awareness and doesn’t in any way replace a doctor’s professional medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor in case of any decision regarding your health, and diet. The information provided is for awareness. This is not meant as professional medical consultation. Healthcare is an individual decision and needs careful discussion and professional consultation before taking any decision. The author is sharing his professional knowledge. This post is meant as educational and awareness information and all decisions to be taken at own risk after consulting their own doctor in person. Health information is constantly being updated and while the author tries his best to keep updated information, the author and the website shall not be held liable for any reliance placed on such content for any reason whatsoever.

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