How to reduce high fever?

Fever cases in children naturally worry parents. Fever, defined as body temperature above normal, is shaped by your child’s age, general health condition, activity level, time of day and clothing. While in general, a body temperature exceeding 38 degrees is considered fever, this threshold value also varies depending on the method used to measure fever. While 37-37.3 degrees is considered as the threshold for underarm measurements, 38-38.3 degrees is taken as the threshold for rectal or oral measurements.

There may be several diseases at the same time

Fever is the most common symptom in childhood infections. Especially during viral infections, fever often occurs as the first symptom. In virus-related infections, the fever may range between 38-40 degrees for the first 3-4 days. Antipyretics may not help. Apart from fever, it can cause runny nose, sore throat, weakness, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Adenovirus and enteroviruses, which cause high fever in spring, are common. (ADENOVIRUS) can be easily transmitted through respiratory secretions, close contact and objects. In addition to upper respiratory tract complaints, diarrhea may also occur. Enteroviruses can also have the same effect. A high fever for a few days, accompanied by upper respiratory tract symptoms, diarrhea and rash may indicate a viral infection. In this case, symptoms need to be controlled with supportive treatment. It is not right to use antibiotics for every sore throat and throat rash. Although it is more rare, in cases of long-lasting fever, accompanying complaints and newly emerging symptoms need to be closely monitored and, if necessary, checked with laboratory tests in order to detect non-infectious diseases.

What causes fever?

It is important to determine why the fever is rising. Ear infection, cold, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and in some cases, a medication, injury, or poisoning can cause fever. Very hot environments can also cause heat stroke. When the child’s fever rises, his heart beats faster. The child’s cheeks may turn red or he may sweat more than usual. Some children can feel fine with a fever, but most also have symptoms of the disease causing the fever. The child may have a sore ear or throat, a skin rash, or abdominal pain. All these symptoms give important clues to understand the cause of fever. Some children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years may experience seizures with high fever; It is useful to be more careful in this age group.

If your child is over 6 months old, pay attention to these

If a child over 6 months of age has a slightly high fever, that is, below 38.3 degrees, does not appear sick or weak, is not sleepy or restless, does not have any other ongoing illness or history of febrile convulsions, and if his/her eating, sleeping and playing are not negatively affected, the following can be done before taking them to the doctor:

• Keep in a cool environment
• Make sure he or she is wearing light clothing.
• Encourage him to drink liquids such as water and diluted fruit juices
• Make sure you don’t move too much and get tired
• You can give antipyretic.

What medications can be used for fever?

• Paracetamol (oral or suppository) or ibuprofen (oral) may be given. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and medication information regarding dosage. Before giving any medication to your child, be sure to read the medication information.
• If your child is vomiting and you think he is dehydrated, do not give ibuprofen.
• Do not give aspirin. Giving aspirin to viral diseases in children may lead to a dangerous complication called (REYE’S SYNDROME). Additionally, aspirin may cause side effects such as stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• If the fever continues to rise, wipe the body with a sponge or washcloth moistened with warm water.

How to reduce fever with water and cloth?

• Never use cold water or take a cold shower for this process. This causes the child to feel cold and shiver, causing the fever to rise even more.
• Do not add alcohol to water or wipe the skin with alcohol, it may cause serious side effects through absorption through the skin.
• Do not try to reduce your child’s fever quickly, as this may cause the fever to rise again and again.

If your child is under 6 months old, pay attention to these

If your child is under 6 months old and has a fever above 38.3 degrees, looks sick or weak, is sleepy or restless, has another ongoing illness or a history of febrile convulsions, or has a negative impact on his/her eating, sleeping or playing, it is necessary to take him/her to the doctor immediately. In the meantime, warm water can be applied and antipyretics can be given.