What can cause high fever in 1 year old. High Fever in 1-Year-Olds: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Guide

09.08.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What causes high fever in 1-year-old children. How to recognize fever symptoms in infants. When to seek medical attention for a baby’s fever. What are effective home remedies for reducing fever in toddlers. How to prevent fever-related complications in young children.

Содержание

Understanding Fever in Infants and Toddlers

Fever is a common concern for parents of young children, particularly those with 1-year-olds. It’s essential to understand what constitutes a fever and how to properly measure it in infants and toddlers. A true fever is defined by specific temperature thresholds depending on the measurement method:

Rectal, ear, or forehead temperature: 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
Armpit temperature: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher

It’s important to note that ear temperatures are not accurate for babies under 6 months old, and only digital forehead thermometers should be used, as forehead strips are unreliable.

Normal Temperature Range for Infants

Understanding the normal temperature range for infants can help parents distinguish between a harmless fluctuation and a concerning fever. The average rectal temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but normal temperatures can range from:

A low of 96.8°F (36°C) in the morning
A high of 100.3°F (37.9°C) late in the day

This variation is considered normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate illness.

Common Causes of High Fever in 1-Year-Olds

High fever in 1-year-old children can be attributed to various factors. Understanding these causes can help parents respond appropriately and seek medical attention when necessary.

Viral Infections

Viral infections are the most common cause of fever in young children, occurring 10 times more frequently than bacterial infections. Common viral culprits include:

Common cold viruses
Influenza (flu)
Roseola

In viral infections, fever may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours, with other symptoms like runny nose, cough, or loose stools appearing later. Roseola is a unique case where fever may be the sole symptom for 3 to 5 days before a rash develops.

Bacterial Infections

While less common than viral infections, bacterial infections can cause high fever in 1-year-olds. Some bacterial infections to be aware of include:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Ear infections
Strep throat

Bladder infections, a type of UTI, are particularly common in girls and may present with fever as the only symptom.

Vaccine-Related Fever

Fever can occur as a side effect of vaccinations. Typically, vaccine-induced fever:

Begins within 12 hours of vaccination
Lasts for 2 to 3 days
Is normal and harmless
Indicates that the vaccine is working

Parents should be reassured that this type of fever is a sign of the body’s immune response and not a cause for concern.

Recognizing Serious Fever Conditions in Infants

While most fevers in 1-year-olds are not serious, there are certain conditions that require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of these potentially severe situations.

Newborn Fever

Fever in newborns, especially during the first 3 months of life, is considered a serious condition. All babies in this age group with a fever need to be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Reasons for concern include:

Risk of sepsis (bloodstream infection)
Rapid progression of bacterial infections
Need for immediate treatment

Meningitis

Meningitis is a severe bacterial infection affecting the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. While rare, it requires immediate medical intervention. Signs to watch for include:

Stiff neck
Severe headache
Confusion or altered mental state
Extreme lethargy or irritability in younger children

Early treatment is crucial to prevent potential brain damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever in Infants

Knowing when to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care is crucial for parents of young children with fever. Here are some guidelines:

Call 911 Immediately If:

The child is not moving or can’t be woken up
There is severe difficulty breathing
Purple or blood-colored spots appear on the skin
You believe it’s a life-threatening emergency

Contact a Doctor or Seek Immediate Care If:

The baby is less than 12 weeks old with any fever
Fever exceeds 104°F (40°C)
There are shaking chills lasting more than 30 minutes
The child cries inconsolably or when touched
There’s limited movement in an arm or leg
Signs of dehydration are present
The child has a weakened immune system
The child appears very sick

Contact a Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

The child is 3-6 months old with a fever
A 6-12 month old has a fever lasting more than 24 hours without other symptoms
Fever persists for more than 3 days
Fever returns after being gone for over 24 hours

These guidelines help parents make informed decisions about when professional medical care is necessary.

