How to bring down a child's temperature at night. How to quickly and effectively reduce fever at home in children. Find the cause of the temperature
A constant companion of any infectious disease is an increase in the body. And despite the fact that this is a standard reaction of the body, many parents do not know what to do in this case. They wonder when and if the child should do this at all. In this article we will discuss this issue that worries many parents, as well as the reasons why this happens, the main symptoms, how to shoot down correctly and other useful information.
General information
Body temperature- this is an indicator of the thermal state of the body, which reflects the relationship between the production of heat by our entire body and its heat exchange with the external environment. Normal body temperature varies between 36.5° and 37.2°. Anything above or below these values is considered a deviation from the normal state. An increase in body temperature is a signal from the body that something is wrong with it. Most often, this means that the process of fighting some kind of disease has started. This is a natural protective reaction, which, by connecting various biochemical reactions, destroys foreign microorganisms. It is divided into several subspecies due to the degree of its increase:
- subfebrile - 37-38 degrees;
- febrile - 38-39 degrees.
- pyretic - 39-41 degrees;
- hyperpyretic - more than 41 degrees.
- The normal indicator is from 35 to 37 degrees (it can fluctuate within these limits depending on gender, age, moment of measurement, individual characteristics, etc.).
- Hyperthermia - body temperature above 37 degrees.
- Fever is a high body temperature that preserves the body's heat regulation processes, in contrast to low body temperature.
Did you know? Temperature fluctuations in children are absolutely normal. It becomes more stable in girls at the age of 13-14, and in boys only at the age of 18.
An increase in body temperature is always accompanied by certain symptoms, and the higher it is, the more these symptoms will manifest themselves:
- general malaise;
- body aches;
- muscle pain;
- headache;
- chills;
- pain in the eyes;
- increased sweating;
- convulsions;
- dizziness;
- heart failure and difficulty breathing;
- delusions and hallucinations.
Causes of fever in children
Let's figure out why the temperature increases. First, foreign bacteria and viruses enter the body through the respiratory tract or other sources. As soon as their entry is detected, our brain sends a signal to all internal organs to produce special proteins - pyrogens. The presence of such substances in the body triggers the process of increasing temperature.
As soon as this happens, other substances are sent to fight the uninvited guests - these are the protein interferon and antibodies. - the main fighter against unnecessary microorganisms. And here there is a direct relationship: body temperature becomes higher, and more of the necessary protein will be produced.
Important! The peak of interferon occurs at a temperature of 38 to 39 degrees, and these are the conditions that are most effective.
When we artificially reduce it, the production of interferon decreases, and antibodies begin to play the main role. They also successfully defeat the infection, but they do not do it as quickly as interferon, so the recovery process is significantly delayed.
But the body can malfunction, especially for children whose immune systems are not yet as stable as those of adults. And in this case, the temperature may approach dangerous levels for the child - from 39.5° to 41°.
When is it necessary to bring down a child's fever?
Let's consider what temperature should be brought down for a child. If we analyze all of the above and turn to the opinion of the majority of doctors, we can conclude that temperature readings of up to 38.5 degrees are the norm for an infectious disease, and you should not bring it down.
After all, such a reaction of the body only means that the immune system is working well. If you reduce the elevated thermometer readings using special measures, this will weaken the protection and may affect the course of further recovery.
Important! Modern doctors prohibit parents from lowering their body temperature to below 38.5° . The exception is those cases if the temperature is 38 degreesin a child up to, then doctors recommend lowering it.
The exception is children with any neurological seizures or sensitivity to weather changes. In such cases, it is recommended to apply measures at a temperature of 37.5 degrees. Also, if your child feels very unwell, suffers from severe muscle pain or headaches, then in such cases it is also better to resort to lowering the indicators, but before that it is better to first consult with a specialist.
If you do not know to what level to lower the temperature, then keep in mind that there is no clear temperature standard; it ranges from 36 to 37 degrees for each child, depending on age. For example, in infants this figure is usually closer to 37 degrees, and in older children it is already lower. But all this is individual, and the 36.6° standard is usually not met in practice.
How to properly reduce readings if you can’t use medications
If you see that your sick child’s temperature reaches 39 degrees, and medications are contraindicated for him for some reason, then you can try to bring it down without them.
First, let's explain the processes that occur in us and affect body temperature indicators.
The human body produces heat itself, so if your baby has an elevated temperature, it is necessary to reduce its production. To do this, do not let your little one move a lot, eat heavily and drink hot drinks. It is better to provide him with a recumbent regime, light and cool drinks.
Another important process is heat transfer. Here everything is the other way around, it needs to be increased. Cool air in the room, about 18 degrees, will help with this. At the same time, the child should not freeze; it is enough if he inhales such air. You will also need active sweating; drinking plenty of fluids will help with this.
Important! In order to cause an increase in sweating, first saturate the child’s body with liquid (water, compote), and only then give diaphoretics, such as raspberry tea or decoctions of special herbs.
Thus, by reducing heat production and increasing its output, you can naturally reduce the thermometer readings.
As for non-drug first aid, in case you don’t have any in the house or you don’t want to resort to medications yet, you can use water wipes. However, do not use cold water for this, and do not apply ice or other cold objects. But with this method you will only achieve cooling of the skin itself, but inside the body the temperature not only will not decrease, but will also increase! This occurs due to spasm of skin vessels, which close and do not give off heat for some time. Naturally, such events will only worsen the child’s well-being.
