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Fever in children

By Medical Expert Team

Aug 22 , 2014 | 2 min read

The first-time fever in a baby is often scary for parents. Most fevers are harmless, however, they can be a sign of a serious

illness.

Fever is only a manifestation of an illness that is usually caused by a virus or a bacteria or an inflammatory response. Over clothing may also cause a rise in temperature.

Fever is the body's natural response to an infection and an important part of the body's defense mechanism. A child has a fever if the body temperature is 38"F or above including newborns. Depending on the child's age one can check the temperature from the skin, mouth, or armpit. Many parents have fever phobia and overreact.

What to expect

Tiredness, pale looks, shivers, loss of appetite. Sometimes fever can lead to fits called Febrile Convulsions. A child may lose consciousness or be confused for a couple of minutes. This does not cause brain damage.

When to rush to a doctor

If a child is lethargic and fever comes back frequently
Passing less urine
Infant age < 3 months with a temperature of 38"F or higher
Any age a fever of 39 "F or higher
Associated symptoms, such as a sore throat, earache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or a cough
Recent immunization
Bluish or mottled skin, shrill & inconsolable cry, difficult or fast breathing, a stiff neck or a rash Fever lasting for up to a week or more

Causes

Infections such as common viral infections like cold or flu and settle without any major treatment or maybe more severe, such as a UTI, pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, or tuberculosis. Non-infectious causes could be certain auto-immune disorders or cancers.

Home care

The child should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Do not give too much fruit or apple juice as they interfere with medications.
Give small sips of fluids, if the child is vomiting.
Give regular healthy and bland food. Do not force to eat. A bland diet is good made up of foods that are soft, not very spicy, and low in fiber.
Fever medicines make the child feel better, however do not cure it. Focus on how the child looks, feels, and acts rather than what the thermometer says.
Never use aspirin for a child < 16 years as it can cause a fatal liver condition.
A lukewarm bath or sponging may temporarily bring down a fever. Stay away from cold water and ice baths. This will make the child shiver and raise body temperature.
There is probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever. You need to be careful and act accordingly.

Dr. Sisir Paul
Senior Consultant & Head Dept. of Paediatrics
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket