Baby fever

Introduction

Fever occurs frequently in children and is caused by infections, but also by stress stimuli such as “teething” etc. The normal body temperature of an infant is between 36.5 and 37.5°C. The smaller the children, the higher the body temperature.

Normally one does not speak of a fever in a baby if it is less than 37.7°C in the morning or 38.2°C in the evening. In paediatrics, “elevated temperature” is defined as temperatures up to 38.3°C. The standard value is slightly dependent on age and time of day: Thus, babies can also have temperatures of up to 37.8 degrees C in the afternoon or evening without being immediately ill.

The fever occurs from a temperature above 38.3°C and goes by definition up to 39. 8°C. Above this body temperature one speaks of high fever.

General information about fever in babies

Many parents are afraid that their children will get fever. They fear above all permanent damage or, for example, a febrile convulsion. In most cases, fever is harmless and a natural, sensible reaction of the body to invading pathogens.

Some chemical reactions can take place more quickly at higher temperatures. Some viruses and bacteria are significantly inhibited in their growth already at temperatures above 38.5°C. Adults and larger children suffer from fever much more than small children.

Many of them still feel surprisingly well despite temperatures up to 40°C. A fever reduction is prescribed by doctors if the affected child has additional complaints such as whining, difficulty falling asleep and sleeping through, pain, not wanting to or unable to drink (especially in small children). Fever up to 41°C leaves permanent damage in the body only if there are other pre-existing conditions that complicate the situation. These include heart defects, epileptic spasms or rare metabolic diseases.

Diagnosis of fever in the baby

The only reliable method is rectal measurement, i.e. in the buttocks. Although all other methods are not much less accurate, the rectal method is preferred by pediatricians because it also provides more accurate readings in the event of any inflammation inside the body. The simple measurement in the ear by means of an ear thermometer is usually only used for orientation and requires correct handling.

A baby in the first 6 weeks of life must be presented to a pediatrician immediately if the temperature rises above 37.8°C in the afternoon. It would also be sufficient if the baby behaves significantly different than usual. By the fourth month of life, the baby should be presented to a doctor if the temperature is permanently above 38. 5°C. After that it is not the level of fever but the child’s symptoms that are decisive.