Elevated temperature in a child - fever in children
The fever in a child is a protective reaction of the body. Most often it occurs during cold or infectious diseases, and cases of temperature increase are also frequent in cases of severe damage to the skin( burns and trauma), teething. In easily excited children, the temperature can rise from overexcitement of the nervous system, with neuroses or mental disorders. An increase in body temperature is also promoted by allergic reactions.
What temperature can be considered dangerous
In the first few days after birth, the normal temperature is 37.0 - 37.5, measured in the armpit. During infectious diseases, the maximum temperature can reach 39.5.
As the temperature rises, most of the microorganisms that can become the cause of the disease lose their ability to reproduce, which stops the further development of the disease. The kid's organism itself must learn to fight against viruses and infections, preventing it from doing it right now, you will doom the child to permanent health problems in the future.
All of the above applies to children with normal health. Therefore, if the baby has no tendency to convulsions or the central nervous system is not affected, and the disease is clearly infectious, then the temperature should be started to be knocked down only if it reaches 38.0 - 38.5 degrees or before going to bed.
Usually, the temperature is measured in the armpit, here and in the inguinal fold, the temperature should be the same, while in the rectum it is 7 degrees higher and in the mouth higher by 0.5 degrees. If the child already had convulsions against the background of a fever, then it must be started to be knocked down immediately after a slight increase to 37.5 degrees.
It is also worthwhile to act if the child has chronic diseases of the respiratory system, blood circulation, cardiovascular system and so on. Usually, how to behave in such cases with children, in individual conversations tells the pediatrician. It is also necessary to bring down the heat to children under five months of age, because at this age the temperature increase is not typical. At the earliest opportunity, call a doctor, he will be able to identify the causes of the disease and correctly prescribe the treatment.
The baby should have his own thermometer, which must be kept in a constant cleanliness, after each use it is necessary to wipe with alcohol or soap solution. It is not necessary to measure the temperature if the child is nervous, wrapped in warm diapers or a blanket, in these cases the thermometer readings may be slightly overestimated.
What you need to reduce the body temperature of the baby
When the child started to rise temperature, do not rush immediately to the medicine cabinet for febrifuge medicines. If the temperature in the room is about 20 - 22 degrees, then the baby should be easily dressed, this will help to remove excess heat from the body.
Increased temperature in children leads to the fact that the body takes a lot of moisture, so its balance must be restored. To do this, give more drink in the form of water or weak herbal tea. You need to drink not in large portions, but often. Infants are given water from a teaspoon of water, as they are often put to the breast. A good result is rubbing the body. To do this, use water, the temperature of which is approximately equal to body temperature.
In a container with water, moisten the cotton napkin and wipe the baby. Be sure to wipe the folds( elbows, popliteals, inguinal, armpits), pay special attention to the feet and shins, you can wipe only the forehead and whiskey. Continue rubbing, changing and moistening the napkins, for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use cool water and alcohol sprays, as this can cause an even higher temperature rise. In the water you can add a little vinegar.
The body must be wiped towards the heart. Wet napkins wrap the calves of their feet and leave them to dry, then wet again. You can also allow the child to take a cool bath.
Drugs for lowering the temperature in children
If there is a need to knock down the temperature, then the most popular drugs are paracetamol-based drugs. In the pharmacy chains you can find various variants of such medicines. If for various reasons the use of paracetamol is contraindicated, it can be successfully replaced with ibuprofen. In addition, it reduces the temperature for a longer time than paracetamol.
Amidopyrine, phenacetin and antipyrine have strong toxicity and therefore are not recommended for use in children. Until 15 years of age, taking aspirin is not recommended. Analgin is generally not worth taking as an antipyretic, since it depresses hematopoiesis, is capable of causing allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. You can use this drug only as a last resort, as prescribed by your doctor.
Drugs in the form of syrups, tablets and solutions start to work in half an hour, while candles - after 40 minutes, but the candles last longer. They are good for use at night, just as if the child refuses to drink the medicine or if vomiting occurs as a result of the fever.
Syrups and chewable tablets contain a large amount of flavors and dyes, which can cause allergic reactions. Before using the medication, read the instructions carefully if the exact dosage indicated there, depending on the age or weight of the child, pay special attention to this, only the doctor can change the recommended doses.
If you use different types of drugs with the same medicinal substance( candles, tablets, syrup), it is worth summarizing the presence of this substance so that its overdose does not arise.
Repeatedly taking medications that lower the temperature can only be 4 to 5 hours after the previous intake.
Temperature is not the cause, but the consequence of the onset of the disease, knocking it down can not be cured of the disease itself. Therefore, if the temperature of the child is consistently high or when it is held in the aisles of 37.3 - 38.0 for a long time, be sure to consult a doctor.