105.2 Fever in Toddlers: Causes, Risks, and When to Seek Medical Help

29.07.202322.06.2023 by alexxlab

What causes high fever in children. How to manage fever in toddlers. When should you worry about a child’s fever. Is a 105.2 fever dangerous for a toddler. What are the signs of a serious fever in children. How to treat high fever in toddlers at home. When to call a doctor for a child’s fever.

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Understanding Fever in Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

Fever is a common concern for parents, especially when it comes to toddlers. A temperature of 105.2°F (40.7°C) in a toddler can be particularly alarming. However, it’s essential to understand that fever itself is not a disease but rather a symptom of the body fighting an infection or illness.

While high fevers can be frightening, they are not necessarily indicative of the severity of an illness. In fact, a child with a fever of 104°F (40°C) who is active and alert may be less concerning than a child with a lower fever who appears lethargic or unresponsive.

What is considered a fever in toddlers?

A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is generally considered a fever in children. However, the method of measurement can affect the reading:

Rectal temperature: Most accurate, especially for infants
Oral temperature: Suitable for older children
Axillary (armpit) temperature: Least accurate, but can be used for screening
Tympanic (ear) temperature: Quick and convenient, but can be affected by earwax

Common Causes of High Fever in Toddlers

High fevers in toddlers can be caused by various factors, including:

Viral infections (e.g., flu, common cold, roseola)
Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat, urinary tract infections)
Immunizations
Teething (although this typically causes low-grade fevers)
Heat exhaustion or sunburn

It’s important to note that the height of the fever doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of the illness. A mild infection can sometimes cause a high fever, while a more serious condition might result in a lower temperature.

When Should Parents Worry About a Child’s Fever?

While fever can be concerning, it’s crucial to assess the overall condition of the child rather than focusing solely on the temperature. However, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

Infants under 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Children aged 3 months to 3 years with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher lasting more than one day
Any child with a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
Fever accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or persistent vomiting
Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output)
Fever with a rash, especially if the rash doesn’t blanch when pressed
Fever triggering a seizure

Managing High Fever in Toddlers: Home Care Tips

When dealing with a high fever in a toddler, there are several steps parents can take to provide comfort and support:

Keep the child hydrated with plenty of fluids
Dress the child in light, breathable clothing
Maintain a comfortable room temperature
Offer fever-reducing medications as advised by a healthcare provider
Monitor the child’s overall condition and symptoms

Is it safe to use over-the-counter fever reducers for toddlers? When used as directed, medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort. However, it’s crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult with a pediatrician before administering any medication to young children.

The Role of Fever in Fighting Infections

Contrary to popular belief, fever plays a vital role in the body’s defense against infections. It helps to:

Slow down the growth and reproduction of bacteria and viruses
Enhance the body’s immune response
Increase the production of white blood cells

Do fevers always need to be treated? Not necessarily. If a child is comfortable and well-hydrated, it may be beneficial to let a mild fever run its course. However, if the fever is causing discomfort or is very high, treatment may be appropriate to provide relief.

Debunking Fever Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many misconceptions about fever in children. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth 1: Fever causes brain damage

This is a widespread concern among parents, but it’s largely unfounded. Fever itself does not cause brain damage. In the past, high fevers were often associated with serious infections like bacterial meningitis, which could lead to brain damage. However, with modern vaccines and treatments, such cases are now rare.

Myth 2: Fever will keep rising if left untreated

The human body has built-in mechanisms to regulate temperature. Typically, fever will not exceed 105-106°F (40.6-41.1°C) unless there’s an underlying severe condition. The body’s thermostat helps prevent dangerously high temperatures in most cases.

Myth 3: Alternating fever reducers is more effective

Studies have shown that alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen is not significantly more effective than using either medication alone. Moreover, this practice can increase the risk of medication errors. It’s generally safer to stick with one medication as directed.

Febrile Seizures: Understanding the Link Between Fever and Seizures

Febrile seizures are a concern for many parents. These seizures, which occur in some children with fever, can be frightening to witness but are generally harmless:

Affect about 2-5% of children between 6 months and 5 years old
Usually last less than a minute
Do not cause long-term damage or epilepsy
Cannot be prevented by fever-reducing medications

What should you do if your child has a febrile seizure? Stay calm, place the child on their side, and do not try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or the child doesn’t recover quickly, seek immediate medical attention.

