How can I approach the kid with a fever?
Fever associated with infectious diseases is not a disease alone but a finding. Since the underlying disease may be a sign, the real cause of the fever needs to be found.
“Fever” is the most worrying situation for parents in infancy and childhood. Families are often confronted with this situation, which arouses a rush. Infectious diseases are most commonly seen in infants and children under 3 years of age who have not yet completed immunity. In this respect, it is important to be informed about how fever occurs, how it is measured and evaluated, what signs and symptoms of severe bacterial infections that cause fever, when and how to treat them. Acıbadem Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist Kand Fever occurs because the body identifies and fights different viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, Murat he says. � “The most common cause of fever is infections; children in the first five to six years of their lives may experience feverish illnesses due to viral infection.� When fever is suspected, your child's body temperature should be measured. The body temperature felt by touching the forehead of the child is not reliable. Thermometers are more accurate than your hands and measure the actual body temperature. ”
What is fever?
When body temperature rises above normal levels, it is called fever. The average normal body temperature for humans is 37 ° C. People control their internal body temperature very well. The hypothalamus in the brain acts as a thermostat - balancing body temperature. When the hypothalamus sets the body temperature to a high temperature, fever occurs. Dr. Kandemir explains the reason: “The adjustment to a high degree is caused by small molecules called pyrogen in the blood. Pyrogens may come from external sources such as bacteria, viruses or toxins. In some cases, increased body temperature helps fight infection, but this is not always the case. ”
Parents are very concerned about the fever. Dr. Kandemir “if your child's body temperature; above 38 ° C in the rectum, 37.8 ° C in the ear and 37.2 ° C in the armpit, fever is acceptable. “Warns families.
Treatment of febrile child
There are many wrong practices known to families about treatment. Dr. Kandemir parents should pay attention to the following points:
· Medical evaluation of all babies 3 months and under is essential.
· In order to prevent desolation, the body fluid should not be left incomplete. High fever can lead to rapid dehydration, especially in young children. Water, soup, fruit juices are good options. Drinks such as cola and tea, which contain caffeine, should be prevented from drinking since it will cause water loss due to its diuretic effect.
· Children who do not want to eat should not be forced to eat. Acceptable amounts of what your child wants to eat should be allowed.
· Children attending school should rest at home until the fever does not rise for 24 hours.
· Wet and warm compresses on the forehead, temples, armpits, groin and back of the legs are very effective in reducing fever. Cold water and alcohol should not be used, as this will cause tremors that may cause a further rise in fire. The applied compresses should be changed frequently.
· IrmeWearing excessive clothing may cause the temperature to rise more, so children should be dressed very little, and clothes should be reduced further while sleeping. It should not be forgotten that fever can not be reduced by sweating method and it can be done more harm.
· Most feverish children with a body temperature lower than 38.9 ° C; if the child's general condition is good, he or she may not need medication. If fever above 38.9 ° C, antipyretics containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given according to your child's age and weight. If you do not know the recommended dose according to your child's age and weight, you should consult your doctor.
Aspirin is not recommended as an antipyretic in children 12 years or younger as it causes disease with sudden liver and brain damage known as Reye syndrome.
When should he call the doctor?
Fever that will activate you to call your doctor; it varies according to your child's age, current illness, and the presence of other symptoms associated with fever. In this respect, remember that the best method is to consult your doctor if you have difficulty commenting on your child's condition. Dr. Kandemir states the emergencies as follows:
· If your baby's temperature is 38 ° C or higher from the rectum for ay3 months or younger;
· A fever of 38.3 ° C and above in a -63-6 month old baby,
· 40 ° C fever is measured in a baby 6 months old
· If your child has fever crying that cannot be silenced, persistence of fever despite falling fever, constant drowsiness, blurring of consciousness and delirium, redness in the body with fever,
· If the baby has signs of thirst (such as lack of tears when crying, collapse of the pinhole, dryness of the lips and mouth, decrease in the amount of urine)
IseIf it has been transferred before or when it is hot,
· If the fever persists for more than 72 hours,
· If you have cough with fever, ear pain, sore throat, nuchal rigidity, frequent urination, change in urine color, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, redness of joints, joint movement and swelling, you should call your doctor.
3AXX
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