Fevers in children are common and generally harmless. A fever usually occurs when the body is fighting off an infection. The body produces macrophages, which are cells that eat up the invading organism. At the same time, the body is busy producing antibodies that will recognize and attack the organism if it enters the body again. Your child's body temperature rises in response to the extra effort of fending off illness. Although fevers can seem alarming, they are an indication that your child's body is working properly.
Guidelines
Your first indication that your child has a fever is usually that she feels hot to the touch. She might be irritable, sleepy or lack interest in eating, and her face can be flushed. Take your child's temperature with a digital or glass thermometer. Your child has a fever when her temperature is at, or above, 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit measured rectally, 99.5 F measured orally, or 99.0 F, measured axillary, or under the arm. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6, although this varies as much as one degree, depending on the person. A low-grade fever does not always mean your child is ill.
Causes
An infection, such as an ear infection, flu, pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection, is the most common reason your child runs a fever. Her body launches an immune response to invading organisms, resulting in a fever. Children can experience a low-grade fever during teething, or after receiving immunizations. More rarely, fever can indicate serious illness, such as leukemia, blood clots or non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Treatment
Treat your child's fever if it rises above 102.2 F, or if your child is very uncomfortable. Treating a fever prematurely can halt the body's own natural healing response. Offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen, according to your doctor's recommendations. Give your child a lukewarm bath or sponge her with a warm, damp washcloth. Dress her in light clothing and offer a light blanket, but don't bundle her up, which can cause the fever to rise higher. Offer frozen ice treats, clear juices and soup to prevent dehydration. Do not offer aspirin, which can cause a fatal medical condition known as Reye syndrome, according to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Occasionally a child with a fever might have a seizure. These seizures are frightening, but they are usually not harmful and do not cause epilepsy, according to the Medline Plus website. Keep your child safe until the seizure subsides, and contact your doctor immediately.
Medical Help
Consult your doctor immediately if your child is under 2 months old and has a fever. Contact your doctor if the fever rises above 104 F, if your child has a seizure, or if your child's fever lasts more than 72 hours. Seek immediate medical attention if your child has a fever over 105 degrees, has a stiff neck or severe headache, is crying uncontrollably or is difficult to awaken, according to New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, purple spots on the skin or convulsions also require immediate medical attention.
References
- "Naturally Healthy Kids" Jerry Rubin; 2006
- New York Presbyterian Hospital: Fever in Children
- Medline Plus: Fever
