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

08.08.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What can cause a high fever in a 1-year-old child. How to recognize fever symptoms in toddlers. When to seek medical care for a child’s high temperature. What are effective home remedies for reducing fever in young children. How to prevent dehydration during a fever episode.

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Understanding Fever in Young Children

A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) when measured rectally in children under 3 years old. For 1-year-olds, a slightly elevated temperature alone is not necessarily cause for major concern, as fevers are often the body’s natural way of fighting infections. However, it’s important for parents to monitor fever symptoms closely and know when to seek medical attention.

What is considered a high fever for a 1-year-old?

For toddlers around 1 year of age, a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher is typically considered a high fever. At this age, rectal temperatures tend to be the most accurate. Oral temperatures are not reliable for young children. Armpit (axillary) temperatures may read about 1 degree lower than rectal temperatures.

Common Causes of Fever in 1-Year-Olds

There are many potential causes of fever in young children. Some of the most common reasons for high temperature in 1-year-olds include:

Viral infections like colds, flu, or stomach bugs
Bacterial infections such as ear infections or urinary tract infections
Teething
Vaccinations
Overheating from hot weather or excessive bundling
Autoimmune disorders (much less common)

Viral illnesses are the most frequent cause of fevers in toddlers. The fever itself is not harmful, but rather a sign that the child’s immune system is working to fight off the infection.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms in Toddlers

Beyond an elevated temperature, there are several other signs that may indicate your 1-year-old has a fever:

Flushed cheeks
Warm forehead or skin
Sweating
Chills or shivering
Loss of appetite
Irritability or fussiness
Lethargy or decreased activity
Dehydration symptoms like decreased urination

It’s important to note that some toddlers may act completely normal despite having a fever. Others may show obvious signs of discomfort or illness. Monitoring both temperature and behavior is key.

When to Seek Medical Care for a Child’s Fever

While most fevers in 1-year-olds are not serious, there are some situations that warrant prompt medical attention:

Fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Signs of dehydration
Difficulty breathing
Severe headache or stomach pain
Unusual rashes
Seizures
Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness

Additionally, if your child has other chronic health conditions or a weakened immune system, it’s best to consult their doctor even for milder fevers. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice.

Home Remedies for Reducing Fever in Young Children

There are several safe and effective ways to help manage your 1-year-old’s fever at home:

Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
Dress the child in light, breathable clothing
Keep the room temperature comfortable, not too hot or cold
Give a lukewarm sponge bath (avoid cold water)
Offer popsicles or ice chips for hydration and cooling
Allow plenty of rest

Remember that the goal is not to bring the temperature back to normal, but rather to keep the child comfortable. A low-grade fever can actually help the body fight off infections more effectively.

Are fever-reducing medications safe for 1-year-olds?

Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be given to 1-year-olds if recommended by a pediatrician. Always follow dosing instructions carefully based on the child’s weight. Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Preventing Dehydration During a Fever Episode

Dehydration is a common concern when young children have a fever. Here are some tips to ensure proper hydration:

Offer small sips of water frequently
Provide breast milk or formula for nursing babies
Use oral rehydration solutions if recommended by a doctor
Monitor urine output – aim for at least 3-4 wet diapers per day
Watch for signs of dehydration like dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased tears

If you suspect your child is becoming dehydrated despite your efforts, seek medical care promptly.

Fever Prevention and Boosting Immunity in Toddlers

While it’s not always possible to prevent fevers, there are steps you can take to support your 1-year-old’s immune system and reduce the risk of infections:

Ensure proper nutrition with a balanced diet
Encourage adequate sleep and rest
Practice good hand hygiene
Keep vaccinations up to date
Limit exposure to sick individuals when possible
Promote regular physical activity

A strong immune system can help toddlers fight off infections more effectively and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of fevers.

Understanding Febrile Seizures in Young Children

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in some children with high fevers. While frightening for parents, they are generally not harmful and do not indicate epilepsy. About 2-5% of children under age 5 may experience a febrile seizure.

What should you do if your child has a febrile seizure?