There is another method of wiping, which is used only for adults, but is not recommended for children - wiping with alcohol or vinegar. Physically, this method is quite effective, because sweat with alcohol or vinegar vapor evaporates faster and thus takes away some of the heat. But through the child’s delicate and thin skin, these substances quickly penetrate into the blood, poisoning his body. Here, the younger the child, the faster harmful substances accumulate in his blood. Therefore, use only water for wiping.
Important! The water for wiping should be slightly cooler than the body (about 32-34 degrees), this will be enough to gradually lower the thermometer readings.
What can you do to lower your temperature and what should you avoid?
If the above methods do not help and the child’s temperature does not decrease, then parents need to know how to treat in such cases.
Today there are two substances, the use of which is approved by doctors all over the world as an independent treatment for high fever in a child. These substances are included in a variety of drugs, but they have international names - these are ibuprofen. At the pharmacy, ask for the active ingredient, which will tell you whether to take this antipyretic drug. Medicines based on these two substances are effective and safe and combine well with each other. But, naturally, all these positive properties will occur if the prescribed dose and rules of administration are observed.
Often, in the search for effective antipyretics, you can purchase the wrong drugs and use them without knowing about their dangers. These drugs include aspirin and analgin. The first is dangerous specifically for children in case of illness. It has been confirmed that aspirin can cause acute fatty liver degeneration in a child. This sometimes leads to irreparable damage to liver cells and, in many cases, death. By the way, the age when it is unsafe to take aspirin extends up to 18 years.
Another drug, analgin, is often used by emergency doctors in critical conditions. But doctors strongly advise against using it yourself. After all, this medicine has a whole bunch of undesirable effects that are especially dangerous for a child. Analgin can cause the most harm to the circulatory system.
Important! The interval between doses of antipyretic drugs should be at least 4 hours, and they can only be given 4 times a day.
So, let’s draw a line and remind you once again that only two drugs are suitable for independently lowering body temperature - Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (or drugs based on them), the rest can only be used by experienced specialists.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
The famous doctor Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky has established himself as a competent pediatrician who gives practical advice and helps many parents get answers to pressing questions for them. Let's find out what Komarovsky thinks about the child's high temperature.
Evgeniy Olegovich believes that each child is individual in his own way, and it is impossible to determine for all children the thermometer indicator at which the necessary measures need to be taken. Some people feel fine even at 39 degrees, but others feel bad even at 37.5 degrees. Therefore, he recommends monitoring the child’s condition and, if he is not feeling well at all, he needs to lower the temperature until the doctor arrives. For these purposes, Komarovsky adheres to the same views that we have already mentioned above, that is:
- Provide cool air in the room (the baby himself should be dressed in warm, dry clothes).
- Give plenty of fluids to drink for better sweating. For these purposes, Komarovsky advises giving a decoction of raisins or compote of dried fruits. He does not recommend giving raspberry tea, which is often used by people, at all, and for older children only as an additional drink. The fact is that raspberries cause too much sweating, and then dehydration.
- Komarovsky does not consider a fan, vinegar, alcohol, cold water, ice and other folk methods to be effective, and in some cases even dangerous.
Did you know? In the winter of 1994, a unique case was recorded in Canada. A little girl who had been in the cold for 6 hours had a body temperature of only 14.2 degrees. Fortunately, she was saved.
He considers it advisable to take an antipyretic in the following cases:
- the child is feeling very unwell;
- the presence of any pathologies of the nervous system that can cause seizures;
- The thermometer readings are above 39 degrees.
These are the main points on how to properly lower a child’s temperature at home and what activities can only make things worse. Always seek help from specialists and do not treat your child on your own. We wish your families health!
We would like our children to avoid illness during the holidays, but, unfortunately, this does not always happen. In addition, it can be difficult to quickly get medical help during the New Year holidays. Therefore, just in case, we remind parents of the rules for handling high fever in a child. When should it be reduced and what means should be preferred?
High temperature: good or bad?
When a child’s body temperature rises, loving relatives, as a rule, try to reduce it as quickly as possible. Is this correct? As body temperature rises, the activity of the body's protective properties also increases, blood flow increases, and tissue repair processes accelerate. By lowering your body temperature, you will simultaneously suppress your overall response to infection. In addition, it should be taken into account that an increase in body temperature above 37 °C creates unfavorable conditions for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. Thus, an increase in body temperature (up to 38.5 °C) helps the body fight infection, and it is not advisable to reduce such body temperature.
However, in certain situations, an increase in body temperature can have undesirable consequences. So, if your child has previously had seizures, they may recur as the body temperature rises. If your child has a severe heart condition (such as congenital heart disease), lung disease, or kidney disease, the added stress of a high body temperature can cause these organs to rapidly deteriorate. Parents of each child with any special needs should discuss in advance with the doctor what to do if the child’s body temperature increases.
