Fever is the body's natural response to infection or injury. Fever stimulates the body to produce and mobilize more white blood cells (leukocytes) and antibodies to help fight infection. Some researchers believe that it is very important to allow the fever to pass completely. But fever in toddlers (children under the age of 3 years) can be very worrying. Although a low fever does not require special treatment, sometimes you want to relieve it for the sake of the baby's comfort. A high fever can be a serious condition, although it is usually not life-threatening. A high fever should always be checked by a pediatrician.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Relieves Fever in Toddlers
Step 1. Take your child's temperature when he has a fever
Take your child's temperature using a digital thermometer. You'll get the most accurate picture of the temperature with a rectal measurement, but it can also be done under the armpit (but this measurement method is not very accurate). Never combine the two using the same thermometer.
- Toddler body temperature can also be measured through the forehead using a temporal artery scanner and a thermometer that can be inserted into the ear canal.
- Infants and toddlers tend to have higher body temperatures and a greater range of body temperature variation than adults. This is partly because of the body's surface-to-volume ratio, and partly because of their still developing immune system.
- Normal body temperature for toddlers is 36˚-37.2C.
- Low fever in toddlers ranges from 37, 3˚-38, 3˚ C.
- A body temperature of 38.4˚-39.7˚C usually indicates an illness that requires monitoring. Fever in this temperature range is usually caused by a virus or mild infection.
- Body temperature that exceeds 39.8˚ C must be treated or tempered immediately (see next step). If the fever can be brought down using the methods described in the following section, the doctor's visit can be postponed until the morning. If not, the toddler should be taken to the ER immediately.
- Keep that in mind: this article discusses fever as a single symptom. If you have concerns about other symptoms or your child has a chronic condition that may be a concern, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 2. Bathe the toddler
Bathing is an effective way to relieve fever and can work faster than medication, because water can remove heat from the body more quickly than air. Bathing can also be used to relieve fever while waiting for the effects of Paracetamol or painkillers/fever reducers to work.
- Use lukewarm (lukewarm) water. Never use cold water to relieve a fever. A water temperature that is slightly lower than body temperature has been shown to reduce fever the fastest.
- Avoid using ethanol in bath water--this is an old recommendation and is no longer recommended by healthcare providers.
- A cold or damp washcloth can also be placed on the toddler's forehead or body to relieve fever.
Step 3. Encourage toddlers to drink plenty of fluids
Fever can lead to dehydration, which can be a serious health condition, so it's important to give your child plenty of fluids to keep him hydrated.
- Pure plain water is always the best option, but other alternatives can also be used if your child is very picky. Offer the child fruit juice added with water, flavored water, and fresh fruit.
- Herbal iced teas that do not contain caffeine (eg chamomile and peppermint) can also be given or electrolyte solutions such as Aqualyte, which can be given to children of all ages.
- Be alert and watch for signs of dehydration. The higher the fever, the higher the risk of becoming dehydrated.
- Signs of dehydration include urine that is concentrated, dark yellow in color and may have a pungent odor, infrequent urination (a pause between urination of more than 6 hours), dry mouth and lips, no tears when crying, and sunken eyes.
- Seek medical help when your toddler shows signs of dehydration.
Step 4. Optimize skin and room temperature
Dress toddlers in a single layer of lightweight clothing for optimal heat control. Each layer of clothing retains more heat around the body. Light and loose clothing allows air to flow more freely.
- Keep a light blanket near your little one if he feels or complains of being cold.
- An electric or mechanical fan moves the air more quickly and can help remove heat from the skin. If using a fan, always supervise your toddler to prevent it from getting too cold. Do not point the fan directly at the child.
Step 5. Give the toddler fever-reducing medication
Treating a fever to make your toddler feel more comfortable is a step that should be taken only when it's needed, or to bring down a high fever that can cause serious complications.