If your 1-year-old experiences a seizure during a fever:

Stay calm and place the child on a safe, flat surface
Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
Turn the child on their side to prevent choking
Do not try to restrain the child or put anything in their mouth
Time the duration of the seizure
Seek immediate medical attention if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes

While most febrile seizures are brief and resolve on their own, it’s important to have your child evaluated by a healthcare provider afterward to rule out any underlying conditions.

The Role of Teething in Causing Fevers

Teething is a common occurrence in 1-year-olds and can sometimes be accompanied by a low-grade fever. However, teething alone typically does not cause high fevers above 101°F (38.3°C).

How can you distinguish between teething-related fever and illness?

Look for these signs to determine if a fever might be related to teething:

Mild temperature elevation (less than 101°F)
Drooling and chewing on objects
Swollen or tender gums
Irritability that improves with teething remedies
No other symptoms of illness (like cough or congestion)

If your child has a higher fever or shows signs of illness beyond teething discomfort, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other causes.

The Impact of Vaccinations on Fever in Toddlers

It’s not uncommon for 1-year-olds to develop a low-grade fever after receiving routine vaccinations. This is a normal immune response and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

How should you manage post-vaccination fever?

To help your child feel more comfortable after vaccinations:

Use fever-reducing medication if recommended by your doctor
Apply a cool, damp cloth to the forehead
Offer plenty of fluids
Dress the child in lightweight clothing
Monitor for any unusual symptoms or prolonged fever

If the fever persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

The Relationship Between Fever and Immune System Development

While fevers can be concerning for parents, they play an important role in a child’s developing immune system. Fever is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms against infections.

How does fever help fight infections?

Fever aids the immune response in several ways:

Increases production of white blood cells
Enhances the activity of immune cells
Creates an inhospitable environment for some pathogens
Slows down bacterial replication

By allowing mild to moderate fevers to run their course (under medical supervision), you may be supporting your child’s long-term immune development.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions

There are several common myths about fever in young children that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment:

What are some widespread misconceptions about fever in toddlers?

Myth: Fever itself can cause brain damage.
Fact: Typical fevers (under 107°F/41.7°C) do not cause brain damage.
Myth: All fevers need to be treated with medication.
Fact: Low-grade fevers often don’t require treatment if the child is comfortable.
Myth: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness.
Fact: The child’s overall condition is more important than the exact temperature.
Myth: Bundling up will “sweat out” a fever.
Fact: Overheating can actually raise body temperature further.

Understanding these facts can help parents make more informed decisions about managing their child’s fever.

Long-Term Effects of Recurrent Fevers in Young Children

Most fevers in 1-year-olds are short-lived and have no lasting impact. However, some children may experience recurrent fevers, which can be a sign of underlying health issues.

When should parents be concerned about frequent fevers?

Consider seeking further medical evaluation if your child:

Has more than one fever per month lasting several days
Shows signs of failure to thrive or weight loss
Experiences recurrent infections in the same body area
Has unexplained fevers with no other symptoms
Develops fevers between illness episodes

While rare, conditions like periodic fever syndromes or autoimmune disorders can cause recurrent fevers in young children and may require specialized treatment.

The Psychological Impact of Fever on Parents and Caregivers

Dealing with a feverish child can be stressful for parents and caregivers. It’s important to acknowledge and address these concerns to ensure proper care for both the child and the caregiver.

How can parents manage anxiety related to their child’s fever?

To cope with the stress of caring for a sick child:

Educate yourself about normal fever patterns in toddlers
Establish a clear plan with your pediatrician for managing fevers
Trust your instincts and seek help if you’re genuinely worried
Share caregiving responsibilities with a partner or family member
Practice self-care and stress-reduction techniques
Connect with other parents for support and advice

Remember that most fevers in 1-year-olds resolve without complications, and your calm presence can help your child feel more comfortable during illness.

Fever Management in Different Cultural Contexts

Approaches to managing fever in young children can vary widely across different cultures and regions. While medical best practices should always be followed, it’s important to be aware of cultural beliefs that may influence fever treatment.

How do cultural beliefs impact fever management in toddlers?

