Stating that fever is a normal physiological response of the body to some conditions and this response is mostly caused by infections, Specialist from the Child Health and Diseases Clinic. Dr. Murat Aydın made statements about high fever in children.
CHILDREN’S BODY TEMPERATURE MAY VARY DEPENDING ON AGE AND LEVEL OF ACTIVITY
Noting that almost every child can experience more than one fever per year, this situation can be frightening, especially for families whose child has a fever for the first time. Dr. Murat Aydın said, “It is challenging for families not to know when to worry. It should be kept in mind that fever, which can be a sign or symptom of a disease, is also a good sign as an indicator that the body is fighting infection. A child’s normal body temperature can vary depending on their age and activity level. The time of day can also affect the measurement. For example, body temperature is highest in the afternoon and early evening, and lowest in the night and early morning. Also, infants tend to have higher temperatures than older children. fever in general; It is defined as an breech measurement of 38 degrees and above, and an oral measurement of 37 degrees and above.
ATTENTION TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Emphasizing that the most common cause of fever in children is infections, Dr. Dr. Murat Aydın shared the following information:
“Colds, flu, throat infections, sinusitis, intestinal infections, ear infections, croup, bronchiolitis and urinary tract infections can cause fever. The most serious conditions that can cause fever are meningitis and infection in the blood (sepsis). In addition, heat stroke, rheumatic diseases, malignant tumors and some drugs can also cause fever. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the widespread belief that teething causes fever. While it is difficult to completely disprove this view, alternative causes of fever should always be sought and body temperatures above 38.9 degrees Celsius should never be attributed to teething. Wrapping a child under 3 months with too many clothes or blankets can raise a child’s fever a little. However, a breech temperature of 38.5 degrees or higher is unlikely to be clothing related and should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, some childhood vaccines can cause fever. Do not forget to get information from the health personnel who administered the vaccine in this regard.
SOME CHILDREN CAN FEEL GOOD WHEN FEVER
Saying that some children can feel good when they have a fever, Dr. Dr. Murat Aydın said, “However, many may have symptoms of the disease that causes the fever. Your child may have an earache, sore throat or stomachache. “These symptoms can provide important clues about the cause of the fever,” he said.
USE DIGITAL THERMOMETER TO CONTROL BODY TEMPERATURE
Expressing that when high fever is suspected, the fever should be measured with a thermometer, Dr. Dr. Murat Aydin said:
“It’s easy to check the forehead temperature with your hand, but it’s not always accurate. Most modern digital thermometers work fast and are easy to use. It is best to use a digital thermometer to check your child’s body temperature. The mercury thermometer is no longer used due to the risk of poisoning. The best way to measure a child’s temperature depends on several factors. For children (usually children older than 4 or 5 years) who can hold a thermometer under the tongue using proper technique, it can be accurately measured orally. For babies and children who cannot hold the thermometer under the tongue, a temperature can be measured under the armpit. If the armpit temperature is above 37 degrees and there is a concern that the child is sick, a breech measurement may be necessary. Breech measurement is more suitable for babies under 3 months. Ear or forehead measurements are less precise than rectal or oral temperatures and may need to be verified by one of these methods.
DO NOT TAKE A COLD SHOWER, IT MAY CAUSE SHRINKING
Referring to the precautions that can be taken and what needs to be done, Dr. Dr. Aydın shared the following information:
“If your child is over 6 months old and has a fever, he probably doesn’t need treatment unless he’s extremely restless. The key is to monitor your child’s behavior. If he is able to eat, drink, sleep and play normally, you do not need to treat a fever. Instead, you should wait to see if the fever resolves on its own. Keep the room slightly cool (22-23 degrees). Make sure they wear light clothing. Encourage them to drink fluids. Make sure they are not overextending themselves physically. Do not take a cold shower. Cold water can cause chills and raise your child’s fever. Never put alcohol on your child to reduce a fever. May cause serious problems such as alcohol coma if absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Do not use aspirin to lower your child’s fever. Aspirin; It has been associated with side effects such as stomach upset, intestinal bleeding, and Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a serious disease that affects the liver and brain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen should not be used in children under 3 months without expert opinion. In addition, plenty of fluid intake, rest and taking a warm shower can also be applied as supportive treatment.
IN THESE CASES, YOU MUST APPLY TO THE DOCTOR.
Underlining that in most cases, a febrile child can be observed and/or treated at home, Uzm. Dr. Murat Aydın listed the situations in which a specialist should be consulted as follows:
- Babies younger than three months with a breech temperature of 38 degrees or higher regardless of the baby’s general condition (for example, even small babies who look good should be evaluated). These patients should not take antipyretics until they have consulted their healthcare professional.
- Children 3 months to 3 years of age with a breech fever of 38 degrees or higher or who seem to be indulged for more than 3 days (e.g. restless, lack of fluid intake)
- Conditions that indicate excessive fluid loss, such as dry mouth, crying without tears, decreased urination, and sunken fontanel region.
- Children 3 to 36 months old with a breech temperature of 38.9 degrees or higher
- Children of all ages with a mouth, breech, eardrum or forehead temperature of 40 degrees or more, or an armpit temperature of 39.4 degrees or more
- Children with severe headache, stomachache, earache and neck pain.
- Children of all ages with febrile seizures
- Children of any age with recurrent fever with no other symptoms for more than 5 days
- Children of all ages with a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, cancer, lupus or sickle cell anemia
- Children with a fever and a new skin rash.
(DHA)