A fever is part of your body’s natural immune response and itself is a sign that you are fighting off illness and infection. It’s natural for our first instinct to suppress fevers due to the pain associated with it when resting and letting the fever run its course might be the better solution. Children in particular might not have effective fevers due to worried parents.
So when should you be worried about a fever?
What's Considered a Fever in Children?
If your child is feeling under the weather, one of the main indicators to watch for is a fever. A fever in children is typically considered a temperature of 18.9°C or higher. This elevation in temperature is the body’s response to fighting off infections or illness.
It’s important to note that fever thresholds may vary based on the child’s age. Infants, for instance, may have different fever thresholds compared to older children. If your child’s fever exceeds certain levels or if they’re displaying concerning symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is the best course of action.
Common Causes of Fever in Children
Fevers in children can often be attributed to common illnesses like influenza, strep throat, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and gastroenteritis. These conditions can trigger the body’s immune response, leading to an increase in body temperature. Understanding these common causes can help you identify when your child may be experiencing a fever due to an underlying illness.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Experiencing a fever in children can often be attributed to upper respiratory infections, such as colds or flu. These respiratory illnesses trigger the body’s defense mechanism, causing a rise in temperature to combat the infection. Cold remedies like adequate hydration, rest, and fever-reducing medications can help alleviate symptoms.
Strep Throat
Another common cause of fever in children is strep throat, a bacterial infection that can lead to various symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the presence of white patches on the throat. Strep throat is usually treated with antibiotic medication to help prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) often lead to symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, and abdominal discomfort. Preventing UTIs in children involves teaching good hygiene practices, especially for girls, to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Recognizing UTI symptoms early, such as cloudy or foul-smelling urine, can help in Swift treatment with antibiotics. UTIs left untreated can lead to complications like kidney infections.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral infections like rotavirus or norovirus, as well as bacterial culprits such as E. coli and Salmonella. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the risk of dehydration in children.To prevent dehydration, make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte drinks. Treatment involves rest, fluid replacement, and sometimes medications to address symptoms.
Concerning Symptoms of Fever
Fever patterns can vary, with some kids experiencing low-grade fevers while others may have high fevers. Along with the rise in temperature, children with a fever may exhibit symptoms such as irritability, chills, vomiting, or body aches.
Shivering or Chills: Children with a fever might experience chills or shivering as their body tries to regulate temperature.
Sweating: As the fever breaks, sweating is common as the body cools down.
Flushed Skin: The child’s skin may appear red or feel warm to the touch.
Irritability or Restlessness: Fever can cause discomfort, leading to irritability, fussiness, or difficulty sleeping.
Loss of Appetite: Children with a fever may eat or drink less than usual.
Headache or Body Aches: Fever often comes with general body aches or headaches.
Fatigue or Lethargy: The child may seem unusually tired or lethargic, lacking energy for normal activities.
Dehydration Signs: Symptoms of dehydration can include dry mouth, reduced urine output, or dark-colored urine.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Occasionally, fever can be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
How to Reduce Fevers at Home
To help reduce your child’s fever, consider using fever reducers like acetaminophen as directed. Dress your child in light clothing and offer a light blanket. Use a cool compress on their head and maintain a moderate room temperature for better heat exchange. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids like water or Pedialyte to stay hydrated. Avoid icy cold baths, alcohol rubs, or over-bundling with thick blankets or clothes.
Tepid sponging with lukewarm water can also be beneficial if their temperature is high. Sponge body parts like the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin, moving from front to back for up to 30 minutes. These simple steps can help in bringing down the fever and providing relief to your child at home.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Regular Fever & Dengue Fever
Dengue fever, induced by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, manifests with high fever, intense headaches, joint and muscle discomfort, and rash.
One of the most noticeable differences is the severity of pain associated with dengue fever. Those with dengue often experience intense joint and muscle pain, a symptom that is significantly more severe compared to what is typically seen with common fever.
Another distinguishing feature is the presence of a rash. Dengue fever is more likely to cause a rash, which usually appears a few days after the fever begins. This rash can vary in appearance but is a common sign that helps differentiate dengue from other types of fever.
Additionally, mild bleeding symptoms such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding are more characteristic of dengue fever. These symptoms are not usually associated with common fevers and can indicate the more severe nature of dengue, potentially signaling the onset of complications. Severe dengue can lead to significant complications such as plasma leakage, which can cause dengue shock syndrome or organ damage. This condition can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on supportive care, including hydration and pain relief. Severe cases may require hospitalization for close monitoring and intravenous fluids to prevent complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
When Should You Visit the Clinic?
You should seek medical attention if there are severe symptoms such as a persistent high fever that does not respond to treatment, severe abdominal pain, or signs of bleeding. These symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt evaluation.
In cases where you experience complications like difficulty breathing, confusion, or a significant drop in blood pressure, immediate medical attention is necessary. These signs could indicate severe conditions or complications related to the fever, such as dengue shock syndrome or other serious health issues that require urgent care.
Dengue cases have been on the rise since the start of the year and parents of very young children have no choice but to be safe than sorry. With plenty of rest and over the counter medications, the fever should subside within a week. If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms, our 24 hour clinics will be ready for you. Our team at Dr. Prevents is here to provide the care and support you need to manage and overcome fever effectively.