Introduction
Fever is one of the most common reasons to present a baby or child to a pediatrician. Many causes can be responsible for a fever in children. Heavy fluid loss, infections, chronic diseases and many other illnesses can manifest themselves with fever before other symptoms become noticeable.
As fever on the one hand severely impairs the general condition and circulation and on the other hand can cause febrile convulsions, fever above 39.5°C should be reduced in practically every case. At home, tablets or fever suppositories can be used for this purpose, depending on childhood and preferences. Fever suppositories offer the advantage that they can also be used for babies and vomiting.
Indications for fever suppositories
Fever suppositories can be used to lower the body temperature in cases of fever without a clear cause and in cases of fever in the context of a known illness. Among the most important triggers of fever and thus the most frequent indications for fever suppositories are colds as well as infections of the bronchi, the gastrointestinal tract or the urinary tract. In rare cases, diabetes mellitus, which occurs for the first time, as well as various autoimmune diseases in which the immune system overreacts and causes fever, can also make it necessary to lower the body temperature. Fever suppositories also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why they also relieve symptoms such as sore throat or headaches in the case of infections.
Which fever suppositories are available?
In Germany, fever suppositories containing the active ingredients paracetamol or ibuprofen are mainly sold. Both drugs are well suited for children and babies, although ibuprofen must not be used in babies under 6 months of age. In addition to the active ingredient, the dosage of the same is decisive in choosing the right preparation, because the dose of fever suppositories in children depends on body weight. Depending on the active substance, preparations with 60 – 250 mg are available. Fever suppositories are produced by many companies and sold in pharmacies – accordingly, there is a choice of preparations from various manufacturers.
