Fever

Fever
Fever is a relatively common problem in children. As the body is trying to recognize and fight an enormous variety of viruses, bacteria and other microrganisms, fever is often, if not always, the result of this process. Fever can quickly make a child uncomfortable and sometimes dehydrated. Since fever may point to underlying illness, finding the cause of fever is the priority.

What is fever?
When the body's temperature rises above its normal level then it is called as fever. The average normal temperature of a human being is 98.6 degrees F ( 37 degrees C). A person's body temperature varies at different times of the day - slightly lower in the morning and slightly higher in the evening.

Your child may have a fever if the body temperature is:

• higher than 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) measured rectally
• higher than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) measured orally or in the ear
• higher than 99 degrees F (37.2 degrees C) measured under the arm

Guidelines for treating a feverish child:

• Most children appear comfortable until their temperature reaches 38.5⁰C and therefore no antipyretic medications is required.
  
  
• Infants 3 months and younger require medical evaluation.
  
  
• Refurbish the body fluids to prevent dehydration. High fever causes rapid fluid loss and can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in younger children. Water, soup, ice pops and juices are good to be given. Drinks containing caffeine, including colas and tea, should be avoided.
  
  

• Do not force your child to eat if the child does not feel like eating. Let your child eat what she wants (in reasonable amounts). If the child has diarrhea, limit the intake of fruits and juice.
  
  
• Sponging the child’s body with a wet compress, especially keeping it on the forehead, temples and the feet is a very effective method of bringing down the temperature. Use lukewarm water; cool water may cause shivering, which actually raises body temperature. Don't use rubbing alcohol, since it can be toxic. Sponging can be repeated as often as required.
  
  
• Overheating due to overdressing can aggravate the fever so dress the child lightly, and make sure bedclothes too are light.
  
  
• Children whose temperatures are lower than 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) usually do not require medication to treat their fever, unless they are uncomfortable. If your child's temperature is higher than 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C), give her acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight. If you don't know the recommended dose for your child's age and weight, call your doctor. Aspirin is not recommended for children under age 12.
  
  

Call your doctor if:

• An infant 3 months or younger has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.
• An infant age 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher.
• Your child older than 6 months has a temperature of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or higher.

Your child shows any of the following symptoms along with fever :

• inconsolable crying
• continued irritability after fever has dropped
• difficulty awakening
• confusion or delirium
• body rashes with fever
• stiff neck
• difficulty in breathing
• the child refuses fluids or seems too ill to drink adequately
• baby has any signs of dehydration
• the child has a seizure or if
• he/ she is still feverish after 72 hours

The exact temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on the age of the child, the illness, and whether the child has other symptoms with the fever. Nevertheless it is better to consult a doctor if you are confused regarding the exact condition of your child

Suggested Reading -
Childhood infections - pneumonia to pink eye - Childhood brings with it many common infections and illnesses. Get practical tips on how to recognize and handle there.

Febrile seizures - Convulsion in a child with fever can really alarm the parents. For most part they are not dangerous but knowing about them helps.