Fever in children means a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and higher. You should know that fever in children is not always bad, it helps the immune system to fight infection. Viruses and bacteria can't reproduce when the temperature rises. Viral infections are the most common cause of fever in children. Sometimes conditions such as teething also cause fever in children.
In this article we are talking about the tips that parents should know when children have fever.
How to know if a child has a fever?
Digital clinical thermometers and infrared thermometers are the best choices for measuring fever in babies and children.
The normal temperature of a child is between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. Temperature between 37.6 and 38.5 degrees Celsius means fever in children. A temperature of 38.5 and above indicates the disease.
Symptoms of fever in children
unusual skin color
Chills and shivering
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Rash
Frequent vomiting
diarrhea
Fussiness
How to measure rectal temperature?
Rectal temperature measurement shows accurate results. However, this method is uncomfortable for children. To measure the rectal temperature, pay attention to the following points:
Wash the end of the rectal thermometer with soap and water and then moisten the tip with a lubricant.
Place the baby on her (his) back or side.
Gently Insert the thermometer into the anal opening one to two centimeters.
Hold this position for a few moments until you hear the thermometer beeps. Now you can read and record the temperature.
A mother is measuring her baby's rectal temperature.
How to measure children's fever with digital ear thermometers?
Digital ear thermometers measure fever through the temperature of the eardrum. They are very fast. If your child is less than 3 years old, you should be very careful when using these types of thermometers because there is a risk of damage to the eardrum.
slightly pull the child's ear back to see the ear canal.
Insert the thermometer into the child's ear canal and keep it at a safe distance. Wait for a few moments for the result to be displayed.
Note: Before measuring the temperature, make sure that the child is not sleeping on her (his) ear.
When should we call a pediatrician?
You should consult or call your pediatrician if:
your baby is less than 3 months old and her (his) body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius.
the child is older and has a fever above 39 degrees Celsius.
your child has a fever that lasts longer than three days.
fever threatens the general condition of the child.
the child no longer accepts liquids or food.
other signs of illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash, etc. occur.
a febrile seizure occurs
the child is still clearly impaired despite effective antipyretic measures
Darmankadeh is a free online service that helps you find a pediatrician in Tehran (Iran). You can consult online with the best doctors. It includes video, phone and text counseling
How to reduce fever in childern?
Do not use paracetamol and ibuprofen.
These drugs are over-the-counter and should be used very sparingly to treat fever in children.
Dress the child in light clothes.
Comfortable and light clothes allow the body to sweat. This is a trick the body uses to keep itself cool.
Give the child plenty of fluids.
Fever in children causes dehydration and loss of body electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that control many body functions. Sodium and potassium are examples of them. Water, juices or broth are the best fluids for feverish children.
If your child is less than one year old, use solutions like Pedialyte. This solution contains water and salt. It can replenish body fluids and electrolytes. If the dehydration is mild, the child can drink fluids without vomiting. But if the child vomits severely and has diarrhea, fluids are given to him through intravenous injection.
Feeding babies with milk is the best way to compensate for dehydration. Breast milk provides the necessary electrolytes for the child's body.
If your baby is not breastfed, you can use oral rehydration solution (ORS). This solution is in the form of powder and you must dissolve it with water before use. The dose of ORS is determined according to the child's weight.
Sponge bath for children with fever
You should use lukewarm water for a Sponge bath. Don't forget that cold water, ice and alcohol will quickly reduce the fever in children. It can cause shivering.
You can use this trick for 20 to 30 minutes. If the child starts shivering, stop the sponge bath.
Keep room temperature cool
Keep the baby's room temperature balanced, neither hot nor cold. 21.1 to 23.3 degrees Celsius is the best temperature for the room.
Check the child's body temperature regularly
Monitor the child's body temperature at a certain time with a thermometer and record it. Feeling their forehead is not enough.
When do fever seizures occur in children?
Febrile seizures are common in children aged 6 months to 3 years. These seizures are often harmless, and most children recover completely. When the fever in children is high (38 degrees Celsius and above) or when it rises suddenly, the risk of convulsions in children also increases.
What do fever seizures look like?
The child loses consciousness, the muscles cramp. His (her) arms and legs twitch and the body is unnaturally stiff and stretched. Sometimes the arms and legs suddenly go limp again. Many children roll their eyes, have dilated pupils or stare. The lips or face may turn blue.
What to do when children have febrile seizures?
call the emergency number.
Position the child in a soft place.
Loosen the clothes and protect the child from falling.
Never hold or shake the child during the spasms.
Don't try to prevent the cramps.
Do not try to put the object in the child's mouth; Even if the child bit his tongue. Tongue biting in febrile seizures is very rare and easily treated.
What to do after febrile seizures in children?
Check the child's breathing and consciousness.
Do not leave the child until emergency services arrive.
Place the child on his (her) side to prevent choking.
Protect the child from environmental stimuli such as light and sound.
Call a doctor
Consult a pediatrician online at Darmankade
Dermankadeh is an Iranian website that provides all kinds of health services in Tehran and some big cities of Iran such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz and Karaj. Please visit our website to schedule your medical appointment online. We cooperate with experienced doctors. You can book an online consultation either on the website or mobile app of Darmankade.
One of the most important elements of any home is the roof. Not only does it protect you and your family from various weather conditions, but it also adds an aesthetic appeal to your house. However, over time, roofs can become damaged due to wear and tear or harsh weather conditions. Ignoring signs of damage […]
Theater management can be a complex and challenging process. One of the biggest challenges is the coordination of multiple departments and teams, including performers, designers, technicians, box office staff, and marketing personnel. Effective communication and organization are essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Another significant […]
Wakeboarding, which includes riding a board while being towed behind a boat, is a fun and action-packed water sport. If you're new to wakeboarding, it's important to choose the right board to help you learn the basics and progress in the sport. In this article, we will discuss how to pick the best wakeboard […]
