Fever and take your child's temperature
You've probably experienced waking up in the middle of the night to your child flushed, hot and sweaty. Your little
a forehead feels warm. They immediately suspect that a fever, but are unsure what to do next. If for the
Thermometer? Call the doctor?
In healthy children, fevers usually do not indicate anything serious. Although it can be scary when your child
Temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and may even be a good thing - it's often the body's way to fight
Infections. And not all fevers need to be treated. High fever, however, a child uncomfortable and worsen
Problems such as dehydration.
Here's more about fevers, how to measure and treat them, and when you go to the doctor.
Fever Facts
Fever occurs when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above its normal level. This thermostat is
found in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should
To send (usually around 98.6 ° F/37 ° C) and messages to your body to keep it that way.
Most people's body temperature a little change in the course of the day: It's usually a little deeper into the
Morning and a little higher can fluctuate in the evening and how children around, run play and exercise.
However, sometimes the hypothalamus "Reset" of the body to a higher temperature in response to an infection, disease,
or any other cause. Why? Researchers believe turning up the heat is the body, the possibility of fighting the germs that cause
Infections and making the body less comfortable place for them.
Causes of fever
It is important to remember that fever by itself is not a disease - it is usually a symptom of a deeper problem.
Fever has a few possible causes:
Infection: Most fevers are caused by infections or other diseases. A fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating
natural defense mechanisms.
Over Dressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they or in a hot environment are bundled over, because they
not regulate their body temperature as well as older children. However, because fevers in newborns can be a serious
Infection must be evaluated infants who are overdressed by a doctor if they have a fever.
Vaccinations: Babies and children sometimes a slight fever after getting vaccinated.
Although teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, it is probably not the cause if a child's temperature
greater than 100 ° F (37.8 ° C).
When fever is a sign of something serious
In the past, doctors advised treating a fever on the basis of temperature alone. But now they recommend considering both
the temperature and a child's general condition.
Children whose temperatures are lower than 102 ° F (38.9 ° C) often require no medications if they are uncomfortable.
There is one important exception to this rule: If you have a child 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature
100.4 ° F (38 ° C) or higher, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Even a slight fever can be a
Sign of a potentially serious infection in very young infants.
If your child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a fever of 102.2 ° F (39 ° C) or higher, call your doctor to see
when he or she needs to see your child. For older children, take into account behavior and activity. Watch as your
Child's behavior give you a pretty good idea of whether a minor illness is the cause or if your child should be seen
a doctor.
The illness is probably not serious if your child:
is still interested in playing
will eat and drink well
is awake and smiling
a normal skin color
looks good when its temperature is
And do not worry too much about a child with fever who do not want to eat. This is very common with infections that
cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate normally do not eat as much as usual is OK.
Is there a fever?
A gentle kiss on the forehead or hand is placed lightly on the skin often enough to give you an indication that your child
a fever. However, this method, in which a temperature (hereinafter referred to tactile temperature) depends on the person who
Sense and is not an accurate measurement of temperature.
Use a reliable thermometer, a fever that if a child is to confirm the temperature at or above one of these levels:
measured orally (in the mouth): 99.5 ° F (37.5 ° C)
rectally measured (in the bottom): 100.4 ° F (38 ° C)
measured in an axillary position (under the arm): 99 ° F (37.2 ° C)
But how high the fever is not tell you much about how your child is sick. A simple cold or other viral infection can
sometimes a rather high fever (in the 102 ° -104 ° F/38.9 ° -40 ° C range), but this is usually not a serious
Problem. And could cause a serious infection no fever or even an abnormally low body temperature, especially in infants.
Because fever may rise and fall, a child might have chills as the body tries to generate additional heat their
Temperature begins to rise. The child may sweat as the body releases extra heat when the temperature starts to fall.
Sometimes with fever, children breathe faster than usual and have a higher heart rate. You should call the doctor if
Your child has trouble breathing, is breathing faster than normal, or continue to breathe quickly after the fever
please inform.
Types of thermometers
Whatever you choose, thermometer, be sure you know how to use it properly in order to get an accurate measurement. Hold and follow the
Recommendations of the manufacturer for each thermometer.
