How to Treat Fever in Children

Since Nathaniel has had fever lately with his Roseola, I’ve been doing some reading on how to treat fever in children.  I always wonder if I should break out the Tylenol, or let him sweat it out?  Call the doctor or treat him at home?  Worry, not worry?  And a whole host of other questions.  Well, let me tell you what I found out.

Fever is a symptom of an underlying illness.  It’s a backup immune system, according to Dr. Mercola, and it shouldn’t be suppressed unless absolutely necessary.  Infections are the most common cause of fever. Let’s look at how fevers are rated:

• low-grade fever – temperature between 100.4 F and 100.9 F (37.2 C to 38.3 C)
• moderate fever – temperature between 101 F and 102.9 F (38.4 C to 39.4 C)
• high fever – temperature higher than 103 F (39.5 C)

Dr. Sears recommends taking your baby’s temperature when they are well, once in the morning, and once in the late afternoon, so you’ll know what your baby’s average temperatures are.  Any temperature above that average indicates a fever.  Dr. Mercola advises us to avoid using most of the anti-fever meds unless your child is absolutely miserable, or the fever is over 105 F.  WOW!  I would probably freak out before it got to 105 and break out the Tylenol.  He does say however, that he would be concerned if the temperature was above 102 F.  There is no risk of brain damage until the temp gets higher than 105 or so.  The reason to avoid taking Tylenol, or something similar is that this actually prolongs the illness since it inhibits the body’s immune response.

So are you wondering when you should worry and when you shouldn’t?

When to worry less:

• Baby not acting worse.
• Active, playing, responds normally to interaction.
• No difference in skin color other than flushed cheeks at height of fever.
• Smiling, alert, interested in surroundings, eyes wide open.
• Baby “back to normal self” when fever breaks.
• Cries vigorously but can be consoled.

When to worry more:

• Baby acting sicker by the hour or day.
• Increasingly lethargic, drowsy, less responsive.
• Pale or ashen skin color.
• Dull, anxious facial expressions.
• Baby seems no better when fever subsides.
• Cries inconsolably or moans and cry becoming weaker.

When to call the doctor:

• Any rectal temp above 100.4 or higher in an infant less than 3 months or for that persists more than 8 hours.
• If your baby is becoming increasingly drowsy, pale, and lethargic and doesn’t respond to fever-lowering methods.
• If your baby has obvious signs of a bacterial infection such as ear pain, severe cough, sore throat, or painful urination.

Make sure to give you child plenty to drink, if chilled – bundle in light breathable fabrics, if fever is low – dress snuggly and give warm liquids to assist fever production, don’t push food.  They’ll let you know when they’re hungry and what they’re hungry for.  This is a really great article that I recommend Fever in Children – A Blessing in Disguise.

Sources:  The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) and Dr. Mercola