You took your child's temperature and found out that he has a high fever. First of all don't get stressed. It is important to know that fever is a very common phenomenon among children and that it actually serves as a defense mechanism of the body against various diseases and infections. In this article we will talk about the symptoms of fever, how to diagnose fever and what is the natural way to reduce fever.
Child's fever
Fever is a symptom of various diseases, and especially of infections, which is reflected in an increase in body temperature. High fever is common in children of all ages. At the same time, it is mostly common among children who stay in kindergartens, nurseries and schools, this is due to the high potential of contracting various diseases. Fever can appear at any time during the year and may be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, chills, restlessness, irritability and muscle pain
What is the difference between children's fever and adult fever?
In adults, a high fever is considered a body temperature above 99.5 Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). In children and babies, a high fever is considered a fever above 100.7 Fahrenheit (38.2 degrees Celsius).
Fever is usually considered dangerous only when it is above 40 degrees.
Up to the age of 3 months, a high fever is treated more seriously because there is a fear that the fever is a manifestation of dangerous diseases such as meningitis, urinary tract infection and sepsis.
How long does the fever last?
If you are asking yourself how long the child's fever will last, then the answer is that it depends on the disease the child is suffering from. Usually a high fever will last between two and three days.
How do you measure children's temperature?
There are several ways to measure children's temperature. You can measure temperature in the armpit. It is important to make sure that the thermometer is in direct contact with the child's skin during the measuring time which lasts about 30 seconds. You can measure temperature in the ear or forehead using a digital thermometer and stop the measurement when the thermometer beeps. It is possible to measure temperature in the mouth under the tongue, but this requires the cooperation of the child and temperature can be measured rectally. Apply the thermometer with diaper paste or Vaseline and be sure to disinfect the thermometer after use. Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most accurate method compared to the other temperature measurement methods.
Causes of child's fever
Causes of high fever in children are usually due to viral diseases and various infections. The heat helps the immune system to defend against the pollutants and eliminate them. In situations where the body is dealing with infections, bacteria, inflammatory processes, dehydration or damage to certain tissues, the immune system secretes into the blood substances called pyrogens that fight the factors that threaten the body. In response to this, the hypothalamus increases body temperature.
Child's fever symptoms
There are different symptoms of fever, not all of which necessarily appear in every child. Children with a fever may suffer from sleepiness, restlessness, lack of appetite, a feeling of cold that manifests itself in chills, sensitivity to pain, difficulty concentrating, bad mood, vomiting and profuse sweating especially when the fever drops. Some children are prone to febrile convulsions, caused by electrical stimulation in the brain. The prominent symptoms of the febrile convulsions are the stiffening of the muscles in the body or rhythmic movements of the legs and hands. A child suffering from febrile convulsions may even drool, lose control of his sphincters and roll his eyes.
Diagnosis
Children over the age of three months can receive a fever diagnosis at the pediatrician. The doctor will find out what the child's condition is, check the symptoms accompanying the fever, diagnose the cause of the fever and give treatment according to the disease. There are cases when it will be necessary to carry out additional tests and in extreme cases it will be necessary to go to a hospital. High fever in babies up to eight weeks of age requires laboratory tests including blood count, blood tests, blood culture, urine tests and urine culture and sometimes imaging tests are performed. If the baby is less than eight weeks old, it is customary to perform a lumbar puncture and above this age the decision whether to perform a lumbar puncture depends on the parents.
Reducing child's fever naturally
Children's fever can be lowered naturally and without the use of conventional drugs that may have side effects. If your child has developed a fever, you can give him a herbal formula such as Flu-KAl - this is a formula based on natural ingredients such as eucalyptus and myrrh, which helps strengthen the immune system and helps reduce fever in children (and adults).
In conclusion
Fever is a natural and common phenomenon among children. It is important to try not to stress about it, and to remember that the fever is a manifestation of the disease and not the disease itself. If the child is not feeling well, he can be relieved with a herbal formula that will reduce the fever and help him feel better.