Digital thermometers usually provide the quickest and most accurate readings. They come in many sizes and shapes and are
available in most supermarkets and pharmacies in a range of prices. You should read the manufacturer's instructions
determine what the thermometer is for and how it signals that the reading is complete.
Total digital thermometer can be generally used for this temperature-taking methods:
orally (in the mouth)
rectal (bottom)
Axillary (under the arm)
Turn on the thermometer and make sure the screen is free of any old readings. Digital thermometers usually have a
Plastic, flexible probe having a temperature sensor at the top and easy to read digital display on the opposite end. When
Your thermometer uses disposable plastic sleeves or covers, put on a according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Remember to discard the sleeve after each use and clean the thermometer according to the manufacturer's instructions
before using it. again in the box
Electronic ear thermometers measure the tympanic temperature - the temperature inside the ear canal. Although they are
quick and easy to use in older babies and children, they are not as accurate as digital thermometers for infants up to 3 months
younger and are more expensive.
Plastic strip thermometers (small plastic strips that you press against the forehead) may be able to tell you whether
Your child has a fever, but not reliable for taking an exact measurement, especially in infants and very young
Children. If you need your child to know the exact temperature, plastic strip thermometers are not the way to go.
Forehead Thermometer may also be able to tell you if your child has a fever, but are not as accurate as oral or rectal
Digital Thermometer.
Pacifier thermometers may be convenient, but again, their readings are less reliable than rectal temperatures and
should not be used in children younger than 3 months. They also require children to keep the pacifier in the mouth for
several minutes without movement, which is an almost impossible task for most babies and toddlers.
Glass mercury thermometers were once common, but now health experts say they should not be used because of possible
Mercury pollution, an environmental toxin. (If you have a mercury thermometer, do not just throw it in
Trash where the mercury can leak out. Talk to your doctor or your local health department about how and where to dispose of
a mercury thermometer.)
Tips for temperatures
As any parent knows, can squirming child's temperature be difficult under a. But it is one of the most important tools
Doctors have to determine whether a child has a disease or infection. The best method to the age of a child and hanging
Temperament.
For children younger than 3 months, you will be the most reliable reading using a digital thermometer, get to take a rectal
Temperature. Electronic ear thermometers are not recommended for infants younger than 3 months because their ear canals
are usually small.
For children from 3 months to 4 years old, you can use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature or an electronic
Ear thermometer to take the temperature of the ear canal. You can also use a digital thermometer to take a
Axillary temperature, although this is a less accurate method.
For children from 4 years, you can usually use a digital thermometer to take an oral temperature if your child
cooperate. However, children often have a cough or breathe through the mouth, stuffy nose because maybe not
be able to keep their mouths closed long enough for an accurate oral reading. In these cases, you can eardrums
Method (with an electronic ear thermometer) or axillary method (with a digital thermometer).
To take a rectal temperature: Before parents, most people cringe at the thought of a rectal temperature.
But do not worry - it is a simple process:
Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a lubricant such as Vaseline.
Place your child:
- Belly-down on your lap or on a firm, level surface and hold your palm along the lower back
- Or face-up with legs bent on the chest with his hand against the back of the thigh
With your other hand, insert the lubricated thermometer into the anal opening about ½ inch to 1 inch (about 1.25 to 2.5
Cm) or to the tip of the thermometer is fully into the rectum. Stop when you feel resistance.
Steady the thermometer between your second and third fingers as you cup your hand against your baby's bottom. Calm your
Child and speak quietly as you hold the thermometer in place.
Wait until the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready for reading hear. Write down
the number on the screen, noting the time at which you have to read.
To take an oral temperature: This process is very easy in an older, cooperative child.
Wait 20 to 30 minutes after your child stopped eating or drinking to take an oral temperature, and make sure there are no
Gum or candy in your child's mouth.
Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and ask your child to close his or her lips around it. Remind your
Not to bite or child to talk and relax and breathe normally through the nose.
Wait until the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready for reading hear. Write down
the number on the screen, noting the time at which you have to read.
To take an axillary temperature: This is a convenient way to take a child's temperature. Although not as accurate as a
rectal or oral temperature in a cooperative child, some parents prefer to take an axillary temperature, especially for
Children who can not hold a thermometer in your mouth.
