A Guide to Fever in Children

Seek Help

Fever is one of the most common symptoms that parents encounter in their children. It is a significant indicator that something is not right in the child’s body. In this blog,we will delve into exploring different types of fevers, methods of measuringtemperatures and seeking medical attention.

What is Fever?

Fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, typically above 100.4°F (38°C) whenmeasured rectally. It is a common response to infection or inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. The body raises its temperature to fight off the infection and boost the immune system.

Recognizing Fever in Children

While feeling the child’s forehead for warmth is not an accurate method to quantify fever, it provides a general indication of the child’s temperature. For an accurate assessment, use a thermometer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your child has a fever accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

● Persistent fever for more than 24 hours in infants under 3 months or 72 hours in older children
● Temperature above 105°F (40.6°C)
● Severe headache, stiff neck, or rash
● Difficulty breathing or chest pain
● Vomiting or diarrhoea that cannot be controlled
● Lethargy or unresponsiveness

Fever is a common symptom in children and is often a sign of an underlying infection or inflammation. While most fevers can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, it is crucial to know when to seek medical attention by consulting your child’s paediatrician

Tympanic thermometers measure temperature by sensing heat waves from the eardrum. They are particularly useful for restless or crying children.

Methods of Measuring Temperature in Children For digital thermometers:

Rectal temperature: The most accurate method, but it may be uncomfortable or impractical for older children.

Oral temperature: Suitable for children above 5 years. Ensure the child has not had anything to eat or drink for at least 15 minutes before taking the temperature.

Tympanic thermometers measure temperature by sensing heat waves from the eardrum. They are particularly useful for restless or crying children.

Managing Fever at Home

1. Confirm the presence of fever by recording temperature.
2. Consult your paediatrician immediately if symptoms are worrying.
3. If there are no worrying symptoms, the child is older than 3 months, and appears well when there is no fever, follow these steps:

a. Remove excessive clothing, including hats or caps.
b. Check if the environment is hot and/or humid and move the child to a cooler area.
c. Keep the child well hydrated by breastfeeding or giving sips of water.

4. Reduce fever to make the child comfortable:

a. Tepid sponging: Dip a large towel in tap water, wring it out well, and wrap the unclothed child in the towel. After a while, the towel will warm up, and the child’s temperature will decrease. Repeat this a couple of times.
b. Avoid using a wet handkerchief on the child’s forehead.
c. Plain tap water is sufficient.

5. Paracetamol: This over-the-counter medication is available under variousbrand names.

The recommended dose is 15mg/Kg given only in cases of confirmed fever. Repeat the dose after 6 hours if the fever persists. In addition to the above, it is important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. If you are ever unsure about your child’s fever, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.