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A fever is a common condition in children that normally makes most parents feel anxious. It is, however, the body's natural way of fighting off infections. Knowing the causes, treatments, and precautions that come with a fever helps you manage the child's health adequately. This blog post gives you everything you need to know about fever in children, as well as what you can do for your child to ensure they are okay.
Understanding fever in children
Fever is generally defined as a body temperature higher than 100.4 °F (38.0 °C). It's usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Though it may seem worrisome, a fever is typically harmless and is actually a positive sign that your child's immune system is working its best to fight off an infection.
What causes fever in children?
The temperature rises above normal, which is around 98.6°F or 37°C. Among children, fever happens for a lot of reasons;
Infections: infections are one of the usual causes. In particular, bacteria and viruses are significant causes. General infections leading to fever in a child are colds, 'flu', ear infections, and respiratory infections.
Vaccinations: Sometimes, children develop a mild fever after vaccination. This is quite a common feature and usually lasts up to a day or two.
Teething: Though relatively uncommon, teething can cause a transient rise in body temperature. However, it does not typically produce a high fever.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion due to hot weather or overly warm clothes can elevate the body temperature. Preventing heat exhaustion includes placing your child in a cool environment and drinking plenty of water.
Other Conditions: Fever is part of many other serious conditions, such as inflammatory conditions and severe infections.
How to treat Fever in Children
The main treatment for fever in children is to make them feel comfortable and try to address the cause of the fever. Here are some general steps for managing a fever at home:
Hydrate: Ensure that the child is drinking plenty of fluids. To achieve this, encourage the child to drink water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte. This is especially important when the fever is associated with a lot of sweating or vomiting.
Dress Comfortably: Be sure to dress your child in light clothing and keep the room temperature cool. It is also important not to overly bundle up a child; over-bundling can result in a trapped heat increase in temperature.
Fever reducers: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are over-the-counter fever-reducing medicines. Remember to use the dosage guidelines provided on the container and discuss with your pediatrician the appropriate dosages for your child.
Rest: Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. A fever often makes a child feel tired, and resting allows the body to fight the infection more effectively.
Sponging: Sponging with lukewarm water can help lower a child's temperature for higher fevers. Never use cold water or ice on your child, as this may cause shivering and raise body temperature.
When to Seek Medical Aid
Although fever is generally non-threatening, there are times that you know you have to run to your health care provider.
High Fever: If your child is less than three months of age and has a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C), get in touch with your health care provider immediately. If fever goes over 104°F (40°C) in an older child, reach out to a healthcare provider.
Persistent Fever: If a fever persists for more than a few days or fails to abate with treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to establish the cause.
Other Alarming Symptoms: If other symptoms appear in the child, such as shortness of breath, skin rashes, persistent vomiting, severe headache, or drowsiness, consult a health worker immediately.
Recurrent Fevers: For potential chronic illnesses, a health worker should check for frequent or returning fevers.
Prevention of Fever in Children
Preventing fever starts with good hygiene and health practices. Here are some tips:
Handwashing: The most effective way to get rid of germs is to wash your hands. You can achieve this best by using soap, water, and rubbing.
Vaccination: Vaccinate children according to the scheduled times. With proper immunization, children have a reduced chance of falling ill from conditions likely to cause fever.
Nutritious Diet: Provide a balanced diet that supports your child's immune system. A well-nourished body can resist harmful infections.
Avoid Overheating: To avoid overheating, ensure your child is properly dressed according to the current weather conditions and that the room temperature is at an optimal level.
Monitor Health: Observe your child's general health; if they have worrying symptoms or persistent complaints, take them to a medical practitioner for advice.
Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals
For more specialized care, Continental Hospitals provides comprehensive treatment options for children with fevers. The hospital has sophisticated diagnostic tools and a team of experienced pediatricians to treat all of the following conditions that may be causing a fever: This includes:
Accurate Diagnosis: Detailed examinations and tests to determine the exact cause of the fever.
Advanced Care: Access to state-of-the-art treatments and medications that manage and treat underlying infections or conditions.
Best Pediatricians: We have well-trained professionals who can provide caring touch to look after your child. If your child has a fever or is concerned about their health, contact Continental for expert care.
Conclusion
Fever in children, while often a normal part of the healing process, can sometimes be a sign of a more serious. knowing when to see a doctor, and implementing the proper treatment and preventive practices all work together to keep a child's fever under control.
For the best emergency and child fever treatment in Hyderabad, consult our best general physician at Continental Hospitals.