Home Care and Management of Fever in 1-Year-Olds

While some cases of fever require medical attention, many can be managed at home. Here are some strategies for caring for a 1-year-old with a fever:

Hydration

Keeping your child well-hydrated is crucial during a fever. Offer frequent small sips of water or clear fluids. For breastfed babies, continue nursing as usual. Signs of proper hydration include:

Moist lips and mouth
Tears when crying
Regular wet diapers

Rest and Comfort

Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. Create a comfortable environment by:

Keeping the room at a moderate temperature
Dressing the child in light, breathable clothing
Using a light blanket if they feel chilled

Fever-Reducing Medications

Over-the-counter medications can help reduce fever and discomfort. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before administering any medication to a young child. Common options include:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (for children over 6 months)

Never give aspirin to children under 18 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Monitoring Temperature

Regularly check your child’s temperature, but avoid waking them to do so. Keep a log of temperature readings and any other symptoms to share with your healthcare provider if needed.

Preventing Fever and Promoting Overall Health in Toddlers

While it’s not always possible to prevent fever, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk of illness and promote overall health in their 1-year-olds:

Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections. Encourage healthy habits such as:

Regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom
Avoiding touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, and eyes
Teaching proper cough and sneeze etiquette (into the elbow or a tissue)

Vaccination

Keeping your child up-to-date with recommended vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent many illnesses that can cause fever. Consult your pediatrician for the appropriate vaccination schedule.

Nutrition and Hydration

A well-balanced diet and proper hydration support a strong immune system. Offer your 1-year-old:

A variety of fruits and vegetables
Adequate protein sources
Whole grains
Plenty of water throughout the day

Adequate Sleep

Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and aim for the recommended sleep duration for their age group.

Misconceptions About Fever in Young Children

There are several common misconceptions about fever in young children that parents should be aware of:

Teething and Fever

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that teething does not cause fever. While teething may cause mild discomfort and a slight increase in temperature, a true fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C) is not a typical symptom of teething.

Fever as the Primary Concern

Many parents worry excessively about the fever itself, but it’s important to remember that fever is a symptom, not an illness. The underlying cause of the fever and the child’s overall condition are more important factors to consider.

The Need to Always Reduce Fever

While fever-reducing medications can provide comfort, it’s not always necessary to lower a fever. Fever is part of the body’s natural defense against infection. Unless the child is very uncomfortable or the fever is very high, it may be best to let the fever run its course.

Correlation Between Fever Height and Illness Severity

The height of a fever doesn’t necessarily indicate how sick a child is. A mild illness can sometimes cause a high fever, while a more serious condition might cause only a slight temperature elevation.

Understanding these misconceptions can help parents respond more appropriately to their child’s fever and reduce unnecessary anxiety.

Long-Term Health Considerations for Frequently Feverish Children

While occasional fevers are a normal part of childhood, some children may experience frequent or recurrent fevers. This can be a source of concern for parents and may have long-term health implications.

Identifying Patterns

If your 1-year-old seems to have frequent fevers, it’s important to keep a detailed record. Note:

The frequency and duration of fevers
Any accompanying symptoms
Potential triggers or patterns

This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in determining any underlying causes.

Potential Underlying Conditions

Recurrent fevers in young children can sometimes be indicative of underlying health issues, such as:

Periodic fever syndromes
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic infections

If you suspect your child has unusually frequent fevers, consult with a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.

Impact on Growth and Development

While most occasional fevers don’t have long-term effects, frequent or prolonged fevers can potentially impact a child’s growth and development. Regular check-ups and monitoring of growth charts can help identify any concerns early.

Strengthening the Immune System

For children prone to frequent illnesses and fevers, focusing on immune system support is crucial. This includes:

Ensuring a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Promoting regular physical activity
Maintaining good sleep habits
Managing stress (even in young children)

These lifestyle factors can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of illnesses and fevers.

By understanding the causes, management, and long-term considerations of fever in 1-year-olds, parents can navigate this common childhood occurrence with greater confidence and knowledge. Remember, while fever can be concerning, it’s often a sign that your child’s body is fighting off an infection effectively. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and in cases of uncertainty or concern.

Fever (0-12 Months)

Is this your child’s symptom?

