Fever in Children: When to Worry

 

It’s during the day and your child is playing but has a little stuffy nose, coughs, and feels warm. You take his temperature and it is 102. Do you give him medicine?

It’s the middle of the night, your baby is crying and fussy, with a temperature of 101.4. What do you do?

These are the questions parents have when it comes to fever in children, and we more often than not, run to medicine cabinet to get children’s versions of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But is medication always necessary? And is it always necessary to bring the fever down?

“Fever Phobia”- the fear of fever- is a common worry among many parents. This is something that has been passed down from ancient times, when fever was thought to be sinister and evil. FEVER IS A SYMPTOM, NOT THE CAUSE OF DISEASE. It is the body’s natural response to fighting off infection. While there are many good reasons to be concerned, fever usually is a good sign that the body is able to increase its own temperature to get rid of viruses and bacteria. Normally, these bugs cannot survive high temperatures. 

Fever is defined as temperature above 100.4 degrees Farenheit. This “fever phobia” prompts parents to do whatever they can do bring the temp to normal. There have been reports that 25% of parents give medicine when the temp is 100 or below (when it’s not even classified as fever!).  And 85% of parents say they awaken their child from sleep to give medication- but why would you do that if they are already sleeping and comfortable? It would only remind them how sick they really are, and sleep is very important to the healing process. However, if your child is awake and looks uncomfortable, then the medication might help them feel better.

Letting a fever run its course can actually shorten the duration of the illness. If your child is healthy otherwise, and older than 3 months of age, there may be less reason to give medication, and just let the fever run its course.

One big concern is brain damage and seizures. The brain has its own mechanism of regulating its temperature and in fact does not get damaged unless the body temperature reaches 108 degrees Farenheit. It is very rare for a healthy child to have a temperature go above 105.

Caregivers can also give incorrect doses of medications (which can lead to other problems)- especially when using the kitchen teaspoon. Always make sure you read the bottle instructions and use the measuring device provided.

When should you worry and call the doctor?

• if your child is less than 3 months old with a temp of 100.4 or greater

• infants between 3 and 6 months with temp above 101

• Fever that lasts more than 5 days

The bottom line: If your child is comfortable and not miserable, there is no reason to treat the fever. 

But as with anything, consult your doctor and proceed with caution when giving medication.