When your child has an oral temperature higher than 99.5 degrees F or a rectal temperature above 100.4 degrees, your physician probably will define this as a fever, according to FamilyDoctor.org. While a fever is the body's natural inflammatory response to a foreign invader, your child's sweating and discomfort can be concerning. The course of treatment for your child can depend on his age and how high the fever is.
Seek Medical Help
Several signs can tell you to see your child's physician immediately for treatment when your child has a fever, including vomiting, dry mouth, pulling at ears, seizures, high-pitched crying, unresponsiveness or difficulty breathing. Talk to your doctor about the fever threshold for seeing a physician based on your child's age. For example, infants younger than 3 months always should be taken to the doctor if their temperatures exceed 100.4 degrees because illnesses can advance quickly at this age, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Children older than 6 months should be taken to the doctor if their fever exceeds 103 degrees.
Fever and Few Symptoms
If your child's fever and symptoms are such that she can be treated at home, it can be easy to debate giving her medications versus letting her fever break on its own. According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, treating a fever with medication typically will not make the illness go away faster. If your child has a fever but does not appear to have strong symptoms that accompany it, giving her a fever-reducing medication is not necessary.
Fever and Discomfort
While medications to reduce a fever might not heal your child's illness, they can make your child more comfortable. If your child complains of feeling uncomfortable, is sweating profusely, has a headache or lost his appetite, giving him a fever reducer can help to minimize symptoms until the infection has cleared. Remember that children under age 2 should not be given any medication without a physician's approval, according to FamilyDoctor.org. If your child is over 2, carefully read the dosage recommendations for fever-reducing medications and do not exceed more than five doses in one day.
Other Treatments
Medication treatments are not the only way you can make your child more comfortable. Try giving her plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and encourage her to rest whenever possible. You also might reduce the temperature in her room to help her feel comfortable. If chills are a symptom that accompanies the fever, dress her in layers or add blankets that can be easily removed when the fever breaks.