It’s another matter when a child’s body temperature rises above 39 °C, that is, it develops hyperthermia. This is accompanied by unfavorable disturbances in the functioning of the body. Denaturation of proteins occurs, the activity of many enzyme systems is disrupted, changes occur in the blood coagulation system, blood flow is disrupted, the immune system suffers, severe disorders of the central nervous system develop, and the activity of internal organs is grossly disrupted. Of course, these changes are not adaptive in nature. In such cases, body temperature should be actively lowered.
What temperature should I lower?
The degree of increase in body temperature does not always correspond to the severity of the disease. Thus, with an acute respiratory viral infection, the body temperature can rise to 40 °C, but the child feels well. And in case of pneumonia, especially in a weakened child, the body temperature may not exceed 38 °C. For any increase in body temperature in a child, you should call a doctor, since tactics for elevated body temperature may be different. However, if a child’s body temperature exceeds 38.5 °C, in any case, you should try to reduce it before the doctor arrives.
If a child has a fever, parents, trying to help, often put the child to bed, turn on the heater and cover him with a heap of blankets, thereby complicating heat transfer. In such a situation, on the contrary, it is necessary to create conditions for improving heat loss. For this purpose, it is necessary to normalize the temperature in the room (ventilate) and give the child plenty of water. Decoctions of some plants have antipyretic properties: lingonberry, cornflower, cranberry, linden, raspberry, chamomile, string, coltsfoot. This will improve the child's sweating. If necessary, quickly reduce the child’s high body temperature, use physical cooling methods.
Physical methods of reducing temperature: how to do it right
To do this, at a room temperature of 20-21 °C, you can undress the child and leave it open for 10-15 minutes, or even better, direct a warm air stream from the fan onto it. You can place a napkin moistened with cool water on the child’s hot forehead and change it as it warms up.
A more intense effect is rubdown. The child’s arms, legs and torso are wiped with warm (30-31 °C) water and left open or covered with a thin diaper or sheet. Rubbing the skin improves blood flow, and when moisture evaporates, body temperature decreases by 1-1.5 °C, to a level that is safe for the child’s body.
Traditionally, as a possible cooling option, it was previously widely used (and some are still used today) vodka-vinegar rubdown, when a mixture was used to rub the child (1 tablespoon of vodka, 1 tablespoon of table vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water). To keep the mixture warm, it was diluted in a preheated plate. Vodka and vinegar quickly evaporate from the child’s body, which leads to a decrease in body temperature.
The negative side of wiping at a temperature is the appearance of a sharp irritating odor, which is poorly tolerated by children and can cause spasm of the respiratory tract. In addition, the components of the mixture can be absorbed through the skin and increase intoxication. Comparative studies conducted at one time showed that the effectiveness of water rubdowns is no lower than vodka-vinegar rubdowns, but water rubdowns are devoid of negative effects and can be repeated many times. Therefore, nowadays preference is given to warm water rubdowns. The decrease in body temperature after an air bath or rubbing the child does not last long, but after 1-1.5 hours the procedure can be repeated.
But I would like to emphasize that the use of the listed physical methods of cooling a child is possible provided that the child has a fever: his forehead, arms and legs are hot to the touch. You can undress him in a warm room, blow him with warm air, and wipe him with warm water. Otherwise, exposing the surface of the child’s body to cold will cause contraction of the superficial blood vessels and make heat transfer extremely difficult. At the same time, the child’s skin turns pale, acquires a marble tint, becomes covered with “goosebumps”, the child’s hands and feet become cold, and chills appear.
A similar type of increase in body temperature can also develop with severe diseases: pneumonia. In such cases, lowering body temperature should begin with warming the child in order to eliminate spasm of skin blood vessels. Without this, it is impossible to increase heat transfer. The child is placed in a warm bed and a heating pad is applied to his feet. And only after the child’s skin warms up, turns pink and the chills stop, you can begin cooling procedures.
How to take antipyretics correctly
Medicinal cooling methods usually combined with physical ones. Depending on the nature of the disease, different means are used to lower body temperature: anti-inflammatory, sedative, vasodilator drugs. The choice of adequate treatment is made by the doctor, but you will not harm the child if you give an antipyretic drug before the doctor’s examination. The choice of such drugs is quite large, but paracetamol is considered the first choice drug.
Compared to other drugs of the same group (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), paracetamol has quite pronounced antipyretic and analgesic properties, but the least side effects (stomach irritation, bleeding). The antipyretic effect of paracetamol at fever manifests itself quite quickly (after 30 minutes) and lasts for 3-4 hours. A decrease in body temperature is usually accompanied by profuse sweating, weakness, and the child often falls asleep. An alternative antipyretic drug is ibuprofen. Its antipyretic effect appears later - after 1-1.5 hours, but also lasts longer - up to 6-8 hours. The dosages of drugs and the frequency of their administration are usually indicated on the packages.
The use of aspirin in children is undesirable due to its possible damaging effects on the liver and blood.
Some useful to know rules of antipyretic therapy:
- antipyretics are not prescribed as planned just in case, but are given to children only when the child’s body temperature has already increased excessively;
- during periods of high fever, it is necessary to measure the child’s body temperature after 3 hours;
- antipyretics are not prescribed on an empty stomach; it is necessary for the child to eat something or first drink an antacid drug (for example, Maalox);
- If, after taking the medicine, the child’s body temperature rises again before it is possible to give the medicine again, you should not give an antipyretic drug of the same group (Nurofen, etc.). This will dramatically increase the likelihood of drug complications;
- In order to reduce high body temperature in the intervals between medications, physical cooling methods are used.
