Child fever
Fever in a child is much more common than in an adult. In most cases, fever occurs in the context of mild infections. These very often include inflammation of the middle ear, recurrent inflammation of the respiratory tract or gastrointestinal infections.
Small children are particularly susceptible, as they come into contact with many pathogenic germs at the daycare center or kindergarten. For the time being, a rise in temperature is not necessarily a cause for concern, as it is a natural protective mechanism of the body to ward off invading pathogens. However, one should observe the process closely.
If the temperature rises despite the administration of antipyretic agents, a pediatrician should be consulted immediately. A possible complication of a high fever increase in infancy is febrile convulsions. The fever leads to seizures in which the children stiffen or stretch their heads, muscle twitches can occur, the children are not responsive and a state of exhaustion and tiredness sets in after the seizure. These seizures usually do not last longer than 15 minutes and do not usually lead to serious consequential damage. They often occur between 6 months and 6 years of age.
Fever during pregnancy
Even during pregnancy, a slight fever is a natural defensive reaction of the body and should not cause concern. In most cases it is a harmless infection with pathogens, often accompanied by symptoms of a cold. However, if the fever rises sharply or if there is severe abdominal pain or vaginal fluid loss, a doctor should be consulted urgently.
These can be various infections in the abdomen, which can provoke premature rupture of the bladder and premature birth and require urgent treatment. It should also be noted that fever should be reduced during pregnancy from 38°C onwards. Household remedies can be used for this purpose, or medicines such as paracetamol. Nevertheless, the doctor should be consulted before any fever reduction.
Can I breastfeed with fever?
Even after birth there are typical infectious diseases that can cause fever, but colds with sore throats and rhinitis or even bronchitis are no reason to stop breastfeeding. If you are afraid that the baby will be infected by breastfeeding, you should bear in mind that symptoms usually appear days later after the infection and the baby has probably already come into contact with the pathogen anyway. In addition, the baby receives antibodies and antibodies that provide additional protection through breast milk.
Furthermore, there is a risk that sudden weaning may promote mastitis due to congested milk ducts, resulting in additional inflammation and weakening of the mother. However, if the physical condition of the mother does not allow breastfeeding, it should be interrupted.If antibiotic therapy is unavoidable, it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding when taking certain antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin, as these do not have a harmful effect on the baby. However, if other antibiotics have to be used, breastfeeding must be interrupted.