Some cultural variations in fever management include:

Use of traditional herbal remedies in some Asian cultures
Preference for “warming” foods during illness in certain Latin American traditions
“Cupping” therapy in some Middle Eastern practices
Emphasis on rest and fasting in some African healing traditions

While respecting cultural practices, it’s crucial to ensure that any fever management approach is safe and evidence-based. Always consult with healthcare providers for guidance on integrating traditional methods with modern medical care.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate management of fever in 1-year-olds can help parents navigate this common childhood experience with confidence. By knowing when to treat at home and when to seek medical attention, caregivers can ensure the best care for their young children during fever episodes. Remember that each child is unique, and personalized advice from a pediatrician is always the best resource for managing your toddler’s health.

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

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Causes, treatments, and when to speak with a doctor

Fever in babies is a common concern that can cause worry among parents and caregivers. Understanding the temperature of fever in babies and what can cause fever can help with knowing how to care for the baby and when to seek medical advice.

A fever most often means that a baby’s body is fighting off an infection. Parents and caregivers may worry when they notice a baby has a fever, although this is a sign of a healthy immune system. However, because newborns have more vulnerable bodies, a fever can signal a serious infection.

This article examines the causes of fever in babies, what it means, and when a parent or caregiver may want to take the baby to a doctor. It also discusses how to care for a baby with a fever.

When taking a baby’s temperature, a rectal thermometer generally gives the most accurate results.

What is fever in babies?

A typical temperature in a child under the age of 12 months is an average of 98.6°F (37°C) when using a rectal thermometer. In the morning, this temperature can be as low as 96.8°F (36°C) and go up to 100.3°F (37.9°C) later in the day. This is a normal range for an infant at this age.

Fever in a child depends on the method of taking the temperature:

above 100.4°F (38°C) using a rectal thermometer
above 100°F (37. 8°C) using an oral thermometer, however, this method is not accurate in infants
above 99°F (37.2°C) using an armpit thermometer

What does fever mean?

By itself, a fever does not necessarily signal a serious illness. If the baby is behaving as they would, they are likely to be fine. However, if a baby under 3 months of age has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, a parent or caregiver should call a doctor.

Additionally, the severity of a fever does not always indicate how unwell a child is at the time. The body temperatures of babies can rise for many reasons other than illness, including extended crying, sitting in the hot sun, or spending time playing. Their temperature may also slightly rise when they are teething. None of these things causes a fever.

A baby’s body is also less able to regulate temperature than an adult body, meaning it can be more difficult for them to cool down during a fever. Their bodies are naturally warmer than an adult’s body because they are more metabolically active, which generates heat.

A fever is a symptom of an illness, not the illness itself. Fever occurs due to the immune system fighting against infections, which can be bacterial or viral. Viral infections are much more common.

Common causes of fevers in babies include:

viral infections, including the common cold, the flu, roseola, or respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus or viral croup
ear infections
pneumonia, which can be viral or bacterial
meningitis, which can be viral or bacterial and is a very serious infection of the brain and spinal cord
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher before the age of 3 months. At this age, any bacterial infection can progress quickly and lead to sepsis, so an infant needs immediate medical care.
A fever after a vaccine that can occur within 12 hours after the shot and lasts for 2–3 days.
Rarely, heat-related illnesses can cause high temperatures in babies. Babies are less effective at controlling their body temperature than adults, making them more vulnerable to very hot weather. Dressing babies in weather-appropriate clothing, keeping them out of the hot sun, and keeping them indoors when the weather is very hot will help regulate their body temperature.
urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection that can sometimes cause fever in babies

Despite common beliefs, teething does not cause a fever.

Fevers are a sign that the baby’s immune system is fighting infection, so the fever itself is not dangerous. What may put the baby at risk is the underlying infection, if it is serious.

Should parents be worried?

Some parents and caregivers may worry that fevers are dangerous. However, except in rare cases, these fevers themselves are rarely serious.

Fevers of up to 105°F (40.5°C) are common in babies and children whose temperatures often get much higher than an adult’s temperature. Where there is a viral infection causing this fever, they may just need to run their course. Some bacterial infections may require treatment with antibiotics, but the fever itself is just a symptom.

Additionally, treating the fever will not make the infection go away. Instead, parents and caregivers should simply carefully monitor the child for signs of complications.

