Fever is common in children and is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Quite often, it improves as the disease improves. But parents should know when a fever requires medical attention, especially when associated with other concerning symptoms. When determining what to do, it is important to consider the child’s age, behavior, hydration, and overall condition.
What’s Considered A Fever In Children?
A fever is generally regarded as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. The way the temperature is taken can affect the reading, so parents should follow the thermometer’s directions carefully.
A fever is not in itself a dangerous thing. More important is how the child looks and acts, how long the fever has been present, and if other symptoms are present.
What Is The Cause Of Fever In Children?
Fever is a frequent problem. Viral infections, such as a cold or flu, are common causes. Fever can also occur with bacterial infections and may require medical attention.
Other causes include ear infections, throat infections, respiratory infections, stomach infections, and urinary tract infections. Sometimes a doctor will need to examine the child to find out the cause, especially if the symptoms are severe or long lasting.
When To Call A Doctor
If a fever lasts, comes and goes, or if there are other symptoms that worry you, contact a pediatrician. Especially very young children need medical advice.
Other considerations are the child’s age, duration of fever, medical history, other symptoms, and the child’s overall behavior. A child who is drinking fluids, responding normally, and improving steadily may often be observed at home. A child who appears to be getting worse should be assessed promptly.
Signs You Should Get Medical Help Right Away
If your child has trouble breathing, a seizure, a stiff neck, severe or unusual pain, vomiting that won’t stop, or serious dehydration, seek emergency medical care. Dehydration may be indicated by fewer than 4 to 6 wet diapers a day, a dry mouth, absence of tears, or unusual weakness.
Babies younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Emergency care is also appropriate if a child is very sleepy or hard to wake, confused, unusually weak, or just looks very ill.
Fever Monitoring: What Parents Can Do
Motivate the child to drink lots of fluids and get adequate rest. Ensure the child is in comfortable clothing and not over-covered. Parents should check the child’s temperature and changes in behavior, breathing, urination, and other symptoms.
Parents should only give fever-reducing medicines as directed by a healthcare professional or the product instructions. Sometimes these medicines may be recommended depending on the child’s age and situation. Many childhood fevers are caused by viruses, so don’t give your child antibiotics without a doctor’s advice.
If your child’s symptoms are causing you concern, especially if the fever is continuous, comes back, or is accompanied by warning signs, a professional evaluation can help determine if further care is needed. Families seeking prompt assessment for pediatric medical care may consider a pediatric hospital in indore when a child requires pediatric medical attention.
FAQs
1. Is every fever a danger in a child?
No. Many fevers are due to common infections that get better with time. The age of the child, symptoms, behavior and general condition are important.
2. When to take a baby with fever to the doctor?
If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, get to a doctor straight away.
3. Can children have fluids during fever?
Yes. Staying well-hydrated can help prevent dehydration. Continue to breast feed babies if required.
4. Should parents use antibiotics for fever?
No. Antibiotics should be taken only when prescribed by a health professional for an appropriate bacterial infection.
5. What if the fever keeps returning?
Talk to a pediatrician about recurrent or persistent fever, particularly if other symptoms are present or the child is not getting better.