An abnormal high body temperature
Fever is the only symptom. Your child has a true fever if:
Rectal (bottom), Ear or Forehead temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
Under the arm (armpit) temperature: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher
Caution: Ear temperatures are not accurate before 6 months of age
Caution: Forehead temperatures must be digital. Forehead strips are not accurate.

Causes of Fever

Overview. Almost all fevers are caused by a new infection. Viruses cause 10 times more infections than bacteria. The number of germs that cause an infection are in the hundreds. Only a few common ones will be listed.
Viral Infections. Colds, flu and other viral infections are the most common cause. Fever may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours. The start of viral symptoms (runny nose, cough, loose stools) is often delayed. Roseola is the most extreme example. Fever may be the only symptom for 3 to 5 days. Then a rash appears.
Bacterial Infections. A bladder infection is the most common cause of silent fever in girls.
Vaccine Fever. Fever with most vaccines begins within 12 hours. It lasts 2 to 3 days. This is normal and harmless. It means the vaccine is working.
Newborn Fever (Serious). Fever that occurs during the first 3 months of life can be serious. All of these babies need to be seen as soon as possible. The fever may be due to sepsis (a bloodstream infection). Bacterial infections in this age group can get worse quickly. They need rapid treatment.
Meningitis (Very Serious). A bacterial infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. The main symptoms are a stiff neck, headache and confusion. Younger children are lethargic or so irritable that they can’t be consoled. If not treated early, can suffer brain damage.
Overheated. The fever is usually low grade. Can occur during heat waves or from being overdressed. The temp becomes normal in a few hours after moving to a cooler place. Fever goes away quickly with rest and drinking extra fluids.
Not Due to Teething. Research shows that “getting teeth” does not cause fevers.

Fever and Crying

Fever on its own shouldn’t cause much crying.
Frequent crying in a child with fever is caused by pain until proven otherwise.
Hidden causes can be ear infections, kidney infections, sore throats and meningitis.

Normal Temperature Range

Rectal. A reading of 98.6° F (37° C) is just the average rectal temp. A normal low can be 96.8° F (36° C) in the morning. It can change to a high of 100.3° F (37.9° C) late in the day. This is a normal range.

When to Call for Fever (0-12 Months)

Call 911 Now

Not moving
Can’t wake up
Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath; can barely speak or cry)
Purple or blood-colored spots or dots on skin
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Trouble breathing, but not severe
Great trouble swallowing fluids or spit
Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
Fever over 104° F (40° C)
Shaking chills (shivering) lasting more than 30 minutes
Nonstop crying or cries when touched or moved
Won’t move an arm or leg normally
Dehydration suspected. No urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears.
Weak immune system. Examples are sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Age 3-6 months old with fever
Age 6-12 months old with fever that lasts more than 24 hours. There are no other symptoms (such as cough or diarrhea).
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Fever returns after gone for more than 24 hours
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Fever with no other symptoms and your child acts mildly ill