When to Call the Doctor: Guidelines for Parents

While not all fevers require medical attention, certain situations warrant a call to the pediatrician:

Infants under 3 months with any fever
Children 3-36 months with a fever over 102.5°F (39.2°C)
Any child with a fever lasting more than 3 days
Fever accompanied by other concerning symptoms (severe headache, neck stiffness, difficulty breathing)
Signs of dehydration despite efforts to increase fluid intake
Child appears very ill or unusually lethargic

How can you describe your child’s symptoms effectively to the doctor? Be prepared to provide information about the fever’s duration, any accompanying symptoms, recent exposures to illnesses, and your child’s overall behavior and activity level.

Fever Prevention and Boosting Immunity in Toddlers

While it’s not always possible to prevent fevers, there are steps parents can take to support their toddler’s immune system and reduce the risk of infections:

Encourage regular handwashing
Ensure a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Promote adequate sleep and physical activity
Keep vaccinations up to date
Limit exposure to sick individuals when possible

Can certain foods or supplements boost a child’s immunity? While a balanced diet is important for overall health, there’s no magic food or supplement that can prevent fevers or infections. Focus on providing a variety of nutrient-rich foods and consult with a pediatrician before introducing any supplements.

Understanding and managing fever in toddlers can be challenging for parents. While a temperature of 105.2°F (40.7°C) is certainly high and warrants attention, it’s important to consider the child’s overall condition and behavior. By staying informed, monitoring symptoms carefully, and seeking medical advice when necessary, parents can navigate fever episodes with confidence and ensure their child receives appropriate care.

What fever level do I need to call for – Pediatric & Adolescent Associates

What fever level do I need to call for

What fever level do I need to call for? Won’t fever cause my child to have a seizure or brain damage? Will my child’s fever just keep going up if I don’t do something? Should I alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen if my child’s fever continues?

If your child is < 90 days old, you must call immediately for temperature > or = 100.4 rectally. If your child is older than this, how your child feels is much more important than the height of the fever. If your child has fever of 104 but overall seems to feel okay, this is much less concerning than a child with fever of 101 who is lethargic. If your child’s fever reaches 105.0, call us for advice on bringing it down and for assistance in determining whether your child needs to be evaluated before the morning. If your child has fever > 102.5, we should probably evaluate your child in the office the following day, even if symptoms seem mild.

In regard to seizures and brain damage, before the advent of the vaccines we benefit from now, high fever was often an indication of bacterial meningitis so it really was very scary for parents. It was the bacterial meningitis infection, not the fever itself, that caused seizures and brain damage. Nowadays, most fevers — even high ones — are secondary to viral illnesses that the body is able to fight off on its own. In fact, fever is one of our body’s protective mechanisms for fighting infection, as many viruses and bacteria do not grow as well at higher temperatures. Because of this, some physicians advocate not treating fever at all! Here in the US, however, we typically recommend treating fever simply to help the child feel better.

There is a condition called “febrile seizures” that certain children have. These seizures (like all seizures) are scary to see, but they are harmless and do not cause any long-term damage. Only certain children have febrile seizures and there is no way to predict which child will and which won’t. However, for children who do have febrile seizures, it is not the height of the fever that causes the seizure anyway, and interestingly anti-fever medications do not prevent febrile seizures.

Fever will not increase infinitely. Your child’s body will top out a fever at 105-106, unless something else is already seriously, seriously wrong. The higher the fever, the higher the risk of an underlying bacterial infection though, so higher fevers do warrant evaluation more frequently than lower fevers.

We do not recommend alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen. Studies have shown that alternating is not more effective than giving either medication alone, and it significantly increases the risk of medication error. Keep in mind that fever will probably only decrease 1.5-2 degrees after a dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen, so do not expect temperature to return completely to normal if your child’s fever is high. Also keep in mind, that it takes 45-60min for either medication to take effect. If fever does not decrease all the way to normal or if fever recurs before it is time for the next dose of anti-fever medication, simply wait. Do not repeat Tylenol more frequently than every 4-6hrs or ibuprofen more frequently than every 6-8hrs.

First Aid Fever Treatments for Children Including Sponge Baths

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Call 911 if the child:
Call Doctor If:
For Infants Younger Than 3 Months Old
1. Take Temperature
2. Call Your Pediatrician
For Children 3 Months Old or Older Who Have Been Immunized
1. Take Temperature
2. If Temperature Is Below 102 Degrees F
3. If Temperature Is Above 102 Degrees F but Below 105 Degrees
4. Follow Up
More

Is limp or unresponsive
Is having trouble breathing
Is vomiting and has a headache or a stiff neck
Has blue lips or skin
Has a rash that looks like bruises and the bruises don’t go white when pressed
Has a seizure

A high temperature can be alarming, but in an otherwise healthy child it usually isn’t something serious. A fever often means that a body is working the way it should and fighting off infection.

