A fever is a sign of illness that goes beyond asthma. Having asthma will have little effect on how you deal with your child's temperature, but it does mean you need to pay attention to what is going on with his breathing. The illness that is causing the fever may trigger an asthma attack. Some basic home-care procedures can reduce the fever and avoid complicating the asthmatic condition. Talk to your pediatrician before giving your child any medication to treat a fever.
Step 1
Give your child extra fluids, especially water and juice. This will prevent dehydration and help thin mucus to reduce congestion.
Step 2
Place the child into a lukewarm bath. Keep the water warm but not hot. Both hot and cold water will work to raise the temperature instead of bringing it down.
Step 3
Dress your child in lightweight clothing. Heavy clothes will increase the body temperature. When in bed, limit her to one blanket if possible.
Step 4
Lay cool towels on the forehead and neck when the child is in bed.
Step 5
Listen to your child's breathing closely for signs of an asthma attack. Follow the asthma plan given to you by your doctor if you hear wheezing, coughing or if he appears to struggle. The asthma plan should include a rescue inhaler if your pediatrician prescribes one. Talk to the child to relax him. Encourage deep breaths through the nose.
Step 6
Give one dose of an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen if you have prior approval from the doctor. Follow the directions of the label for proper dosing.
Tips and Warnings
- Call your pediatrician at the first sign of illness, especially if you suspect a cold or the flu. Discuss what to do in case of fever.
- If you suspect an asthma attack is worsening, call 911 for help. If the fever lasts longer than three days or if it goes higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, call your doctor. If your child begins to shake or twitch, this may indicate a febrile seizure. Turn her on her side if she vomits. Do not hold her down or stick anything in her mouth. Once the seizure stops and she is awake, place cool towels on the forehead and neck. If she will not wake up, is breathing shallow or the fever does not come down, call 911. If your child is prone to febrile seizures, keep acetaminophen suppositories on hand to treat high temperatures.