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Bellevue

Everett

Federal Way

Seattle

Virtual Urgent Care

Care Advice for Fever

What You Should Know About Fever:
- Having a fever means your child has a new infection.
- It’s most likely caused by a virus.
- You may not know the cause of the fever until other symptoms develop. This may take 24 hours.
- For infants more than 3 months old, most fevers are good for sick children. They help the body fight infection.
- Use the ranges below to help put your child’s level of fever into perspective:
- 100° – 102° F (37.8° – 39° C) Low grade fever: helpful, good range. Don’t treat.
- 102° – 104° F (39 – 40° C) Average fever: helpful. Treat if causes discomfort.
- Over 104° F (40° C) High fever: causes discomfort, but harmless. Always treat.
- Over 106° F (41.1° C) Very high fever: important to bring it down. Rare to go this high.
- Over 108° F (42.3° C) Dangerous fever: fever itself can be harmful.
Treatment for All Fevers – Extra Fluids:
- Fluids alone can lower the fever. Reason: being well hydrated helps the body give off heat through the skin.
- For shivering (or the chills), give your child a blanket. Make them comfortable.
- Offer your child extra water or other fluids by mouth. Cold fluids are better. Until 6 months old, only give extra formula or breastmilk.
- For all children, dress in 1 layer of light weight clothing, unless shivering. Reason: also helps heat loss from the skin.
- For shivering (or the chills), give your child a blanket. Make them comfortable.
- Caution: if a baby under 1 year has a fever, never overdress or bundle up. Reason: Babies can get over-heated more easily than older children.
Fever Medicine:
- Caution: Do not give a baby under 3 months any fever medicine. Most of these babies will need to be seen.
- For fevers 100°-102° F (37.8° – 39°C), fever meds are not needed. Reason: fevers in this range help the body fight the infection. Fevers turn on the body’s imune system. Fevers don’t cause any discomfort.
Give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil) if over 6 months old.
Goal of treatment: keep the fever at a helpful level. Most often, the fever meds lower the fever by 2° to 3° F (1 – 1.5° C). They do not bring it down to normal. It takes 1 or 2 hours to see the effect.
Do not use aspirin. Reason: Risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease.
Do not use both acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. Reason: Not needed and a risk of giving too much.
Pain: fever does not cause pain. If your child also has pain, it’s from the infection. It may be a sore throat or muscle pain. Treat the pain, if it’s more than mild.
Return to Child Care:
- Your child can return to child care after the fever is gone. Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
What to Expect:
- Most fevers with viral illnesses range between 101° and 104° F (38.4° and 40° C).
- They may last for 2 or 3 days.
- They are not harmful.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Any serious symptoms occur such as trouble breathing
- Fever goes above 104° F (40° C)
- Any fever occurs if less than 12 weeks old
- Fever without other symptoms lasts more than 24 hours
- Fever lasts more than 3 days (72 hours)
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 07/18/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

What Can I Do About a Fever (High Temperature)? (for Parents)

en español: Cómo tratar la fiebre

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Primary Care Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Health

Parents might worry when a child’s temperature rises, but a fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — often, it’s the body’s way of fighting infections.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Fever?

A child who has a fever might be:

fussy
uncomfortable
warm to the touch
flushed
sweaty

What Can I Do About a Fever?

Call the doctor’s office if your baby is younger than 3 months old with a temperature of 100. 4°F (38°C) or higher. If you can’t reach the doctor, go to the ER.

It’s best to keep a child with a fever home from school or childcare until their temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours. If your child is uncomfortable, here are some ways to ease symptoms:

Offer plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the doctor’s recommendations. Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it’s linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Never use rubbing alcohol or cold baths to bring the fever down.
Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket.
Let your child eat what they want, but don’t force it if your child doesn’t feel like eating.
If your child also is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, ask the doctor if you should give a children’s oral rehydration solution (also called oral electrolyte solution or oral electrolyte maintenance solution).
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

Get Medical Care if:

your baby is younger than 3 months old has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
an older child has a fever and:
- looks sick
- develops a rash
- has lasting diarrhea and/or repeated vomiting
- has signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual)
- has a fever for 5 days
- has a
  chronicmedical problem like sickle cell disease or cancer

Can Fevers Be Prevented?

All kids get a fever from time to time, and in most cases they’re back to normal within a few days. The key is to make your child as comfortable as possible until the fever passes, and get medical care when needed.

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: December 2022

/content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/fever-sheet

If a child has a fever, what should I do?

home

Articles

Health

05/14/2019

Before you start taking antipyretics, you need to answer a few questions:

what is the age of the child?
How does a child tolerate an increase in a particular temperature?
Have there been any family or child history of febrile seizures?
Are there any other symptoms of the disease besides fever?

An increase in temperature or fever is a protective and adaptive reaction of the body in response to the effects of pathogenic stimuli, which results in a restructuring of thermoregulation processes, leading to an increase in body temperature, which stimulates the body’s natural resistance.

An increase in temperature affects the child’s body both positively and negatively.

The positive effect of is that when the temperature rises in the child’s body, the immune system is activated, phagocytosis increases, the production of antibodies increases and the level of interferon increases, which helps to stop the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and overcome the infection.

