If the child seems grumpy, tired and dull, a feverish infection could be announced. Some children express abdominal pain and nausea, sometimes associated with vomiting. In others, headaches and aching limbs are prominent. In others, a cough and cold are noticeable, or the child is simply querulous, cold and has no appetite. If the temperature is then taken, one often finds a fever.
Children more often affected by fever than adults
Children suffer from fever significantly more often than adults. In most cases, it is a concomitant, a symptom of a disease, and a protective reaction of the body against the infection. It is often not immediately apparent for what reason a child has had a fever for a day or just a night. High fever, on the other hand, is a clear sign of illness that must be taken seriously. One speaks of fever when the temperature is 38.5 degrees Celsius (°C) or more. In some children, however, temperatures between 38 °C and 38.5 °C already indicate an illness. In the morning, the temperature is usually 0.5 °C lower than in the evening.
Common causes of fever
- Cystitis
- Appendicitis
- Bronchitis
- Meningitis (meningitis)
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract
- Pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Otitis media
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever (mononucleosis)
- Viral infections, such as certain childhood diseases.
What can be done about fever?
In most cases, and especially in children, help heat-relieving compresses, for example, the classic calf wrap. However, care must be taken to maintain a stable circulation. Various fever-reducing medicines are available in pharmacies, even without a doctor’s prescription. For small children, it is advisable to administer the fever-reducing medication in the form of suppositories, juice or also effervescent granules, because tablets cannot yet be swallowed. In this way, the substance can take effect very quickly and the children cannot (so easily) resist the administration of suppositories. Older children, on the other hand, often refuse suppositories. Suppositories can also trigger bowel movements. In that case, it is not certain whether the time the suppository remains in the rectum was sufficient for the active ingredient to be absorbed. Suppositories should be inserted deep into the anus after a bowel movement, if possible. Juices have the advantage that the dose can be well adjusted to the age and body weight of the sick child. Effervescent granules are more suitable for older children. The following applies to all active substances: They are dosed according to age and body weight. For the appropriate dosage information, please refer to the respective package information or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
When to see a doctor if you have a fever?
If a fever lasts longer than 24 hours, you should visit the doctor with your child. In infants, fever may be the only symptom of illness. The severity of the illness causing fever can vary widely. The spectrum ranges from a simple cold, to a dangerous meningitis. Therefore, fever in an infant should always be evaluated by a physician. The pediatrician should also be visited or called without fail if the fever persists for more than a day, the fever does not go down despite suppositories and calf compresses, other signs of illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash, etc. are added, the fever is accompanied by a febrile convulsion, or the child continues to be significantly affected despite effective fever-reducing measures.
10 Fever Situations That Require a Physician’s Attention
However, in the following situations, it may become possible for the fever to go beyond normal and necessitate contact with a physician:
- When the fever begins to damage or endanger the organism (for example, in the case of febrile seizure or dehydration).
- When persistent fever indicates that the organism can not cope with the disease
- If other signs of illness indicate a serious illness.
- Fever occurs in infants, especially before 3 months of age.
- Fever leads to persistent refusal to drink in the child.
- Fever without apparent cause persists for more than three days
- High fever (in children: from 40 degrees Celsius) lasts longer than one day
- Fever persists despite therapy with antibiotics
- Fever leads to persistent fatigue and weakness in the child (so-called “reduced general condition“).
- None of the previous points are present, the parents are nevertheless concerned.