You think the child needs medical attention.
The child is younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or higher.
The child is 3 months to 3 years old and has a fever of 102 F or higher or has had any fever for more than one day.
The child has a high fever lasting more than 24 hours.
The child is any age with a temperature of 104 F or higher.
The soft spot on the child’s skull is bulging.
The child vomits repeatedly or has severe diarrhea.
The child has signs of dehydration, such as not wetting diapers, crying without tears, dry mouth or mucous membranes, or sunken soft spot.
The fever triggers a seizure.
The child has a fever and a rash.
Your child is at special risk for serious infections. This includes children with blood or immune disorders, or any child who has not received the routine immunizations.

The most accurate way to take a temperature is rectally. If you are uncomfortable with this, then take temperature under the armpit. If it is higher than 99 F, then double check it rectally using a rectal thermometer to get the most accurate reading.

If the child’s temperature is higher than 100.4 F, call your pediatrician. A child this age should always be seen by their pediatrician if they are sick.
Bathing or sponging the child with lukewarm water may help bring down a fever. Do not use cold water, ice baths, or alcohol.
Do not give any medicine unless discussed first with the doctor,

Rectal. For a child under 4 or 5 months, use a rectal thermometer to get an accurate reading. A child has a fever if the rectal temperature is above 100.4 F.
Oral. For a child over 4 or 5 months, you can use an oral or pacifier thermometer. The child has a fever if it registers above 100. 4 F.
Ear. If the child is 6 months old or older, you can use an ear or temporal artery thermometer, but this may not be as accurate. Still, under most circumstances, it’s a reasonable way to get a good enough estimate. If it’s essential that you get an accurate reading, take a rectal temperature.
Armpit. If you take the child’s temperature in the armpit, a reading above 100.4 F usually indicates a fever.

You don’t need to treat the fever unless the child is uncomfortable or has a history of seizures with fever.
Make sure the child gets plenty of fluids and rest.

You can give infant- or child-formula acetaminophen (Tylenol), following dosage instructions on the package. Ask your pediatrician before giving any fever-reducing medicine to a child for the first time.
Bathing or sponging the child with lukewarm water may help bring down the temperature. Do not use cold water, ice baths, or alcohol.
Do not give aspirin to a child under 18 years of age because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous brain and liver disease.
Call your pediatrician to see if you need to bring your child in to see the doctor.

A child should not return to school or day care until the child is fever free for at least 24 hours.
Call your pediatrician if the fever lasts for more than two days, gets higher, or you are concerned.

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High fever and febrile convulsions in a child: causes, symptoms, treatment

Children’s Medical Center “Pediatrician and Me”
Articles
High fever and seizures in a child: is it dangerous?

Is there any benefit to having a high temperature?
Febrile convulsions

Causes of febrile seizures
Symptoms of febrile convulsions

What should I do if my child has a high temperature?

When to give medicine?
High fever treatment
What should not be done when the temperature is high?

An increase in body temperature in children occurs under the influence of various factors. Toxins, viral and bacterial infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that have entered the body can provoke a fever. High temperature is accompanied by malaise, intoxication and causes panic in parents. What to do if the child has a high temperature and how to help the baby?

Is there any benefit to having a high temperature?

Fever in children is not as bad as parents think. In fact, this is the body’s immune response to foreign agents entering the bloodstream: viruses, bacteria, toxins, and others. In most cases, fever is short-lived and resolves on its own within 2-4 days.

Do not confuse fever with heat illnesses that cause fever, such as heat stroke. In this situation, the body temperature can rise to a critical level of 45 degrees and poses a direct threat to the life of the child.

High temperature due to illness:

inhibits the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
enhances immune response;
promotes accelerated recovery.

However, this does not mean that it is not necessary to monitor the temperature during illness. Every child has a different reaction to a fever. If some children tolerate elevated levels well, then others have febrile convulsions and other complications against the background of high temperature. That is why pediatricians recommend to closely monitor the well-being of the baby if his body temperature has risen above 38 degrees.

Febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are benign seizures that occur against the background of fever when the body temperature rises to 38 degrees and above. Against this background, there is a violation of the activity of brain neurons, which leads to convulsions.

Most often, the disease occurs in children aged 6 months to 6 years. The peak of the disease occurs at the age of 1.5 years. Most often, boys suffer from febrile seizures. Pathology has a favorable prognosis and usually resolves with age.