Negative influence high temperature in a child is manifested in the occurrence of convulsions (febrile), increased stress on the baby’s cardiopulmonary system (heart rate and respiratory rate become more frequent). Therefore, fever is dangerous for children with malformations of the heart and bronchopulmonary system, heart rhythm disturbance. Also, when the temperature rises, the work of the brain, liver, stomach, kidneys and other internal organs suffers, which is dangerous for children with chronic pathologies of internal organs, symptoms of dehydration, developmental disorders and diseases of the nervous system.

Fever varies:

with the flow:
- acute (fever up to 2 weeks),
- subacute (up to 6 weeks),
- chronic (over 6 weeks).
by the degree of increase of the indicator:
- subfebrile (increase to +38.0 degrees)
- febrile (from +38.0 to +39.0 degrees),
- pyretic (from + 39.0 to + 41.0 degrees),
- hyperpyretic (over +41.0 degrees).
according to the type of temperature curve:
- constant (temperature fluctuations during the day are not higher than 1 degree).
- laxative (daily fluctuations up to 2 degrees),
- atypical (fluctuations are chaotic, different and irregular),
- debilitating (a combination of laxative and atypical fever with fluctuations during the day more than 2-3 degrees),
- intermittent (a combination of short periods of temperature increase and decrease to normal numbers),
- return (alternation of periods of temperature increase with periods of temperature normalization from 2 to 7 days).

On the recommendation of the WHO (World Health Organization), antipyretics are prescribed for children according to age:

from the moment of birth to 2 months at a temperature of +38.0 degrees,
children from 3 months to 24 months at a temperature of +38.5 degrees,
children from 1 to 5 years old at a temperature of +39.0 degrees,
children over 5 years old with indicators of + 39.5- + 40.0 degrees.

On the other hand, the approach to each child should be individual.

If a child

restless or feeling weak,
cannot tolerate muscle pain, headache,
have nausea,
no appetite,

then you must first apply physical methods to improve the well-being of the child :

put to bed – so the body will save strength to fight the infection, calm the child;
drink fractionally with water or sweetened warm herbal tea with chamomile, linden, cranberry juice;
provide access to fresh air;
to feed in the presence of appetite in small portions of warm food (for example, soup, liquid porridge on the water, a light breakfast).

Also, according to the clinical variant of the course of fever, apply additional cooling measures.

With “red” or “pink” fever

the child’s body feels hot to the touch,
skin red or pink, moist,
the child himself does not complain about his well-being, he is active, his appetite does not disappear.

In this case, child needs

undress,
wipe with a towel soaked in water at room temperature,
apply a cool compress to the forehead,
drink water at room temperature
and be sure to call a doctor.

With “white or pale” fever

the limbs and body of the child are cold to the touch,
lips and nail beds become bluish,
pale and dry skin,
there is a violation of well-being: the child is lethargic, delirium is possible.

In this case child needs

warm by rubbing the limbs with hands or using warm water (no other means!),
put on socks,
cover with a blanket
and drink warm tea or water.

The use of antipyretics for such symptoms is ineffective – you need to urgently call a doctor!

An exception is children at risk, who have their temperature reduced above 37.1 degrees. These are children,

with diseases of the nervous system,
convulsions due to fever,
suffering from chronic diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory organs or with hereditary metabolic diseases and other risks (overheating, symptoms of dehydration, etc.).

Febrile convulsions are diagnosed more often in children under 6 years of age with temperatures above +38 degrees, as well as in children with pathology of the nervous system at any temperature. For such children, it is recommended to lower the temperature to febrile levels (not higher than +38.0) or to those values recommended by a neuropathologist.

Usually, against the background of an increase in temperature, the child’s heart rate and respiratory rate increase: the respiratory rate increases by 4 respiratory movements for every degree above +37. 0 degrees, and the pulse rate – by 20 beats per minute for every degree. However, against the background of diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs, such as malformations or cardiac arrhythmias, inadequate increases or slowdowns in heart rate and respiration are possible. Such children, on the recommendation of a cardiologist and pulmonologist, are prescribed antipyretic drugs to febrile numbers (ie, not higher than +38.0 degrees).

