When to go to the doctor for a fever child?

Elevated body temperature and fever are not the same condition. In the case of children and adults, we can talk about fever only after the temperature exceeds 38 °C . Normal body temperature in children ranges from 36 to 37 °C , while in the range from 37.1 to 37.9 °C it can only be an elevated temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to panic in the case of children under all circumstances. However, a rising body temperature definitely indicates that the body is fighting something .

Most often, fever in children appears due to a viral-bacterial infection . With rest, a sufficient drinking regime and any other mitigating medicines, the therapy can be carried out even at home without the need to visit a doctor . When to go to the doctor? If your child is less than 3 months old , even if the temperature is elevated, consult a pediatrician and observe other symptoms. For children aged 3-6 months , if the temperature is around 39 °C, it is necessary to seek medical help . How long a fever can last is individual, if the fever lasts more than 3 days in children, it is advisable to consult the therapy procedure personally with a doctor . A persistent high temperature in children for more than 5 days also requires the intervention of a doctor.

As for newborns up to 30 days after birth , even an increased fever should be consulted with a doctor. Any infection for such a small organism represents a high risk. With such small babies, it is important to observe the child, watch how he behaves, whether he refuses food , fluids, cries, cannot calm down, etc. If you observe blood spots on the skin under the armpits and on the groin, a diagnosis by a doctor is essential.

An elevated temperature in children without symptoms may not be a sign of something serious. On the contrary, if the child is apathetic, short of breath, cries without any signs of calming down, has convulsions and has trouble taking liquids (dehydrated), an urgent visit to the doctor is necessary. Likewise, if other health complications are associated.

The fever usually subsides after 1 to 2 hours after administration of the medication. However, it is not necessary to administer the medication immediately. If the temperature is below 38 °C, it is not necessary to add other active substances to fight the infection. We can cool the child in other ways. For example, by placing a wet towel on the forehead, neck or armpits. A lukewarm bath , wrapping in a wet sheet or rubbing with water will help if the body temperature exceeds 38.5 °C. The water should never be ice cold, as it can cause heat shock in the child. If the limbs are cold with a fever, do not cool the child, likewise do not cool the child if he is shivering . For older children , sweating in bed will help. This procedure is not suitable for small children, and it could lead to overheating of the body. In any case, it is necessary to increase drinking fluid , ensure regular ventilation of the room

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