Fever is an immune response of the body to bacterial or viral infections or other external agents such as stress. It is not a disease in itself, but rather it is a defense mechanism with a higher incidence in autumn and winter due to the increase in colds and flu. In most cases, the fever is mild and does not pose any risks on its own. In fact, a higher fever does not necessarily indicate a greater severity of otitis, pharyngitis or any other ongoing infection.
Pediatric specialists agree that it is more important to pay attention to the child's general condition than to try to lower the thermometer numbers at all costs. Below, we explain the most common symptoms and the most effective treatments to reduce fever.
The main symptoms of fever are red or hot skin to the touch, excessive sweating at rest, rapid breathing, drowsiness or those typical of a cold. It is also important to observe the child's mood; If a child who eats well has a lack of appetite or is an active child who has stopped playing, it is likely that she has a fever.
To check if a child has a fever or not, you need to take his or her temperature. There are two types of thermometers, those with a thin and elongated tip that can be placed under the armpit or in the mouth, and others with a short, rounded tip to take rectal temperatures. Between 37 and 38 degrees, it will be considered a low-grade fever and, above 38, it will be a fever.
As has been said, more than due to the magnitude of the fever, it is essential to act when it causes pain or discomfort to children. However, you should try to keep it below 39.5 to 40 degrees. Parents cannot make the fever go away, but they can alleviate it with a series of measures.
It should be emphasized that the objective of these remedies is not to cure or shorten the infection, but rather to help the patient feel better. However, if the child is less than 3 months old or the fever exceeds 40 degrees, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
There are other possible complications of fever to which parents should remain alert and, if these symptoms appear, go to an emergency doctor. These are febrile convulsions, vomiting, crying, delirium, a stiff neck, dark spots on the skin, breathing difficulties or if the child suffers from a serious illness.