Children with hereditary metabolic diseases (diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, disorders in the immune system, and others) and children with imperfect compensatory mechanisms of thermoregulation during fever (these are some children from birth to 2 months) are also prescribed antipyretic drugs on the recommendation of related specialists means to febrile digits.

Overheating – increase in body temperature due to additional exposure to heat

prolonged sun exposure,
use of excess clothing,
excessive wrapping of children).

The danger of overheating is associated with the risk of heat stroke. It manifests itself

not only in elevated temperature,
but also in impaired consciousness, convulsions,
disorders of the heart and breathing.

First aid is to call the ambulance “112”.

Until the doctor arrives

undress the child,
move to a cool place or shade,
supply fresh air or fan (but not cool air!),
apply a cold compress to the forehead,
Wipe the body with cool water or cover with a sheet soaked in cool water.

Antipyretic therapy for children should be prescribed strictly individually, taking into account clinical and anamnestic data.

It is important to know that taking antipyretic drugs does not shorten the duration of the febrile period. At the end of the drug, the temperature rises again.

Antipyretics have a lot of side effects:

allergic reactions,
bleeding,
stomach damage (vomiting, regurgitation),
Reye’s syndrome (against the background of rash, vomiting, psychomotor agitation occurs).

In addition, the decrease in body temperature should not be critical, it is not necessary to achieve normal performance. It is enough to lower the temperature by 1.0 or 1.5 degrees, which will improve the child’s well-being and avoid collapse.

The collapse develops with a critical (rapid and sharp) decrease in temperature for a short time (from 40-41 degrees to 37-36.0 degrees) by 2.5 – 3.0 degrees or more.

The result is

acute cardiovascular insufficiency, accompanied by vasospasm and circulatory disorders.

Child feels

cold or chilly,
severe weakness,
headache,
thirsty,
he has pale skin up to a bluish tint,
sticky sweat,
cold extremities,
insomnia,
shortness of breath up to shallow breathing,
palpitations,
lowering blood pressure,
convulsions,
loss of consciousness.

First aid before the doctor arrives:

put the child in such a way that the head is not raised, and the legs are on the pillow (30-40 cm above the head).
Warm up by covering the child with heating pads,
shelter,
rub limbs with hands,
drink warm sweetened herbal tea, water,
change underwear and bed linen.

It is also important to know that antipyretics should not be used in courses, as this makes it difficult to diagnose a child’s disease. An increase in temperature is often the only manifestation of a violation of the child’s health. Therefore, a doctor’s examination and additional examinations are necessary.

Constipation in children. Prevention. Diet therapy

Medical examination before kindergarten and school

Return to the list weakness, often vomiting), and there are no other complaints. But the parents still start to panic and give the child an antipyretic. We discuss with pediatrician Evgeny Timakov when it is important to pay attention to a high temperature in a child without symptoms of a cold, and when it is not worth it.

– The most important thing to remember is that a child’s temperature is the body’s reaction to some kind of irritant, – says pediatrician Evgeny Timakov . – This may be a reaction of the immune system to viruses and bacteria, the nervous system to overexcitation, a reaction to pain, including during teething. At the same time, by knocking down any temperature with antipyretics, we prevent the immune system from fighting viruses and bacteria and producing antibodies. That is, we weaken the immune system.

The most important thing is to understand why the child has a high temperature and identify the cause. And only a doctor can establish a diagnosis after examining the child. But any increase in temperature in a child requires consultation with a pediatrician, because. inexperienced parents can miss serious processes – from the usual asymptomatic SARS to serious inflammation of the kidneys.

Up to a year and a half

In infants, and in children under 3 years old, the thermoregulation of the body has not yet been established. Therefore, temperature drops in a baby from 36.3 to 37.5 degrees are a variant of the norm, provided that the temperature drops on its own, and nothing bothers the child. But when the temperature rises higher and persists throughout the day, it becomes more serious.

The main causes of fever:

Overheating

Babies should not be wrapped too much, because they still do not know how to sweat, so they quickly overheat. And too high a temperature in the apartment is also bad.

Pediatricians advise keeping the temperature in the apartment no higher than 20 degrees, then the baby will be comfortable. Let your baby drink plain water more often, not just mother’s milk. And do not forget to take air baths from time to time, laying them naked on a diaper – this is both a cooling and hardening procedure at the same time.