If the temperature is very high
Body temperature should be reduced in a special way during hyperthermia. An increase in body temperature above 39-40 °C is an inadequate response of the body to infection, associated with overexcitation of the thermoregulation center of the brain. And hyperthermia should be combated using not only antipyretics, but also drugs that reduce the excitability of this center. Therefore, in cases where the child is flushed and hot to the touch (red-type hyperthermia), along with cooling procedures and paracetamol, he is given sedatives.
In some cases, hyperthermia occurs with chills, pale skin, cold hands and feet - “white type” hyperthermia. In situations where, during hyperthermia, there are the above signs of spasm of superficial vessels, along with an antipyretic drug, drugs that relieve spasms (for example, no-shpu) are prescribed. Naturally, in such cases, cooling procedures cannot be carried out until the child’s chills stop and his skin becomes warm.
During the neonatal period, a child's body temperature is slightly higher than that of adults. In the armpits it ranges from 37–37.4 degrees. For a one-year-old baby, the temperature can vary from 36 to 37 degrees, but often by this age the temperature is set within the usual range - 36.6 degrees.
After a year, a child’s temperature is considered high from 38 degrees. In some cases it can reach 39.9 degrees. A temperature in the range of 37.1–37.9 is elevated and, as a rule, does not go down. At least with the help of medications.
Before lowering a child’s temperature, it is necessary to carefully examine his condition. Fever is usually a symptom of a viral disease. In this case, a temperature of 37–38 degrees is even useful, as it prevents the further development of the pathogen. This temperature should not be reduced. But you can alleviate the child’s condition by giving him plenty of fluids.
However, if the child has previously been observed or the baby suffers from neurological ailments, diseases of the circulatory and respiratory organs, he needs to be given an antipyretic even with a slight increase in temperature - from 37 degrees.
A temperature above 38 degrees must be brought down in any case, especially if it is accompanied by chills, muscle pain, and pale skin (even cyanosis).
Ways to lower the temperature
First, you should try to lower your child’s temperature using folk remedies. First of all, it needs drink constantly . There is no need to give your child hot tea - boiling water will only increase sweating, and, therefore, fluid loss. The best option is to drink warmly, approximately 35–40 degrees. The baby should be latched to the breast frequently and given water from a spoon. If he refuses both feeding and drinking, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Folk remedies will help lower a child’s temperature compresses . For them you need to take warm water and a little apple cider vinegar. It is necessary to make a solution (1:20) and wipe the face, armpits, groin folds, and the bends of the arms and legs for half an hour. You can also moisten a sheet with the solution, wrap a child over 12 years old in it, cover it with a blanket and leave for 10 minutes. Change the compress three times.
Naturally, it is possible to bring down a child’s high fever only with the help of pharmacology. Most safe antipyretic drugs for children, those containing ibuprofen and paracetamol. The first is more effective and provides a long-lasting antipyretic effect. The second is indicated for young children who are not allergic to it.
Babies who do not yet know how to swallow solid food can be given special syrups. They begin to act approximately half an hour after taking, but provide a longer lasting effect.
Children under 15 years of age are contraindicated in taking amidopyrine, antipyrine and phenacetin due to their toxicity. As for aspirin and analgin, they disrupt the process of hematopoiesis and can cause a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock.
Prohibited practices at fever
If you decide to combine medicinal antipyretic drugs and folk remedies, you need to do it wisely. You should not act on the principle: “more is better.” On the contrary, abuse of medications and compresses can lead to the opposite effect.
For example, you should not wipe your child with cold water or ice, as the body may react with a new increase in temperature. You should also not bathe or pour hot water over the patient - it can cause heat stroke.
In order not to overheat the child, you should not wrap him up. The exception is chills, when the patient is very cold. Then it makes sense to give him warm tea and cover him with a blanket.
There is no need to insist on bed rest if the child does not need it. A grown-up child - from three years old - is able to determine his own well-being. If his temperature is elevated - 37.1-37.5 degrees, he is quite capable of playing and even walking. In this case, there is no need to push the child under the blanket and apply compresses.
Do not wipe your child with alcohol, although the ether, evaporating, cools the skin. But it is the skin, not the body from the inside. So after alcohol or vodka compresses, you can easily be deceived by determining the temperature by touch. In addition, inhaling alcohol vapors is harmful to a child.
And, most importantly, do not combine several medications at the same time, for example, syrup and tablets, and do not give them again if the temperature does not rise again. If you ignore this warning, there is a high risk of overdose and poisoning.
What to do for mothers of babies
You need to know that a really high temperature in a child under six months is a symptom of a serious illness. Measures must be taken already at 37.5 degrees, otherwise it will be very difficult to reduce the fever later.
To begin with provide the baby with peace – put him to bed, eliminate extraneous noise, do not leave him. Apply frequently and offer water. In addition, rock the baby in your arms, talk, sing songs, sleep with him.
If you have chills, you can cover your child with a blanket, but if he is not cold, dress your baby as usual. Remember, babies have poor thermoregulation, so they easily overheat, which is very dangerous. Just leave your child wearing a standard set of clothes.
If a baby's temperature has not reached 39 degrees under 6 months, you can bring it down with compresses from vinegar and water. It is necessary to wipe the child's body until the skin turns red.
As an antipyretic for six-month-old children, it is better to use rectal suppositories rather than tablets and mixtures. For example, "Viburkol". It is better to administer them at night.
If you have severe chills and fever, you should urgently call an ambulance. Before the doctors arrive, it is better not to give the baby any medications, so as not to complicate the diagnosis.
What causes the temperature to rise
Parents should take into account that only low-grade (37.1-38 °C) and moderately high (38.1-39 °C) temperatures can be treated independently. High febrile (from 39.1 to 40.9 °C) and hyperpyrexic (above 41 °C) temperatures require immediate medical attention.
In the last two cases, especially if the temperature rises suddenly, you need to call an ambulance and give the child first aid by giving an antipyretic.
It is also worth considering that an increase in temperature may be accompanied by fever or hyperthermia. There is no need to confuse these two concepts.
If hyperthermia is simply a physiological overheating of tissues caused by a violation of thermoregulation, in particular, sweating, then fever refers to the body’s protective reaction to a viral attack. The first is dangerous and does not bring any benefit. The second one helps to cope with the infection.
In young children, high fever does not necessarily have a viral cause. Fever can be a symptom of teething, overwork, malnutrition, or an allergic reaction.
But most often, the causes of a high temperature in a child lie in viral diseases of the bronchi, lungs, upper respiratory tract and intestines. A bacterial disease is clearly indicated by fever that does not go away within three days.
When to ask for help
The reason to call a doctor at home is a high temperature - from 39 degrees in the armpit and over 40 ° C in the anus.
You should also seek help at the first signs of febrile seizures, which can occur even at a temperature of 37.5°C. This symptom is often observed in children with disorders of the nervous system.
Do not hesitate to call a doctor if:
- the child cries continuously, and any touch causes him pain;
- the patient fell into a state of apathy or aggression;
- muscle tone is reduced or, conversely, increased, although it was normal before;
- breathing is difficult despite the measures taken - clearing and putting drops into the nose;
- the child suffers from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular or immune systems;
- an increase in temperature is associated with overheating or heat stroke;
- the child’s body is dehydrated, which is evident from rare urination, dark-colored urine, decreased salivation, sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes.
Any of the listed signs is a reason to urgently call an ambulance, even at night.
Each individual child reacts differently to elevated temperature. Some people’s eyes “float” and sparkle with an unhealthy shine, some people rush to get into a warm bed, taking their favorite toy with them, some people have a crimson blush on their face, some people jump around the house until the last minute, then fall down, reaching a temperature of 39°C. , or even higher.
In medicine, there are two types of fever: pale and one-time. Most parents are familiar with pink fever - it is impossible not to notice. Its main symptom is redness of the skin and the baby is simply glowing with heat. But with , the skin takes on a pale tint and remains cold.
In an effort to help their child and alleviate his suffering, parents try by any means to bring down the temperature, hoping that this will all end. But is this right when you can lower the temperature so as not to aggravate the situation. What does “white fever” mean and how to properly respond to such a phenomenon?
To lower the temperature or not...
To lower the temperature or not is a rather complex issue, the resolution of which must be taken no less seriously. Elevated body temperature is the body’s protective reaction to the introduction of infection and bacteria. Almost all bacteria die at a temperature of 38°C. And this suggests that there is no need to interfere with this process - the infection that caused this disease dies. This means that the temperature will drop on its own. But on the other hand, high temperature not only causes concern for parents, but can also be dangerous, especially for young children.
However, it should be knocked down if the child feels unwell.
Pediatricians around the world are inclined to believe that there is no need to give antipyretic drugs up to 38°C. Knocking is carried out in the following cases:
if the temperature exceeds 39°C,
at a temperature of 38°C until the age of three,
with difficulty breathing,
in case of a disease of the nervous system or a tendency of the body to,
if children refuse to take fluids.
In young children, a slight increase in temperature is considered normal. The reason for this is an imperfect thermoregulation system. What if the child is one year old or when he is already 5 years old? This age indicates that his thermoregulation system is already working normally and the increase in temperature can no longer be caused by teething or be the reason for vaccination.
There are several types of temperature:
Subfebrile – 37-38°C,
febrile – 38-39°C,
pyretic – 39 and above.
Low-grade body temperature
A slight increase in the thermometer indicates that a foreign agent has entered the body and is beginning to attack it. This thermometer reading does not need to be reset during the first three days. If it does not decrease on the 4th day, then you should consult a doctor, but do not reduce it yourself with antipyretic drugs. There is a possibility that an inflammatory process is developing in the body. Therefore, the question of how to lower the temperature of a 3-year-old child should concern you secondarily. The primary question remains: what exactly causes such an increase. And this question should be answered by the doctor, having carefully read all the baby’s tests.
Febrile temperature
A temperature of 38-39°C is a reaction to an infection. If the child feels normal and has no predisposition to seizures or other troubles, then doctors recommend only after 38.5°C.
Pyretic temperature
At this temperature, the risk of seizures increases. If you have already had to deal with this problem at least once, then with an 80% chance the cramps may return again. As a rule, they can appear before the age of 3-5 years. Therefore, you should immediately bring down the baby’s fever and call a doctor.
