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A high fever in a child is a condition that always worries parents. This is because fever is a natural symptom of an organism with an ongoing disease. What are the causes of high fever in a child? When can a fever be said to be high, and how can it be quickly reduced?
High fever in a child – causes
A high fever in a child is most often the cause of a developing viral or bacterial infection. This symptom also appears during the teething period or after a recent vaccination. Among the causes of high fever in a child, three-day earnings, otitis, colds and flu are also mentioned. High fever also occurs in the case of the development of infectious diseases such as chicken pox, mumps or rubella. Fever is also a symptom of rotaviruses that cause gastrointestinal infections. High fever is a symptom that cannot be overlooked in a toddler. It is enough to put a hand to the child’s forehead to recognize that the body temperature is much higher than it should be. In addition, a feverish child most often has flushed face and sparkling eyes. In the event of a fever, the child becomes drowsy and grumpy, chills and breathes through the mouth.
To check the health of your child, buy the Child health check – diagnostic tests, thanks to which you will check the basic parameters determining the proper functioning of the child’s body.
Check what medications can be used in case of high fever
High fever in a child – how to measure and interpret temperature?
Depending on the age of the child, it is assessed in different ways whether the temperature is too high and whether we are dealing with a fever. For example, an infant’s body temperature is not constant, it changes throughout the day and ranges from 36,6 degrees Celsius to 37,5 degrees Celsius. This variability is caused by the immaturity of the thermoregulatory system as well as the variable activity of hormones. Additionally, the baby’s temperature may increase after playing or crying. In such a situation, a fever is defined as a temperature that exceeds 38 degrees Celsius. In older children, however, high fever is when the body temperature exceeds 38,5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, this indicates a condition that requires urgent medical attention.
To easily and quickly measure your baby’s temperature, use non-contact thermometers. At Medonet Market you will find Neno thermometers, such as Neno Medic T02 or Neno Medic T05 with the function of measuring liquid temperature, which you can now buy at promotional prices. It is also worth trying Vitammy Thermo Stickers, thermometer stickers for monitoring fever in children, which are comfortable to use, and additionally colorful, so they appeal to children. We also recommend an electronic thermometer with a flexible tip VITAMMA nano 3, which allows you to safely measure body temperature in the armpit, mouth and anus.
High fever in a child – ways to deal with temperature
A high fever in a child is not always a reason to see a doctor. You can treat a high fever with home remedies or with mild antipyretic drugs that your doctor believes can be given to children. The best home remedies for a high fever in a child are:
- cold compresses on the forehead, neck and calves, which at the same time help to lower the temperature and relieve the unpleasant symptoms of fever. A quick compress can be made with a towel dipped in cool water. Try one of the four sizes of compresses available on Medonet Market: FLEX Mini Compress, FLEX Standard Compress, FLEX Medium Compress, FLEX Max Compress.
- bathing in water, the temperature of which is 2 degrees Celsius lower than the body temperature – in this case, the water temperature should be measured very carefully, because in order to be effective, it must not be lower than the mentioned two degrees;
- giving the baby hot milk with honey and garlic – although it is quite a tasteless mixture, it is treated as a powerful injection of health during illness. Honey and garlic have antibacterial properties and stimulate the immune system to work more efficiently;
- giving your child herbal infusions, especially linden, elderberry or raspberry and blackberry fruit. After drinking warm tea, the child should be warmed up under a warm duvet, this will allow him to sweat out the symptoms of the disease.