All
parents have been there. It's the middle of the night and everyone is
nestled all snug in their beds. First the cry comes. It is an
irritable, desperate cry and it pulls at your heart. You go in to
comfort your child and realize that she is hotter than normal. You feel
her forehead and you know -- but, to be sure, you feel her tummy, legs
and finally announce, "She has a fever."
For a moment, panic
sets in. Suddenly, nothing is more important than getting your child's
fever down. But doctors agree that it's important to know the truth
about fevers, so that you can make the best medical decision for your
child.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any thermometer
reading above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. Note that
this number can vary based on how you measure the temperature --
rectally vs. by mouth, for example -- so it's important to note which
method you use if you report the reading to your family doctor.
A variety of illnesses can cause a fever, including the common cold, an
ear infection or a urinary tract infection. An injury, poison or
medication can also cause a fever. But according to the AAP, fevers are
usually harmless and, in fact, can help your child overcome the illness.
Fevers are a powerful body defense that cause the human body to
function more efficiently. Prior to the availability of antibiotics,
fevers were sometimes induced to treat infections. "The purpose of a
fever is to get the immune system all revved up," says Jean Sahs, M.D.,
of Pediatric Associates in Bellevue.
Marvin Krober, M.D., of Seattle's Group Health Cooperative says that
the parents he sees tend to be fearful of fevers, mainly because adults
experience them much less often than children do and are typically
quite sick when they do acquire one.
"Most parents are aware of the possibility of febrile seizures in young
children and may well not be aware that febrile seizures only happen in
babies who have a genetic susceptibility to seizures," Krober says,
adding that such susceptibility is indicated by a family history.
According to Krober, concerns about a fever should also take the
child's age into consideration. Babies less than 3 months old need to
be examined the same day a fever is noticed, while preschool-aged
children should be seen within 72 hours. If a child is lethargic or
looks very ill -- especially after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen --
they should see the doctor right away.
Tips for bringing a fever down naturally:
- Dress baby lightly.
Despite what your grandmother says, bundling up a fevered infant or
toddler in blankets or clothes that you would not be comfortable in
with a fever is not the right thing to do. Instead, dress them lightly
and comfortably.
- Turn down the thermostat.
It isn't necessary to keep a child's room extremely warm. In the
presence of a fever, a child's bedding will likely keep him or her warm
enough.
- Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
The type of fluid is not as important as the fact they are drinking
something. Small, frequent sips are best -- especially if the child is
nauseated.
- Don't push food. When a child has a fever, she may not feel like eating. She will tell you when she's hungry.
"Parents
often have a knee-jerk reaction with a fever," Sahs says. "If a child
is tolerating the fever, leave them alone. If they are starting to wilt
on you, then parents should reevaluate." If medication is given, Sahs
recommends acetaminophen over ibuprofen. Ibuprofen often reduces
symptoms so significantly that it does not allow the beneficial effects
of a fever running its course, she notes.
For parents, part of evaluating a fever is instinctive, doctors agree:
If your child appears very ill, you should see your family health care
provider regardless of the temperature.
Karen Dawson is a writer and public relations professional. She lives in Maple Valley with her husband and 4-year-old son.
When to call the doctor
- One
to 3 months -- Immediately call your doctor if your child has a fever,
even if she does not appear ill. Babies this young can have bacterial
infections and need to be seen right away.
- Three
months and older -- If your child has a fever of 100.4, watch her
behavior. Call your doctor if she appears very lethargic, if
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) do not appear to
relieve symptoms, or if the fever lasts more than 72 hours, even if the
child appears fine.
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