Diagnosis
Body temperature can be measured with a clinical thermometer either rectally in the buttocks, or orally in the mouth, armpit or ear. However, rectal measurement is recommended for small children, as it is by far the most accurate. Only in children over the age of 5 years should a measurement be taken by mouth. The measurement in the ear and in the armpit usually deviates by 0.5°C from the actual body temperature and can therefore falsify the true value, which can quickly lead to excessively high temperatures being overlooked, especially in small children.
Therapy of fever in infants
There are two ways to easily help a feverish infant. Firstly, simple, non-drug measures can help to reduce the fever and make the baby feel better. Care should be taken to ensure that the infant is not dressed and covered too warmly during the fever, so that a thin romper suit or a light cotton cloth is usually sufficient.
Nevertheless, it should also be made sure that the little ones do not cool down in the sweaty phase over the damp clothes, so that a regular change of the sweaty clothes is important. The cooling effect of wet calf wraps (cotton cloths with 20°C around the calves of the small child) can also reduce fever. In addition, care should be taken to ensure a sufficient amount of drinking water (breast milk, water) to protect the baby from drying out.
It is important to check the temperature regularly to be able to assess the course of the fever and, if necessary, to consult a pediatrician at the right time. Whether a medical treatment of the fever is necessary and initiated should be decided by the treating pediatrician alone. It is generally not advisable to treat the fever with medication on its own.
The common medications prescribed by the doctor are usually so-called antipyretics, which not only reduce fever but also relieve pain and inflammation (paracetamol, ibuprofen). They are usually administered in a form adapted for small children, such as fever juice or rectal fever suppositories. The administration of ASS/Aspirin® (acetylsalicylic acid) should be avoided at all costs, as this drug – unlike in adults – can trigger the life-threatening Reye’s Syndrome in babies, which is characterized by a serious disease of the liver and brain.
A fever should be lowered in children from 39.0°C (according to some sources from 39.5°C). Sometimes, if a febrile spasm has already occurred, a fever reduction from 38.5°C is recommended. This is not absolutely necessary, since an early fever reduction cannot prevent a further febrile spasm.At lower temperatures, fever reduction is often not necessary, as fever is a natural reaction of the body to an irritant, usually an infection, and can help to fight it.
However, the most important factor is the condition of the child. If a child is already severely restricted when the fever is light, a fever reduction can be performed. The best means to lower fever are antipyretic suppositories or juices that are specifically suitable for children as well as various household remedies.
For example, paracetamol juice (Benuron®) can be used. Alternatively, ibuprofen juices (Nurofen®, Ibuflam®. Iburon®) can be taken.
For the exact application please refer to the package insert, the dosage depends on age and weight. The use of Novalgin® (active ingredient: Metamizol) is not recommended for children! Also Aspirin® (active ingredient: ASS = acetylsalicylic acid) should never be used in children!
It is also important to ensure a sufficient fluid intake (water, tea). The most central and important measure is to react to the temperature needs of the child. If hands and feet become cold or there is chills, the child should be wrapped warm.
If there is a fever plateau (constant temperature) or if the fever drops, heat accumulation should be avoided. For this purpose, the child should not be dressed/covered too warm so that heat can escape. Calf compresses (moist and lukewarm, never wet and ice-cold) may also be used here or alternatively a damp cloth on the forehead.
In addition, care should be taken at all times to ensure that the child drinks enough. Here you can find out everything about the topic: Calf compresses against fever. Other household remedies used are onion juice and onion compresses as well as the preparation of various teas. Especially lime blossom and elderberry blossom teas are considered to be good fever reducers. In case of uncertainties and questions regarding the compatibility with sensitive children and allergies, the pediatrician should always be consulted.
