High Fever in Children

<p><strong>High fever</strong> is common in children and is one of the leading causes of hospital admission. Although it is a worrying situation for families, it is a beneficial, healthy and physiological response of the body to many situations.</p> <p><strong>Fever</strong> is a higher than normal body temperature. Normal body temperature ranges between 36.6-37.9°C. <strong>Body temperature</strong> can be measured from different parts of the body (rectal, axillary, ear, forehead). Generally, <strong>rectal temperature</strong> was 0.5°C higher <strong>than oral temperature</strong> and 1°C higher than axillary temperature (oral temperature was 0.5°C higher than axillary temperature). If your child's body temperature is above 38°C when measured rectally, 37.8°C when measured in the ear or 37.2°C when measured in the armpit, it can be considered febrile.</p> <p>Axillary measurement is a practical, safe and preferred method in many age groups, including newborns. The body temperature felt by touching the child's forehead is not reliable, thermometers are more sensitive than your hand and measure the actual body temperature.</p> <p>Fever is a very worrying situation for families. Most of the time, however, it is not dangerous but a useful response to infection.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Advice for the Child with Fever:</h2> <ol> <li> Fever causes rapid fluid loss in children. Therefore, water and other liquid foods should be increased.</li> <li> Warm compresses should be applied to body parts such as armpits, groin, between the legs and forehead.</li> <li> Excessive dressing should be avoided and thick covers such as blankets and quilts should not be placed over the febrile child.</li> <li>For most fevers of less than 38°C, medication may not be needed if the child is in good general condition and has no additional illnesses that are exacerbated by the fever.</li> <li>If there is a fever above 38.5°C, antipyretics can be given in a dose appropriate for your child's age and weight. If you do not know the appropriate dose for your child's age and weight, you should consult your doctor</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>When to consult a doctor?</h2> <ol> <li>If your child is less than three months old,</li> <li>If your child has a persistent fever and is above 40°C,</li> <li>If your child has convulsions, convulsions, changes in consciousness,</li> <li>If your child's nutrition is markedly reduced and their general condition is deteriorating,</li> <li>If you have abdominal pain, headache, vomiting or joint pain and difficulty walking,</li> <li>If your child has respiratory distress and has difficulty breathing,</li> <li>If your child has rashes on their body in various forms,</li> <li>If the fever lasts longer than 48 hours and does not decrease with antipyretics, you should definitely consult a pediatrician.</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Updated: 14 Jul 2022, 10:27</p> <p>This content has been published with the approval of Atakent Health Group Medical Editorial Board. The content published on the page is prepared with scientific data at the time of registration and is for informational purposes only. There is no content on curative health care. Please consult your physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.</p>