Causes of febrile seizures

The exact mechanisms of febrile seizures in children are unknown. One of the factors is the immaturity of the CNS. Doctors also believe that pathology can be hereditary. Most often, seizures occur in babies whose parents suffered from a similar condition in childhood.

Any factors leading to an increase in body temperature can provoke convulsions. These include:

viral and bacterial infections;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
diseases of the respiratory system;
teething;
reaction to routine vaccinations;
dehydration;
endocrine diseases, etc.

In most children, convulsions occur within the first day after the body temperature rises to 38 degrees and above.

Symptoms of febrile convulsions

In subfebrile convulsions, the child loses consciousness, he has seizures that manifest themselves in the form of twitches or body tension. This is a harmless condition that does not cause any changes in the central nervous system and does not indicate serious problems. Most children have seizures on their own.

In 90% of cases, low-grade seizures are benign, but in the remaining 10%, atypical or complex seizures may develop.

The distinguishing features of simple subfebrile seizures include:

duration up to 15 minutes;
no recurrence within 24 hours;
rare episodes;
absence of epilepsy in relatives or parents;
normal development of the child;
the presence of episodes of subfebrile convulsions in close relatives.

Atypical subfebrile convulsions have the following clinical picture:

last more than 15 minutes;
often repeated during the day;
occur against the background of cerebral palsy, motor or psychoverbal developmental delay.

Also, atypical seizures often occur in children whose heredity is aggravated by epilepsy.

To prevent the development of subfebrile convulsions, it is necessary to monitor the child’s body temperature during illness. Also, if you have seizures, you should consult a pediatrician.

What should I do if my child has a high temperature?

If a child has a high temperature and the child tolerates it well enough, it is not necessary to immediately give him antipyretic drugs. To begin with, it is necessary to free the child from excess clothing and provide access to fresh air, while avoiding drafts is important. To reduce fever, cold compresses applied to the elbows and knees in the area of large blood vessels can be used.

The need for medication to lower the temperature is considered individually for each child. It is important to understand that the baby is most difficult to endure intoxication, and not the fever itself. That is why maximum efforts should be directed to combat the symptoms of intoxication. Drinking plenty of water or taking sorbents will help to cope with this.

When to give medicine?

Doctors recommend giving antipyretics to children when the temperature rises above 38 degrees. However, there are situations when it is impossible to postpone taking medications. These include:

Poor temperature tolerance. The child may not sleep well, be capricious, refuse to eat and drink even at a temperature of 37.6.
CNS diseases. These include epilepsy, cerebral palsy, meningitis, the consequences of previous infections. In this case, it is necessary to give an antipyretic when the temperature rises to 37.5 degrees.
Uncharacteristic behavior on the background of fever. The baby may experience hallucinations, delirium, and irritability against the background of temperature.
Respiratory disorders. Fever can cause shortness of breath, a state of lack of air.
Fluid loss. The presence of vomiting and diarrhea against the background of high temperature leads to a rapid loss of fluid in the body. In this case, the child refuses to drink.
Tendency to low-grade convulsions. In such a situation, it is necessary to give antipyretics already at a temperature of 37. 5 degrees.
Body temperature over 39 degrees. In such a situation, it is imperative to bring down the heat, since high temperature has a negative effect on many body systems.

Treatment of high fever

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are recommended for children with high fever. They quickly reduce the temperature and are just as quickly excreted from the body.

In childhood, it is best to use drugs in the form of rectal suppositories. Antipyretics in the form of tablets have much more side effects and are less absorbed by babies. With rectal administration, the active components of suppositories quickly spread through the body with blood flow. This eliminates the negative impact of the components on the stomach, and you can use candles regardless of the meal.

What should not be done when the temperature is high?

In order not to aggravate the child’s condition, during a high temperature it is strictly forbidden:

Warmly dress the child, as well as wrap him in a blanket in order to “sweat”. Also, you can not take the baby to the bath, and even more so to soar him.
Wipe the baby’s body with alcohol-containing compounds, even diluted with water. Alcohol will lower the temperature of the skin, but not the body as a whole.
Give different drugs without interruption if suddenly one of them does not help. In this case, you can provoke a serious poisoning, which will give an additional burden on the body.
Exceed the dosage of antipyretics or use them every 6-8 hours, even if the body temperature does not rise again.
Use analgin, nimesulide, or aspirin to treat fever. Aspirin use in children can lead to the extremely rare but fatal Reye’s syndrome.
Give medication and try to bring down the temperature until it drops to 36.6.

