|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

What is a High Fever in Children?

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than usual. A child's normal body temperature varies from one to the other and depends on age, activity level, general health, the time of day and clothing worn. A fever by itself does not necessarily indicate a dire situation. Fever is actually a common response of a body that is fighting an infection.

  1. Description

    • There are four ranges of temperature in humans. A normal range is between 97 to 99 degrees Farenheit. A low-grade fever ranges from 99.1 to 100.9 degrees Farenheit. A common fever ranges from 101 to 103.5 degrees Farenheit. A high fever is anything over 103.6 degrees Farenheit.

    Causes

    • Viral infection is a common cause of fever in children and is generally not dangerous and will cease without medication after a few days. Bacterial infections, which are treatable with antibiotics, can also cause fever. Teething may cause low-grade fever. Certain medications, illicit drugs and heat-related illnesses also cause fever.

    Signs

    • Signs of fever in children are irritability, fussiness, lethargy, warm or hot feeling to the touch, loss of appetite, crying, rapid breathing, and changes in sleep.

    Thermometers

    • Use the most reliable thermometer depending on the child's age. Use a rectal thermometer for infants under 1 year old, an ear thermometer for young children older than 1 year old, and an oral thermometer for older children and teenagers.

    Treatments

    • Acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers fever. Check the package label or verify with a doctor for correct dosage. Ibuprofen may be given but ask a doctor first before administering for dosage requirements. A lukewarm bath and cool washcloth can lower a temperature quickly with the use of a medication that helps lower fever. Keep a child well hydrated with cool liquids to drink.

    Medical Attention

    • Call a doctor if your child has a fever and any of the following: infant is 3 months and younger with a temperature above 100.4 degrees Farenheit; a child is younger than 6 months old; the fever is uncontrollable; dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea or lack of thirst; or the doctor has seen the child and symptoms are worse or new ones develop. Seek medical attention at an emergency clinic for such conditions as: serious concerns and a doctor can't be contacted; a seizure occurs; a purple or red rash develops; a change in consciousness; rapid, shallow or difficulty breathing; child is under 2 months old, a persistent headache; continuous vomiting; presence of a complex medical problem; regular use of prescription medicine; symptoms of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry diapers, tented skin; or child can't be alerted.

    Warning

    • Aspirin is not an appropriate treatment for children. The U.S. Surgeon General, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that aspirin and products containing aspirin should not be given to children under 19 years old of age for fever-causing illnesses. Aspirin could cause children to experience serious or deadly side effects, including Reye's Syndrome.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles