A child’s high temperature (fever), its causes and how to deal with it

You may have heard that the child’s temperature lies between 36.6 to 37.2 degrees Celsius, but in fact it ranges around this range, up and down, and this is very important for mothers. The fact that its height is harmful to the health of the child, and to know more about the high temperature of the child, you will find this article.

Temperature is one of the vital signs in the human body, and it results from the immune system under the supervision of a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature and prevents it from rising more than the permissible limit.

It is indicated that the child’s temperature rises easily and naturally after doing exercises, hot baths, and wearing warm clothes, but when it rises above the normal limit, attention must be paid and hastened to reduce it. This is to ensure the safety of the child and protect him from the dangers resulting from his high temperature.

Why do children get a fever?

Studies have shown that a child’s high temperature is one of the means of protection developed by the body to help fight germs that cause infection. Most pathogens tend to thrive at normal body temperature.
Children can develop a fever for many reasons, the most common of which are bacterial and viral infections and infections, and there are also many other less common causes.

Common causes of a child’s temperature rise

1. flu.
2. Colds.
3. Sunstrokes.
4. Smallpox.
5. Transfusion.
6. Bacterial infection such as ear infection, sinus infection, and respiratory tract infection.
7. Some autoimmune diseases.
8. teething.

Symptoms associated with a child’s high temperature

1. Feeling tired and general fatigue in the child.
2. The child’s lack of activity and lack of speech other than normal.
3. Loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
4. Headache, a feeling of heat with redness of the skin.
5. Joint pain, laziness in the body with a desire to sleep.
6. Chills, heart palpitations.

Tips you can follow when a child’s temperature rises

1. Place warm water compresses on the child’s forehead and under his armpits.
2. Give the child plenty of fluids and cold water to prevent dehydration.
3. Dress the child in light clothes and cover him with a light blanket to avoid cold.
4. Bathe the baby with lukewarm or warm water to get fresh.

5. Work to reduce the temperature of the house, especially the child’s room; To prevent the temperature from increasing.
6. A child’s temperature can be reduced by using medicines such as paracetamol if he is over two years old, but you should consult a doctor if he is less than 6 months old.

temperature measurement methods

The child’s temperature is measured using a thermometer, which can be placed in the mouth, rectum, or under the armpit.

When should you visit the doctor?

1. If your baby’s temperature is higher than 40 degrees Celsius, or more than 38 degrees, and he is less than three months old.
2. If the child’s fever persists for more than 72 hours, or more than 24 hours if the child is under the age of two.
3. If he has chronic medical problems such as heart disease and cancer.
4. When he suffers from frequent vomiting and permanent diarrhea.
5. If he has other symptoms besides a high fever, such as: severe sore throat, ear pain, stiff neck, rash, or severe headache.
6. If he refuses fluids or what enables him to stay hydrated.
7. When he appears very ill, upset, or unresponsive.
8. When the baby keeps crying and you can’t calm him down.

Risks resulting from a child’s high temperature

• Damage to the cells of the nervous system.
• Loss of consciousness and coma if the child’s temperature remains high.
• Redness and dryness of the eye and an increase in the urge to itch.
• Hearing impairment and ear disorders.
• Increased blood viscosity, and elevated heart rate.

Sources

• Lisa M. Asta (2019) Should you take your child to the doctor for a fever?, Available at: https://www.webmd.com/children/qa/when-should-you-call-the-doctor-about -your-children-fever (Accessed: 8/20/2020).
• Natalie Silver (2019) How to Safely Bring Down a Fever in a Baby, Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-bring-down-baby-fever#treatment (Accessed: 20 /8/2020).
• Lisa M. Asta (2019) What to Do When Your Kid Has a Fever, Available at: https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/treat-fever-young-children#1-2 (Accessed: 20/ 8/2020).
• Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE (2020) Fever in Children , Available at: https://patient.info/childrens-health/fever-in-children-high-temperature (Accessed: 20/8/2020).