How to lower the temperature correctly
When children's body temperature rises, parents always ask themselves the question - how to bring it down? There are drug-assisted and drug-free methods. If a child is 5 years old, then his body will normally tolerate temperatures up to 38.8°C. There is no point in reaching for antipyretics just yet. But you can alleviate the child’s condition using simple methods.
Ventilation
Ventilate the room well. The air temperature in the room should not exceed +20°C. This promotes normal heat transfer from the body.
Air humidification
This question is especially relevant in winter, when all heating devices are turned on. With elevated body temperature, the body loses a lot of fluid. Carry out wet cleaning, place a basin of water at the patient’s bedside, and you can hang the heating appliances with wet towels. All these methods help increase indoor humidity. Normal humidity is 60%.
Drinking plenty of fluids
With fever, the heat transfer regime is disrupted. Accordingly, the body needs compensation. Try to provide your baby with plenty of fluids - fruit juice, herbal tea with honey, tea with lemon, etc. Doctors say that, if possible, children should be given water until they begin to sweat. And urination will not become more frequent. In this case, the color of the urine should become light yellow.
Light and natural clothing
The exception is when the child has chills or in the presence of “white fever”. If the baby is hot, then you should put on a light T-shirt and shorts, which promotes normal heat transfer.
Comfortable conditions
It should be noted that there are also children who try to jump and frolic, despite the fact that the thermometer shows a temperature of 39°C. It’s better to calm your baby down and divert his attention to an interesting cartoon or read him a fairy tale.
Trituration
If not long ago, and sometimes even today, you could listen to recommendations to carry out the procedure or drink vodka, then Dr. Komarovsky is categorically sensitive to this kind of advice. He does not even recommend rubbing children with a towel dipped in cold water. can and should be done only with water at room temperature. But only if the child is not embarrassed by such a procedure. Remember that worrying and crying only increases the temperature.
Compresses
In case of fever, you can apply a gauze compress soaked in a decoction of mint leaves to the child’s head. If the temperature is high, then such compresses are recommended to be applied to the forehead, groin, temples and wrists. Change compresses every 10 minutes as they dry.
If you apply all the recommendations described above, you can sometimes reduce your body temperature to a normal level. In any case, his condition will improve significantly, his temperature will drop slightly, and his mood will improve, which is also important for any disease.
Antipyretic drugs
The temperature of 39°C must be brought down regardless of the child’s age. Naturally, it is a little more difficult to bring down a child’s temperature with medications at 2 years old and in this case it is better to select syrups that have a pleasant fruity taste. It is best to bring down the temperature of a 2-year-old child with a remedy that is suitable for your baby. As strange as it may sound, Panadol is not suitable for everyone. In this case, it is better to choose drugs that contain ibuprofen - Nurofen, Ibufen, Bofen, etc.
If a child begins to vomit as a result of taking an antipyretic drug in the form of a suspension, then in this case it is recommended to use rectal suppositories or dilute the tablet in water.
If the baby is already 3 or 5 years old, then his body reacts more easily to medications. It is worth remembering that all antipyretic drugs are based on the same active ingredients, despite the fact that their labels are different.
Paracetamol is the safest antipyretic drug that has a good sedative effect. If the child has a very high fever, then it is better to choose syrup in this case. At night, if the temperature does not go off scale, doctors recommend administering rectal suppositories.
Ibuprofen is not only an antipyretic, but also an anti-inflammatory agent. Accordingly, its use is recommended for viral and bacterial infections.
Analgin - it can only be used if previous medications do not help. The drug has a strong antipyretic effect, and if you have to call an ambulance, doctors will certainly administer an intramuscular injection of analgin.
Aspirin - due to many side effects, the drug is strictly prohibited for use not only by children, but also by pregnant women.
White fever
Separately, I would like to say a few things about white fever. White fever is the same temperature, but outwardly it manifests itself as pale skin and icy limbs. Sometimes it is called "pale". In this case, regardless of the child’s age, it is better to call an ambulance.
The cause of white fever may be a disorder of the nervous system, low blood pressure, lack of fluid in the body, etc. In this case, the child feels weak and unwell.
Until the ambulance arrives, try to rub the baby's legs and arms. Put warm socks on his feet and try to warm him with your body. You need to do everything possible to warm the child. His body will begin to feel feverish and radiate heat outward rather than inward.
If the temperature reaches critical levels, then emergency doctors may suggest that you treat your child with a lytic mixture or. You can, on the advice of your doctor, prepare this medicine yourself. It will quickly knock you down from unpleasant sensations. However, you shouldn’t make a decision on your own about temperature depending on your temperature.
Do not use any wiping methods under any circumstances!
Conclusions
Elevated body temperature is a fairly common phenomenon not only in children, but also in adults. In order not to harm the baby, you need to learn how to knock it down correctly, regardless of age, but taking into account the general state of health. We strongly hope that after carefully studying the article, you will easily cope with this problem. And always remember one golden rule - don't panic! A calm attitude towards the child, affection and positivity always have a beneficial effect on the baby’s well-being.