- Low to mild fever usually does not need treatment unless other complications are present, whereas moderate to high fever, or fever associated with other symptoms, can and should generally be treated with febrifuge.
- Acetaminophen (eg Panadol Children) or paracetamol can be given to infants and toddlers. Talk to your doctor about giving the right dose.
- Ibuprofen (eg Proris) can be given to children 6 months of age or older. Talk to your doctor about the right dose.
- Aspirin is no longer recommended for all children under 18 years of age because it can cause Reye's syndrome.
- Fever-reducing drugs for children are available in liquid and suppository forms (inserted through the rectum). Give in the right amount, this is determined based on the age and weight of the child.
- Never exceed the recommended dose and interval. Record the time and amount of medicine given to the child.
- If your child is taking prescribed medication, check with the doctor before using over-the-counter fever reducers for toddlers.
- If your toddler is vomiting and can't digest the medication, consider taking an acetaminophen suppository. Check drug labels for proper dosing.
- Seek medical help if medication does not temporarily reduce fever.
Step 6. Ask the doctor if your child needs antibiotics
Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections and cannot be used to treat infections caused by viruses.
- The use of antibiotics that are not necessary and too much will stimulate the development of bacterial resistance. For this reason, currently antibiotics are recommended to be used only as needed.
- If your child is taking antibiotics, make sure he or she takes all of them as prescribed by the doctor.
Method 2 of 2: Understanding Fever in Toddlers
Step 1. Understand the cause of the fever
Fever is our “friend” to some degree. Fever is the body's natural response to many causes, including the following:
- Bacterial infections, such as strep throat or ear infections, can cause a fever and are usually treated with antibiotic therapy.
- Viral infections such as chills, flu, and several other childhood diseases (chickenpox and measles). Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and the only thing that can be done is to wait and manage the symptoms. Viral infections are the most common cause of fever in toddlers, and can last for 3-4 days.
- Teething often causes a low-grade fever.
- Immunizations are performed to produce a mild immune response, and this can generally cause a low-grade fever.
- Fever can occur if the child is exposed to excessive heat due to being in a hot environment, and experiences exhaustion as a result or heat stroke. This is a medical emergency.
- Fever can sometimes be caused by inflammatory conditions, such as gout or other serious medical conditions, including some types of cancer.
Step 2. Know when to call your doctor
Monitoring a toddler's fever is a great balancing act-you don't have to overreact, but don't underestimate the situation either. There are some general guidelines based on the child's age:
- 0-3 months: fever of 38˚ C is the point when you should call your doctor immediately, even if no other symptoms appear. All babies less than 2 months old should be seen by a doctor immediately.
- 3 months to 2 years: fever below 38.9˚C can be treated normally at home (see previous section).
- 3 months to 2 years: fever above 38.9˚ C may require medical treatment. Contact your pediatrician for further instructions. This is especially important when other symptoms occur, the fever does not respond to medication, or if the fever persists for more than a day or two.
Step 3. Recognize other signs of serious symptoms
Parents generally have a high intuition about the urgency of the health condition of the child. In addition, the child develops a certain pattern in response to the disease, and parents can easily tell if there is an anomaly.
- Fever accompanied by fatigue and/or lethargy may be signs of a more serious condition.
- If your toddler has serious symptoms such as disorientation, a bluish tint around the mouth or fingertips, seizures, severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty walking or breathing, call the emergency number (112) immediately!
Tips
Call your doctor if you're not sure if your child has a high fever or if treatment is needed. Better to be on guard than sorry
Warning
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking two or more medicines at the same time; some medicines can contain the same substance and cause ingestion of more than the recommended dose by accident.
- Do not try to relieve toddler fever with ethanol. Ethanol can cool a child's body too quickly, which will actually increase his body temperature.
- If your child has a fever due to exposure or being in a hot environment, seek medical attention.
- Never give aspirin to a child under 18 years of age. Aspirin consumption in minors has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that causes liver damage.
