Fever in Your Child and What Does It Mean?
Fever occurs because the internal “thermostat” the body has is raised above the normal level. Normal level for body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Regulated by the hypothalamus, it sends messages to your body to keep your temperature at a normal level. Most children’s temperature may vary throughout the day being a little lower in the morning, a little higher at night and changing according to what your child is doing.
How do you know when your child has a temperature? If the forehead feels warm and they are flushed and sweaty, it’s a good sign the temperature might be raised. Most fevers don’t cause any harm and are a good sign the body is fighting off an infection. However, high fevers can create problems, especially dehydration. Signs of dehydration are dry lips and tongue, decrease in urination, and reduced activity level.
Fever itself is just a sign there is an underlying problem in your child’s body. Fever helps fight infections and stimulates the body’s natural defense mechanism. Infections are a primary cause of a fever, but there are other reasons for a high temperature. For newborns, if they have on too many clothes in an already warm environment, that could result in a fever. Infant’s bodies aren’t equipped to regulate their body temperatures. Teething or immunization shots can also be causes for a slight fever.
If your child’s temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s probably caused by something other than teething or immunization.
The time to worry about a fever is when it is over 102 degrees unless it’s in a young infant. An older child will let you know by the activity they are doing if they are seriously ill. In young infants, however, it could be a sign of a serious infection.
The guidelines to use in an older child with a fever are:
- They are still interested in playing.
- If they have a normal skin color.
- If they are still eating and especially drinking well.
- If they are alert and smiling at you.
- If they look healthy when their temperature comes down.
- It isn’t unusual for a child with a fever to not want to eat. This is common, especially with infections.
Sometimes you can tell if your child has a temperature by simply laying your hand on their forehead. This isn’t a true method, but is the age-old way of mothers to see if their child is feverish. Use a reliable thermometer to find out your child’s temperature. Here are some guidelines to what a high fever would be by various methods of taking the temperature. If it is higher than 100.4 taken rectally, 99.5 taken by mouth, and 99 degrees if taken under the arm, then it’s considered to be a fever. It’s a quick and easy way to find out if your child is running a temperature.
Digital ear thermometers are not recommended for children under three months old.
Although not always the easies method, the digital thermometer is often the quickest and most accurate way to find out what your child’s temperature is. It can be used in the armpit, rectum, and in the mouth. Most have a beep or some signal to let you know when the temperature reading is complete.
Taking Your Child’s Temperature
How do you take a rectal temperature? It is a simple process; lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a lubricating jelly (you may want to check with your doctor for what he recommends), lay the child across your lap on their tummy. Support the head if you do that, or you can lay the child down on a firm, flat surface. Insert the lubricated thermometer in the anal opening between one half to one inch into the rectum. Stop if you feel any resistance at all. Cup your hand around your baby’s bottom and steady the thermometer in place.
For an older child who can be cooperative, taking their temperature by mouth is best. Wait at least 30 minutes after your child has eaten or had something to drink. Be sure the mouth is empty, place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue, and ask your child to close their lips around it. The thermometer will beep when temperature is registered.
Taking your child’s temperature under the arm is great for a child who is sleeping or can’t hold a thermometer is their mouth. Place the thermometer under the arm and fold the arm across the chest to hold it in place. It should only be touching skin. The beep will tell you when the temperature is recorded. This method is not as accurate as the rectal or oral method.
Don’t panic if your child develops a temperature, watch them, and monitor their temperature. If it rises above what is listed as satisfactory, consult a doctor or take your child to the emergency room.
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