Body temperature in children can rise above normal for various reasons. Most often it increases against the background of a disease, viral or bacterial. Children from 6-8 months may begin teething, and this process is often accompanied by high fever and sometimes vomiting. While the baby is breastfed, he has a fairly strong immune system, and diseases bypass him. As the baby grows, especially after he goes out into public places (kindergarten, playground, school), fever, runny nose, and cough will become frequent unwanted guests in the life of a little person. At the first unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor. But sometimes it is impossible to quickly get to the hospital when a child has a fever and you need to help him somehow.
Causes of high temperature in a child
Normally, an increase in body temperature is a protective reaction of the body to any infectious or non-infectious diseases or damage. Infectious agents entering the body produce toxins that cause an increase in body temperature. The body, in turn, also produces substances that contribute to fever. This mechanism is protective, since against the background of high temperature all metabolic processes are accelerated and many biologically active substances are synthesized more intensively. But when the fever becomes too severe, it itself can cause various complications - for example, febrile seizures. Why does a child develop a high temperature: infectious diseases (ARVI, “childhood” and intestinal infections, other pathologies); non-infectious diseases (diseases of the nervous system, allergic pathology, hormonal disorders and others); teething (this is one of the most common causes in young children); overheat; preventive vaccinations. There are other causes of fever in a child. These also include many emergency conditions and acute surgical pathologies. Therefore, if your child has any increase in temperature (especially above 38oC), you should immediately consult a doctor.
How to correctly measure the temperature of a small child
Rules for measuring temperature in children: the child must have his own personal thermometer, which is treated with warm water and soap or alcohol before each use; during illness, the temperature is measured at least three times a day (morning, afternoon, evening); The measurement should not be carried out when the child is heavily wrapped up, crying or excessively active; high room temperature and taking a bath also increase body temperature; food and drinks, especially hot ones, can increase the temperature in the oral cavity by 1-1.5oC, so measurements in the mouth should be carried out an hour before or an hour after eating; temperature determination can be carried out in the armpit, rectum or inguinal fold - with any thermometers; measurements in the mouth are carried out only with the help of special dummy thermometers.
Methods for reducing temperature
To reduce the temperature in children at home, medications, rubdowns, and folk remedies are used. The methods listed above should be used if the child’s condition is stable and there are no seizures. Otherwise, you should immediately consult a doctor. Each of the home methods for reducing fever has its own characteristics, however, when using any of them, it is important to adhere to several important rules:
- the sick child should be kept in bed,
- the air in the children's room should be cool, fresh,
- When it is hot, the child should be dressed in light clothing made from natural fabrics,
- It is important to remember that frequent urination speeds up recovery, so the child should be given plenty of liquid, warm tea and compotes are suitable.
Some features of the use of various dosage forms: medications taken orally begin to act faster - 20-30 minutes after administration; the effect of suppositories occurs after 30-45 minutes, but lasts longer; if the disease is accompanied by vomiting, it is better to use suppositories; Medicines in suppositories are convenient to use when the child’s temperature rises at night; preparations in the form of syrups, tablets and powders contain flavorings and flavoring additives, and therefore often cause allergic reactions; if it is necessary to use different dosage forms of drugs (for example, syrup during the day, suppositories at night), choose products with different active ingredients to avoid side effects; re-use of antipyretic drugs is possible no earlier than 5-6 hours after the previous dose; If the temperature does not decrease sufficiently, or if it increases again in a short time, you should not experiment - it is better to immediately contact a specialist for additional help.
- Analgin (Spazmalgon)
- Paracetamol (Panadol, Efferalgan)
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Viburkol suppositories
Medicines not used in children
Medications that are not used in children include:
- Currently, drugs such as amidopyrine, antipyrine or phenacetin are not used as antipyretics due to the large number of side effects.
- Medicines based on acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) are practically not used in children because of their ability to reduce the number of platelets in the blood, cause bleeding, allergic reactions, as well as a very serious complication characteristic of children - Reye's syndrome.
- Analgin and other drugs containing metamizole sodium as an active ingredient also have a large number of side effects, such as inhibition of hematopoiesis, severe allergic reactions, excessive decrease in temperature with loss of consciousness.
How to reduce a child's high fever without medication
Ice compresses and rubdowns will help reduce a child’s temperature without pills. These methods are simple and effective, but have a number of contraindications. Thus, it is not advisable to use ice to combat hyperthermia in children under 1 year of age. The best way is to wipe the baby with water, which will lower the body temperature. Rubbing with alcohol and vinegar is also effective, but doctors have conflicting opinions about them. Before the procedure of alcohol or vinegar wiping, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician.
With ice
Careful use of ice can relieve a child's condition during fever.
- To prepare ice compresses, you will need ice, a bubble, cold water, a towel or diaper.
- Contraindications: age up to 1 year
- Preparation for the procedure: fill the bubble to half the volume with crushed ice, add cold water to 2/3 of the volume, tightly close the ice bubble and wrap it in a towel (diaper).
- Performing the procedure: a bubble wrapped in a diaper is applied to the area of the crown, elbow joints, popliteal fossae, and groin. To avoid hypothermia, the compress is periodically removed; the time of continuous exposure should not exceed 5 minutes.
- The procedure can be repeated after 15-20 minutes.
