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High fever is especially dangerous for young children, so you should treat it with antipyretic drugs. However, you need to choose them properly so as not to harm your toddler.
A body temperature of between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius is a low-grade fever which is beneficial in the event of an infection. It increases blood supply to tissues and stimulates the immune system to work. However, higher temperatures weaken the body. Therefore, when it exceeds 38 degrees, it must be lowered.
Risk of convulsions with fever
In young children up to the age of five, a high fever can cause seizures. It is like an epilepsy attack. Body tremors, stiffness and unconsciousness appear. This usually takes a few minutes. It is best to lay the child on its side then, not to drink it and make sure it does not hit itself. Then call a doctor or ambulance as soon as possible.
However, it is better to lower the fever faster than to let it happen. A child with a high temperature has a hot body, red cheeks and teary eyes. It is weak and stiff. The temperature must then be measured and the appropriate medication administered. Then see your doctor to diagnose the cause of the fever.
Choosing an antipyretic drug
The most popular and well-studied medications for toddlers are those containing paracetamol and ibuprofen. Paracetamol is recommended from birth, and ibuprofen from 3 months of age. Although both drugs have analgesic and antipyretic effects, they are different. Ibuprofen starts to work faster and the effect lasts longer. It also removes the inflammation that is often the cause of the baby’s pain and fever. Paracetamol, on the other hand, has no anti-inflammatory effect. Paracetamol is less irritating to the stomach, which is especially important if your baby suffers from any gastrointestinal disease. In the case of paracetamol, attention should be paid to whether there is a family history of asthma, as its use may increase the risk of its occurrence or worsen symptoms. Absolutely, in the case of liver disorders in a child, contact a doctor before administering the drug. Both the administration of paracetamol and ibuprofen carry a risk of side effects, but it is lower with ibuprofen. Clinical trials have shown that the combination of two painkillers, e.g. ibuprofen and paracetamol, increases the effectiveness of the therapy. Do not combine two drugs on your own. It is better to seek the advice of a specialist or choose ready-made two-component preparations that contain the appropriate doses of each of the drugs. It is worth remembering that no drugs are absolutely safe. Before we reach for the drug, we should consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that there are no contraindications for its use.
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A child is not a small adult
Babies and toddlers should receive preparations specially designed for them, containing doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen adjusted to their body weight. Adult tablets should not be halved. The use of agents for adults may cause drug overdose or its ineffectiveness due to ineffective administration, e.g. a child vomits a tablet. GFK Polonia research shows that as many as 56% of mothers say that children aged 0-12 years can be given medicines for adults, and 15% indicate drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Polopyrin), which can cause Reye’s syndrome in them. ‘a – a dangerous disease causing pathological and often fatal changes, incl. in the brain and liver. When giving drugs to children, observe the doses and intervals between subsequent ones. Failure to follow the instructions on the leaflet may lead to an overdose. Severe intoxication from an overdose usually manifests as drowsiness and confusion, less often coma. In case of paracetamol poisoning, toxic liver damage may also occur.
Any drug can cause allergic conditions. Although it is not common, you need to watch the baby. In the case of paracetamol and ibuprofen, the most frequently observed allergic reactions may be rashes, itching, and photosensitivity.
Drink and cool
After administration of drugs to reduce fever, if it was high, you can give your baby a moist compresses on the forehead, chest and limbs. The temperature will also be lowered by wrapping the whole body of the child with a wet sheet or a few minutes bath in lukewarm water, with a temperature lower than body temperature by only 2 degrees. During a fever, the body sweats and loses valuable electrolytes and water, so the baby needs to be watered constantly. It is also important to control the temperature in the room (it should be around 20 degrees Celsius) and humidify the air. You should also avoid overheating and cover the baby with a light blanket or sheet.
Tekst: Halina of Pilon