It is very important to monitor the well-being of the child during a fever. If the baby feels well, does not refuse food and drink, it is worth waiting with taking antipyretics.

If the temperature persists for more than 5 days, it is important to consult a pediatrician for advice. Also, the help of a doctor is necessary if the fever intensifies, and the drugs do not have the desired effect. To fight high fever, you need to find out its cause. This requires a comprehensive examination and laboratory tests.

The article was written under the editorship of an expert, pediatrician, doctor of the highest category Storcheus Natalia Yurievna. To undergo the treatment mentioned in the article materials, you need to contact a specialist. The information in the article is not a call for self-treatment!

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Temperature in a baby without symptoms: what to do?

Children’s Medical Center “Pediatrician and Me”
Articles
Body temperature in the baby

In the first months of life, the thermoregulation mechanisms of an infant are far from perfect. Parents of newborns often observe temperature jumps, which they perceive as a symptom of the disease. If in an adult a rise in body temperature indicates the presence of an infection or a virus in the body, then in a baby everything is different. Normal household activities, such as eating or overheating, can provoke a rise in temperature. Let’s talk about norms of body temperature in newborns , as well as analyze the reasons for their fluctuations.

What is the normal temperature for a baby?

For infants in their first year of life, the normal temperature range is 36.3-37.5 degrees when measured in the armpit. In addition, temperature can be measured in other parts of the body. Depending on this, the indicators may vary:

in the auricle – from 35.8 to 38;
in the rectum – from 36.0 to 38;
in the oral cavity – from 35.5 to 37.5.

Slight temperature fluctuations are possible throughout the day. Readings can be measured in any place convenient for parents.

How to measure the temperature of a newborn?

Mercury thermometer is considered as standard measuring device. However, it can hardly be called safe. In addition, to obtain reliable information, you need to hold the device for at least 5 minutes.

Today, pediatricians recommend the use of infrared and electronic thermometers. Infrared models are suitable for measuring temperature in the forehead area. For electronic thermometers, various nozzles are provided, for example, for the ear or rectal temperature measurement.

Before using any appliance, it is important to read the instructions for use and to use the correct attachments!

Which thermometer is better?

Mercury thermometers are outdated. They are highly accurate, but require a lot of time to get the result. Electronic thermometers give results in 1-2 minutes. In addition, in such models, the function of remembering the last measurement result is provided. Infrared and non-contact thermometers are the simplest and most convenient to use. However, they are distinguished by a high cost.

What temperature is considered elevated in a baby?

If a child has a temperature above 37. 5 for a long time, even if the baby is at rest, it is worth contacting a pediatrician for advice. Short-term temperature jumps up to 37.8 degrees are not dangerous for a child and are considered a physiological norm. They can be associated with the physical activity of the baby, feeding, heat in the room, excessively warm clothes.

Causes of fever in children under 9 years of age0035

The following reasons may be the causes of fever in infants:

food intake;
overheating;
teething;
active actions;
colds and viral diseases.

Usually, with colds and viral infections, the temperature rises above 37.5 degrees. In such a situation, you need to contact your pediatrician. Temperatures below 36.6 degrees indicate hypothermia. In rare cases, a drop in temperature indicates a hormonal disorder.

First aid for fever

Before the doctor arrives, parents should adhere to the following recommendations:

If the temperature is high and causes discomfort to the baby, you need to give him an antipyretic. Be sure to read the instructions for use of the drug and dosage!
Create comfortable conditions in the room. The air temperature should not be higher than 22 degrees. Ventilate the room more often.
Provide plenty of fluids for the child.

If the temperature is below 36.6 degrees, the baby needs to be warmed up.

An excessively high or low temperature is a reason to contact a specialist. The pediatrician should study the problem.

What tests should be done?

Fever

An excessively high temperature is a reason for a complete examination of the baby’s body. To find out the reasons for the baby, they can prescribe:

an extended clinical blood test;
urinalysis;
analysis for C-reactive protein.

Other tests and examinations are also possible, depending on how the baby is feeling.

At low temperature

If the temperature decrease is short-term, for example, due to hypothermia or a cold, then it is not necessary to take tests. If the low temperature persists for more than 2 days, the baby is prescribed:

clinical blood test;
biochemical blood test;
hormone test;
ECG;
ultrasound.

In addition to the above, the child may be referred for a consultation with other doctors. If temperature fluctuations appeal to you, consult a doctor for advice!