Fever in Children

Body temperature fluctuates during the day. Therefore, a temperature rise is not synonymous with fever. On average, the temperature of an adult is around 37ºC when taken orally, and 37.5ºC when taken rectally. Since children’s metabolism is higher than that of adults, their normal temperature is also higher and varies easily.

When microbes attack, our white blood cells counterattack by secreting substances, which act in part upon the brain. This is followed by a rise of body temperature, also known as fever. Fever is a normal defence mechanism. Nevertheless, when it exceeds 38.5ºC it must be treated.

How to measure body temperature?

There are many types of thermometers on the market. Electronic models are better than traditional models as their use is simpler and they allow for an easier reading of temperature. They are also more sturdy and less harmful for the environment than those in glass containing mercury.

Temperature can be taken by mouth, rectum, armpit or ear.

When the technique is well mastered, temperature taken in the ear of children 2 years old and over is reliable and precise. To take temperature by the ear, you need a special thermometer. It is essential that the thermometer be correctly placed in the ear canal of the child to obtain exact results.

When taken by mouth, the result can be altered by eating or drinking hot or cold food or beverage. A 10 minute waiting period is recommended after eating of drinking, before taking the temperature with this method.

Whatever thermometer you use, it is preferable to use a protective tip and to wash it carefully with soap and water after each use. These measures prevent contamination.

The chart below indicates the normal temperature values compared with fever, taking into account the method used.

Best methods to use when taking children’s temperature, depending on their age:

Treating fever

When the body temperature is below 38.5ºC, it is not necessary to treat the fever. At this stage, it is not dangerous for the child and taking a medication would be useless.

Here are a few tricks to lower a child’s body temperature and increase his or her comfort without drugs:

• Keep the child in bed and let him/her rest.
• Dress the child lightly making sure he/she does not shiver.
• Encourage the child to drink a lot of liquid to avoid dehydration.
• Maintain the bedroom temperature between 20ºC and 21ºC and remove a few blankets from the bed.
• Avoid bathing, electric fans, rubbing alcohol or anything that can induce shivering and increase the child’s body temperature.

If body temperature is above 38.5ºC and a drug must be administered to lower it, ask the pharmacist to calculate the exact dosage the child must take according to his/her weight. Packaging information gives dosage according children’s age without considering their weight. The pharmacist can advise you.

Acetaminophen is the first choice to lower the temperature. Ibuprofen can also be used. On the other hand, ASA must be avoided for children younger than 18 since it can increase the risk to develop the Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.

When to consult a physician?

• If the feverish child is less than 3 months old (except if he/she has just been vaccinated).
• If body temperature has exceeded 39ºC for more than 48 hours, despite drug intake in appropriate dosage.
• If, in addition to fever, the child complains about neck stiffness or headache that do not improve after taking a drug in an appropriate dosage.
• If the child’s health deteriorates or if new symptoms appear.
• If the fever causes convulsions, confusion or delirium.

For more information, don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience to the viewer. PROXIM accepts no responsibility for the content of linked sites.