Remove your child's shirt and undershirt, and place the thermometer under an armpit (it must be touching skin only, not
Clothing).
Fold your child's arm across the chest to hold the thermometer in place.
Wait until the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready for reading hear. Write down
the number on the screen, noting the time at which you have to read.
Whichever method you choose, keep these additional tips:
Never take a child's temperature right after a bath or if he or she has been bundled tightly for a while - this can
Influence on the temperature.
Never leave a child unattended while taking a temperature.
Helping Kids Feel Better
Again, not all fevers need to be treated. And in most cases, a fever and should be treated only if it caused a child
Complaints.
Here are ways to treat the symptoms, often to relieve a fever:
If your child is fussy or appears uncomfortable, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package
Recommendations for age or weight. (Unless instructed by a doctor, never aspirin to a child because of his association
with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.) If you do not know the recommended dose or your child
younger than 2 years old, call the doctor to find out how much to give.
Infants under 2 months old should not medicines for fever, given evaluated by a doctor without. If your
Child have any medical problems, with the doctor to see, check out what best to use drugs. Note that fever
Drugs are usually temporarily bring a temperature down, but not back to normal - and it is not the treatment
Reason for the fever.
Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket. Over and over dressing bundling can
prevent body heat from escaping and can cause a temperature to rise.
Make sure your child's room is a comfortable temperature - not too hot or too cold.
While some parents use tepid sponge baths to lower fever, there is no evidence to support this method. In fact, sponge
Baths, children uncomfortable. Never use alcohol (it can be toxic if absorbed through the skin) or ice
packs / cold baths (they can chills, can increase the body temperature).
Bring plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration - a fever will cause a child to lose fluids faster. Water, soup, ice cream
pops, and flavored gelatin are all good choices. Avoid caffeinated drinks, including colas and tea, because they
can cause increased urination.
If your child has vomiting and / or diarrhea, ask your doctor if you should be an electrolyte (rehydration)
Solution specifically designed for children. You can find these solutions at drugstores and supermarkets. Do not offer sports drinks
- They are not designed for younger children, and the sugar can make diarrhea worse. In addition, your child limit
Consumption of fruit and apple juice.
Generally, you can eat your child what he or she (in reasonable amounts) but do not force them to eat, if your child does not
feel like it.
Make sure your child plenty of rest. Stay in bed all day is not necessary, but a sick child should take it easy.
It is best to keep a child with fever from school or child care. Most doctors believe that it is safe to return when the
Normal temperature for 24 hours.
When to call the doctor
The exact temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on the age of the child, the illness, and whether
There are also other symptoms. fever with the
Call your doctor if you have:
Infant younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) or higher
older child with a temperature of more than 102.2 ° F (39 ° C)
Call the doctor if an older child has a fever of less than 102.2 ° F (39 ° C), but also:
refuses fluids or seems too ill to drink adequately
has persistent diarrhea or repeated vomiting
has no signs of dehydration (urinating less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than
usual)
has a specific complaint (eg sore throat or earache)
still has a fever after 24 hours (in children younger than 2 years) or 72 hours (in kids 2 years or older)
has recurrent fevers, even if they only last a few hours per night
has a chronic medical problem such as heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia
has a rash
Has pain when urinating
Seeking emergency care if your child shows any of these signs:
inconsolable crying
extreme irritability
Lethargy and difficulty waking up
Rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin (that were not there before the child is ill)
blue lips, tongue, or nails
Infant's soft spot on the head seems to be bulging outward or sunken inside
stiff neck
severe headache
Limpness or refusal to move
Deleted breathing, not better if the nose is
leaning forward and drooling
Confiscation
Abdominal pain
Also, ask your doctor for his or her specific guidelines when they call about a fever.
Fever: A Common Part of Childhood
All children get a fever, and in the majority of cases are most completely back to normal within a few days. For older
Infants and children (but not necessarily for children younger than 3 months), the way they act is far more important than the
Reading on your thermometer. Everyone gets cranky when they have a fever. This is normal and to be expected.
But if you're not sure what to do or what a fever might mean, or if your child is acting ill in a way that
It also relates to wonder if there is no fever, always call your doctor for advice.