Teething

In babies, this period begins at about four months. If the fever is accompanied by whims, screams, anxiety, often profuse salivation, then teeth may begin to erupt. Sometimes children react to teeth with a runny nose and a change in stool (it becomes liquid and watery). It is quite difficult to visually see swollen and reddened gums. This can only be determined by an experienced pediatrician.

A doctor’s consultation is all the more important because these symptoms can also accompany an inflammatory process in the mouth (stomatitis, thrush and just sore throat).

Most often, a high temperature during teething occurs from 6 to 12 months, when the incisors appear, and also at 1.5 years, when the molars erupt. Then the temperature can rise to 39 degrees. On such days, children do not sleep well, often refuse to eat.

The temperature during teething should be brought down depending on the condition of the child. For example, the temperature is not high (around 37.3 degrees), but the child is crying, very naughty, so you need to give painkillers. At the same time, some children calmly react to temperatures and above.

Teething fever can often last from one to seven days. After the tooth comes out, it will go away on its own.

Photo: pexels.com

It is best these days not to overexcite the child, often apply to the chest, hug. Do not turn on loud music, give him more sleep. Be sure to observe the temperature regime (not higher than +20 in the room). Dress your child in loose clothing that does not restrict movement. It is advisable, when the temperature is elevated, to leave the baby without a diaper so that the skin breathes and there is no overheating. And then the temperature will drop without medication.

IMPORTANT!

Kidney disorders

It happens that the temperature lasts longer than a day, is poorly controlled by antipyretics, or rises too quickly after taking medication.

It is especially important if the baby constantly cries monotonously, spits up more than usual, vomits, he is constantly lethargic.

“It is very important to rule out urinary tract infections in asymptomatic infants,” warns pediatrician Yevgeny Timakov. – Especially dangerous is an asymptomatic disorder in the functioning of the kidneys, which is accompanied only by fever. Therefore, first of all, at a temperature, I recommend taking a general urine test, which can tell a doctor a lot.

From 2 to 6 years

Teeth again

A child’s teeth may continue to erupt until 2.5-3 years of age. At the age of about one and a half years, molars begin to break through. They, like fangs, can give an elevated temperature of up to 39 degrees.

What to do, you already know – do not worry, give more to drink, console and often leave naked.

Reaction to vaccination

A child can react to any vaccination with fever, and at any age – both at 6 months and at 6 years. And this is a predictable reaction of the body, which passes within one to four days. In agreement with the pediatrician, you can give the child an antipyretic and antihistamine. The main thing is to drink plenty of water, rubbing with warm water and rest.

“Children react differently to vaccination, some may have a high temperature, some may have a strong reaction at the injection site, and some will not notice the vaccination at all,” Evgeny Timakov warns. – In any case, if you notice a violation in the behavior of the child (whims, lethargy), temperature – be sure to consult a doctor.

Allergies

After one year of age, children are often given different foods, especially tangerines and berries out of season (May and April strawberries), to which he can react with a strong allergic reaction with fever. It could also be an intestinal infection.

As a rule, a few hours after the jump in temperature, the first skin manifestations appear – rashes, swelling, the child itches and acts up. Be sure to remember what food you gave the child last, to which there may be a reaction. To relieve symptoms, you can give a sorbent, an antihistamine. And be sure to see a doctor! Because a temperature reaction along with an allergy can be accompanied by anaphylactic shock.

Photo: Kristina Brazhnikova

After 6 years

A child’s immunity by the age of seven, if he went to kindergarten, as a rule, is already actually formed – he is familiar with most infections, vaccinated. Therefore, an increase in temperature in a child after seven years can be both in the above cases and in acute respiratory viral infections (other symptoms in the form of a runny nose and cough can appear much later, often on the next day), with intestinal viruses, or emotional overstrain and an overabundance of stress. Yes, stress or, conversely, too much joy can also give rise in temperature to 38 degrees.

So the first rule is to calm down. Moreover, both parents and children. And then be sure to determine the causes of temperature.