Rubbing with vodka and vinegar
It is necessary to take measures to reduce the temperature if:
- temperature above 38 degrees;
- have diseases of the nervous system (epilepsy, cerebral palsy);
- previously experienced convulsions due to high fever;
- there are problems with the cardiovascular system; the child is in a delusional state;
- there is shortness of breath, heavy breathing, etc. You can quickly and effectively reduce a child’s high body temperature at home with vodka and vinegar.
To prepare the tincture, mix vodka, vinegar and warm water in equal proportions. Water is added so as not to burn the skin. After preparing the mixture, you need to take a piece of gauze or a piece of cotton wool, moisten it in the prepared product, squeeze it out, and then wipe the baby’s forehead and body. Care must be taken to ensure that the solution does not get into the child’s eyes. Many pediatricians are against rubbing a child with vodka and vinegar, as they believe that vodka, which penetrates the pores of the skin into the body, can cause poisoning. But, as the practice of many parents of young children shows, this is practically the only remedy that can reduce the temperature before going to the hospital or calling an ambulance. Vodka and vinegar can also be used to rub adults at high temperatures. It is not recommended to use the solution for children under one year of age.
Folk remedies for reducing fever in children
It is possible to reduce a child’s temperature using folk remedies if the child is over 3 years old, has no serious illnesses and generally tolerates high temperatures well. How to lower a child's temperature at home if he is very small? You just need to give him as much fluid as possible. Infants can be given breast milk, and older children can be given warm water, compote, juice or tea with chamomile. The baby should drink a lot, since a lot of fluid is lost at fever, especially if there is vomiting or diarrhea.
Chamomile enema
In an effort to reduce the temperature of a child under 1 year old, mothers have a limited number of methods: as a rule, these are medications and enemas. The use of decoctions and other home recipes internally for children under 12 months is not possible. If you want to overcome a high fever without medication, you should use an enema with chamomile infusion.
- Preparation for the procedure: pour 3 tablespoons of chamomile into a glass of water, boil for 15-20 minutes, strain, cool, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Performing the procedure: fill a clean rubber bulb with liquid (30-60 ml), remove excess air, lubricate the tip with Vaseline, insert the bulb into the child’s anus, carefully squeeze out the liquid.
Raspberry decoction
Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming raspberry decoction cause increased sweating, which reduces fever. After a good sweat, the baby will certainly feel better. It is impossible to replace the consumption of water and tea with raspberry decoction alone, however, a tasty and healthy drink will significantly diversify the composition of the liquid consumed. Raspberry broth is prepared according to many recipes, here are the most famous of them.
- Ingredients: dry raspberries (2 tablespoons), a glass of water.
- Application: pour boiling water over the raspberries, leave for about 30 minutes, strain. Drink 1 glass of raspberry broth 2-3 times a day.
A decoction of raspberries, oregano and coltsfoot
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of dried raspberries, coltsfoot, 1 tablespoon of oregano, water.
- Application: pour the mixture of herbs and raspberries with water, pour boiling water for 20 minutes, strain. Drink the decoction several times a day, 1/3 cup.
Oranges
Salicylic acid contained in oranges helps reduce a child's fever. Fresh fruits, decoction with peel, and juice effectively combat heat. To prepare a delicious, effective orange drink you will need: 100 ml orange juice, 100 ml lemon juice, 100 ml apple juice, 75 ml tomato juice. The listed ingredients are mixed and consumed immediately after preparation. You need to drink an orange drink 3 times a day, not forgetting about other liquids - tea, water.
Consequences of high fever in a child
One of the most common complications of high fever in a child is febrile seizures. They usually occur in children under 6 years of age with a temperature above 38oC. Often this reaction to fever appears in children with diseases of the nervous system. Signs of febrile seizures in a child: convulsive muscle twitching, which can be either pronounced (with throwing back the head, bending the arms and straightening the legs) or small, in the form of shuddering and twitching of individual muscle groups; the child stops responding to his surroundings, may turn pale and blue, and hold his breath; often, convulsions may recur during subsequent increases in temperature. When the temperature is high and the child has convulsions, you must immediately call “03”. Urgent measures at home will be: lay the child on a flat surface and turn the head to the side; if there is no breathing after the end of the convulsions, begin giving the child artificial respiration; You should not try to insert a finger, spoon or other objects into the child’s mouth - this will only cause harm and injury; You should undress the child, ensure the room is ventilated, use rubbing and antipyretic candles to reduce body temperature; You should not leave your child alone during an attack. Children who have had seizures need observation by a neurologist, as well as a full medical examination to exclude the onset of epilepsy. Therefore, you should not wait for your child to have a high fever for a week. Contact your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Before use, you should consult a specialist.
The use of antipyretic drugs will temporarily reduce the baby’s body temperature, but will not cure it. Parents should remember that lowering the temperature is not a cure. With a sore throat, especially a purulent one, it is very difficult to bring down the temperature in young children. First you need to get rid of inflammation in the throat. At home, you can prepare a solution of baking soda and salt for your child and let your child gargle. For small children under one year old, you can (as a last resort) wipe the mouth cavity and the edge of the neck by wrapping a piece of gauze around your finger and moistening it in water and soda. The product is effective, but it must be used with great caution. Sometimes body temperature can be a symptom of a dangerous disease, such as pancreatitis, appendicitis, etc. Therefore, if it is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the stomach or navel, you should immediately consult a doctor.
