Heat a child

Probably not such a child who has never risen to the temperature. This is the main reason for the call pediatrician.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no clear relationship between the thermometer and the seriousness of the disease. Some children at a temperature of 38 º C and are eaten with relish. And it also happens that even at a temperature of 37 º C baby feels completely shattered.

What is a high temperature?

Increase in temperature - is a natural reaction to the disease. The immune system of the child reacts to the invasion of alien organisms increase in temperature, as well as increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes) and other cells, designed to combat the disease.

In itself, the temperature increase is only a symptom, which indicates the presence of the disease. In a normal body temperature is 36,6 º C, although during the day, it can vary from 36 º C in the morning to 37,7 º C in the evening.

Fever in a child is:

* Temperature oral dimension - more than 37,7 º C
* Rectal temperature (rectum) - more than 38 º C
* The temperature in the armpit area - more than 37,2 º C

When should worry?

Attention should any increase in temperature in a child younger than 6 months. In any case, you must immediately consult a doctor.

Although the temperature increase caused parents to worry, a healthy child as a whole it is in itself not dangerous. Nevertheless, one can not ignore the rise in temperature: it can be a symptom of serious illness.

Most of the temperature increase caused by viral diseases, which can be treated at home. At the same time, should contact a pediatrician, to exclude the presence of serious infection and if necessary prescribe antibiotics. By common bacterial infections that cause fever include infection of the middle ear, throat and respiratory tract.

Typically, the temperature is kept within 1-3 days. Most often, it ranges from 38-40 º C. High fever, usually does not deliver much discomfort to the child until it reaches a 38,8 º C. At this temperature, the skin becomes hot, the child hits a fever, may sweat, thirst or shortness of breath. Chills are a sign that the temperature rises. Sweating indicates its decline.

As the temperature increases the child may become restless or, conversely, inhibited. Some children at very high temperatures begin febrile seizures. This is an alarming sign, but most of these attacks quickly ends and does not cause lasting damage to the health of the child. For febrile seizures is characterized by rolling up his eyes and sharp shake the limbs.

Immediately call an ambulance if the patient is a child:

* Less than 6 months
* Cries constantly and can not calm
* He became lethargic and not react to what is happening around
* Can not turn my head
* Shortness of breath
* Suffers from excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing
* Slap in the convulsions
* Covered with bright red rash

In less urgent situations requiring treatment to the district pediatrician:

* Complaints of pain in the ear or discharge from the ear
* Vomiting or diarrhea accompanied by increased temperature
* Complaints of abdominal pain
* Cough or nasal discharge for several days, accompanied by a rise in temperature
* Complaints of pain when urinating
* Re-fever a day after her fall
* Deteriorating state of health or a disease.

Treatment of high temperature in children

Diseases associated with increase in temperature, most often treated at home. You need a thermometer and medicine. The most common drugs - acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen. The doses depend on age and weight of the child. Paracetamol is available in the form of drops, syrup and chewable tablets. The concentration of the drug depends on the dosage form. For example, the concentration of the active substance in drops for infants is higher than in syrup for younger children, so before applying should carefully read the instructions. If you have the slightest doubt, contact your doctor or pharmacist, as overdose of these drugs can lead to serious consequences. Keep in mind that the reduction in temperature allows the child to feel more comfortable, but the duration of the disease is not affected.

How to bring the temperature down a child?

At higher temperatures, to avoid dehydration should give the child more fluids. Recommended water and fruit juices.

A sick child should take more rest and sleep. Typically, the temperature is sufficient to measure 1-2 times a day. Especially for this to wake the child is not worth it.

If after receiving antipyretic drugs temperature remains above 40 º C for 15-20 minutes you can put the child in a bath of warm water. Not recommended rubbing alcohol or cold water. If the baby in the bath shivering, you can add some hot water. Can not leave the child unattended in the bathtub.

Even if the child was shivering, do not coddle him and harbor a warm blanket. This may cause a further increase in temperature.

Children can not bring down the temperature of aspirin. This drug in the presence of viral infection can trigger the development of Reye syndrome.
Rx New Hampshire