Fever in children

Dr. Cigdem Yavrucu / Child Health and Diseases Specialist

Fever is a defense mechanism of the body. In fact, you should know that we have friends, not our enemies. And if you don't panic, you can quickly drop high fever under normal conditions.

• What is a fever?

When the body temperature rises higher than normal, is defined as fever. Fever, which is one of the most common tables that families consult a doctor, is not a disease. Fever is a finding that occurs during the course of the disease and is part of the body's immune response. While high fever, which is common in infancy and childhood, does not pose a significant problem as long as it is within certain limits, it may be a precursor to a very serious situation in some cases. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to behave in a situation where there is a fever. There is no need to panic every high fever. Because fever is a defense mechanism that strengthens the immune system and facilitates the destruction of the microorganism. Instead of fear of high fever, it is important to understand why the fever is rising and to approach the child with fever. High temperature and fever in children lead to excessive loss of fluid in the body through sweating. If the lost fluid is not replaced, kidney function may be adversely affected and the body's chemical balance may be impaired.

Average body temperature is considered as 37 degrees (36.5-37.4 degrees).

Fever is defined as rectal (breech) 38 degrees, oral (intraoral) 37.5 degrees, armpit temperature 37.2 degrees, and tympania (from the ear canal) 37.8 degrees.

• Causes of fever

The most common cause of fever are infections. Also other reasons;

* Upper respiratory diseases (Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis)

* Lower respiratory diseases (pneumonia)

* Intestinal infections

* Urinary tract infections

* Middle ear infections

* Rashed childhood diseases

* Meningitis

* Childhood diseases such as measles, rubella and chickenpox

* Exanthema subitum or roseola infantum; Benign, a common infectious disease that is common in infancy. It is seen in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, but most often around 9 months. The fever, which rises to 39-40 degrees for 3 days, falls suddenly after the 4th day, and then begins a flaky, itchy, rash lasting for 3-4 days. It has no cure and passes by itself.

* Rheumatic diseases

* Teething (Temprature does not rise too high)

* Fluid loss, inadequate nutrition (Especially in newborns)

* High ambient temperature, sunstroke

* Bleeding / hematoma

* Oncological diseases

Note: The general condition of the child is more important than the degree of fever.

• Which thermometer is more suitable for fever measurement?

When you touch your baby and your child, the fact that his body is hot does not indicate he has a fever. To find out if he has a fever, you need to measure your child's body temperature. For this, you should use a suitable thermometer.

Choosing a thermometer is important because there are still those who prefer mercury glass thermometers that have been used for many years. However, these thermometers are no longer used because they can break very quickly and the toxic effect of the mercury that comes out when broken. I suggest you choose one of the following options instead of this old type thermometer:

Electronic digital thermometers: These thermometers measure the temperature faster than mercury glass thermometers. Since it is digital, the fever value can be easily read from the screen.

Infrared thermometers: Provides fever measurement in just seconds. These thermometers are divided into two:

Infrared ear thermometers, Measures the heat produced by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. It projects the result to the digital screen in a few seconds.

Infrared forehead thermometers, Measures infrared energy emitted from the skin above the eyebrow area and the tissue around it. It is divided into contact and non-contact, and infrared technology is used.

• How should we measure the fever?

It is possible to measure fever from different parts of the body:

Forehead: The baby / child and thermometer should be in the same environment for about 10 minutes and the baby's forehead should be cleaned from the hair. If a contactless device is used, it should be kept 5 inches away from the forehead. It is especially suitable for active children.

Underarm: Although it is a very common method, it is not suitable for very mobile children because measurement should take at least 3 minutes. The measurement result from the armpit is approximately 1 degree lower compared to that of the breech. If you want to try the method in older children, place the tip of the gauge in the armpit and have the child clamp the gauge with his arm. Make sure that the armpit and thermometer are dry. There should be no clothes on the upper part of the child, and if the armpit is sweaty, it should be wiped dry.

Rectum (Breech): It is the measurement place that shows the internal temperature of the body and gives the most reliable result. Recommended for children under 2 years old. Apply some oil to the tip of the thermometer, lay the child on his side and gently bend his knees. Measure body temperature for 2 minutes with a digital thermometer. Keep the child busy during the measurement. The result you will get will be half degrees higher than under armpit.

Timpano (By the Ear): The easiest to use is the ear by the thermometer. The advantage of the ear thermometer is that it can be measured in a short time and the child is not too disturbed. It is not appropriate to measure by ear in children under 6 months. Since there will be a temperature difference between both ears, it is correct to measure it from the same ear.

Baby or child before measuring fever; If it is lying on the ear, wearing a hat to close the ear, if it is located in a very hot and cold environment, if the measurement is dropping on the ear, if there is dirt, discharge or an infection in the ear, it should not be measured with an thermometer in the ear.

Oral (Oral, sublingual): Suitable for older children. It is not correct for use in infants and children under 4 years old. The thermometer should be kept under the tongue or in the cheek cavities for 2-3 minutes. The values ​​will be half a degree lower than those from the breech. To avoid the risk of breakage, do not measure with a normal thermometer. Digital thermometers are more practical.

It should not be forgotten that cold or hot food and beverage taken 10 minutes before the measurement may have a misleading effect.

In summary, the most appropriate measurement for fever; It is appropriate to make it from breech in babies under 2 years old, with an ear and armpit thermometer in those over 2 years old, and with an oral thermometer if a child over 4 or 5 years old can fit the described.

• What are the fever reduction methods?

If the child is less than 6 months old…

* If the fever is over 38.3 degrees,

* If he looks sick or fond,

* If he is sleepy or restless,

* If you have a chronic illness or a febrile history of transfer,

* If feeding, sleep, and playing are negatively affected, it is appropriate to take it to the doctor immediately.

Warm water can be applied until you go to the doctor, it can be peeled off with a body and antipyretic.

If the child is over 6 months old…

If the child has a mildly high fever, that is, if the fever is not above 38.3 degrees, there is no chronic disease or history of febrile remittance, there is no restlessness, no serious rejection in feeding, if the patient does not seem fond, the following can be done before taking it to the doctor;

* Keep the temperature of the environment in which it is located constant at 21-22 degrees

* Pay attention to your clothes. Take off the clothes on your child, put on thin, light clothes and do not cover with thick covers.

* Make sure that you get plenty of water and juicy foods, do not starve, keep away from foods that will force digestion.

* Do not allow the child to excessive physical activity, ensure that he does not get tired.

* Take a shower with warm water at a temperature of 29-32 degrees or wipe with warm cloths. Never use cold water. Since a contraction will occur in the veins when bathing with cold water, the fever will not be able to fall, it will even increase. With the tremor of the child, you can cause your fever to rise again.

* If the fever is not above 39 degrees in babies older than 6 months and the general condition of the baby is also good; It may not be necessary to bring down the fever, considering that fever is a defense mechanism.

Editor's note: Be sure to read our columnist's other column about fever.