However, a doctor needs to examine babies younger than 3 months for any signs of fever. This is to check for underlying conditions, as certain infections are more common and can be more dangerous in newborns.

Fever complications

Some parents or caregivers may hear about fevers causing brain damage. However, this can only happen if the temperature rises above 107°F (41.6°C), which is very rare. When an infant’s temperature is below this, there is no need to take drastic measures, such as ice baths, to lower the child’s fever.

For 2–5% of children aged between 6 months and 5 years, a fever can cause a seizure, which can be worrying but is not typically harmful. Doctors call them febrile seizures.

Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage or increase a child’s risk of epilepsy. Even long seizures, or those that last longer than 15 minutes, usually have a good outcome. However, prolonged seizures may mean a child is more likely to develop epilepsy.

The biggest risk of febrile seizures is that a child may fall, hit their head, or suffer a similar injury. Therefore, parents and caregivers should monitor children during a seizure to prevent injury and call 911 or emergency services for any seizures in a baby that continue for longer than 5 minutes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents and caregivers make their babies comfortable if they have a fever, rather than focusing on lowering their temperature.

To look after a baby with a fever, parents and caregivers can:

Monitor the baby’s activity level and overall comfort: Babies who seem happy, alert, and comfortable may not need treatment.
Ensure the baby remains well hydrated: Fever increases the risk of dehydration, so parents, caregivers, and nurses should offer milk or formula on demand. Older babies should also drink plenty of water. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend using an electrolyte drink to help with dehydration.
Monitor the baby for signs of dehydration: This can include not urinating as often as usual, sunken eyes, chapped lips, or very dry or pasty-looking skin.
Avoid waking a sleeping baby to administer anti-fever medication: Unless a doctor instructs to do this.
Administer anti-fever medication under a doctor’s supervision: People can give this medication if the infant is in pain or uncomfortable from the fever. The baby’s weight determines the dose, so follow the label instructions carefully. Call a doctor before giving new medication to a baby, especially a sick one.
Help limit the spread of infections: Do not send a sick baby to daycare or take them to places where babies or other vulnerable people may be, as this can spread infections.

Call a doctor or seek medical care if a baby has a fever and one of the following:

The baby is inconsolable, lethargic, or seems very sick.
A fever lasts longer than 24 hours in a baby younger than 2 years old without other symptoms.
The fever rises above 104°F (40°C).
The child still seems sick with medication.
The baby is taking antibiotics but does not seem better within a day or two.
The baby has signs of dehydration, including dry lips or a sunken soft spot on top of their head.
The baby has a weak immune system for a separate reason.
The baby is younger than 3 months old.

Go to the emergency room for a fever if a baby:

is a newborn
has a seizure for the first time
has a seizure that lasts longer than 15 minutes
has a fever rising to 107°F (41.6°C) or higher

A fever in a newborn may be a sign of a serious medical condition. Newborns are more vulnerable to infections, so it is important to take any signs of infection seriously. Call a doctor if a newborn has a fever or other signs of illness.

One concern with newborns is respiratory illness. Newborns breathe more through their noses than older infants and children, so congestion can make breathing appear more difficult. They also have smaller airways.

A lack of oxygen can seriously injure a newborn. If a baby has trouble breathing, call a doctor, even if their fever goes down.

Signs that a newborn is having trouble breathing include:

wheezing or grunting
flaring the nostrils when breathing
white or blue skin, especially around the nail beds or on the mouth or tongue, though this may be harder to detect in infants with darker skin.
pulling in the muscles around the ribs when breathing

If a baby has breathing problems and a fever, a parent or caregiver should take them to the emergency room immediately.

Young children and babies sometimes experience fevers, but this is usually not a cause for concern when infants are behaving as expected.

Parents and carers can use a child’s behavior as a cue. If a baby seems fine but has a fever, the illness is probably a minor one that will soon pass.

Lethargy, excessive crying, and other signs of serious illness are important to address, even if a child’s fever is fairly low. A fever means that the immune system is working hard to fight an infection.

Parents and caregivers do not need to treat the fever itself, but they can comfort the baby and treat the symptoms instead. If they are unsure whether a baby’s symptoms are serious, they should consult with a healthcare professional.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.