Table of contents:
- What is fever?
- What causes fever in children?
- When should parents worry about child fever?
- Parents must be vigilant if a child with fever shows more severe symptoms
As a parent, your heart is certainly not calm when you know your child has a fever. Actually, fever is not something serious. Fever is the most common childhood complaint which is very common and often goes away on its own without treatment. Even so, high body temperature can interfere with children's activities and cause dehydration. Stay calm and follow the basic instructions for taking body temperature and try to cool your child.
What is fever?
Fever is a condition in which the hypothalamus of the brain tries to regulate body temperature (the hypothalamus also regulates hunger or thirst). The hypothalamus knows for sure the person's body temperature is right and then sends regulatory signals to the body. If there is an abnormality in the body, the hypothalamus will raise body temperature as a way to protect the owner of the body.
The increase in body temperature makes it a more difficult environment for bacteria and viruses that cause infection to survive. Some scientists believe that high temperatures can activate certain types of enzymes to work more effectively, thus making the body stronger.
What causes fever in children?
Most of the causes of fever in children are triggered by infections or other diseases. Common conditions that can cause fever include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (ARI)
- Flu
- Teething
- ear infection
- Roseola - the virus that causes fever and rash
- Tonsillitis (tonsils)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection
- Common childhood illnesses, such as chicken pox and whooping cough
The child's body temperature can also increase after vaccination, or if he or she gets overheated from blankets or clothes that are too thick. A quick and easy way to find out if your child has a fever is to use a thermometer.
When should parents worry about child fever?
Fever in itself is not a disease and does not cause significant harm. Sometimes, a fever can be considered a good sign because it is your child's body's way of protecting itself from inflammation or infection.
But call the doctor immediately if your child has a fever:
- They are less than three months old and have a body temperature of 38 ° C or more
- 3-6 months old and her body temperature reaches 39 ° C
Other signs that you should see a doctor are if your child:
- Looks really sick
- Drowsiness or very fussy
- Have a weak immune system or other medical problems
- Have a seizure (step)
- Experiencing other symptoms such as rash, sore throat, headache, stiff neck, or earache
If your child seems well - for example, if he has a fever but is active and alert - he is less likely to be seriously ill.
Parents must be vigilant if a child with fever shows more severe symptoms
Sometimes the more serious symptoms of fever in children, such as shortness of breath, vomiting, rash, and seizures, are associated with signs and symptoms of a more serious illness, such as a bacterial infection.
Possible serious bacterial diseases include:
- Meningitis - infection of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Pneumonia — inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by infection
It is important to remember that potentially serious causes of fever in children are rare.
Read more about recognizing signs of serious illness in infants and children.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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