A sudden
rise in a child's fever can be alarming for parents. Fever is the body's
natural response to infections and other health issues. However, in some cases,
fever can be a sign of a serious condition.
Most Common Causes of Fever in Children
- Viral and bacterial infections
(flu, cold, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc.)
- Teething process (especially in
children aged 6 months to 3 years)
- Post-vaccination
reactions
- Food
poisoning and intestinal infections
- Heatstroke
or sunstroke
While fever
can sometimes be harmless, other times, immediate action is required.
First Steps
to Take When a Child's Fever Rises
Accurately Measuring Temperature
The first
step is to accurately measure the child's temperature. Here are the
standard ranges:
- Normal
body temperature: 36.5°C - 37.5°C
- Mild
fever: 37.6°C - 38.4°C
- High
fever: 38.5°C - 39.9°C
- Very high fever: 40°C and above
If the
fever is above 38.5°C, action must be taken immediately.
Ensuring Proper Hydration
High fever
dehydrates the body, increasing the risk of fluid loss. Ensure your
child drinks enough fluids.
Recommended fluids:
- Plain
drinking water
- Fruit
juices or electrolyte solutions
- Breast
milk (for infants)
If the
child shows signs of excessive thirst, dark urine, or dry lips, dehydration may
already be occurring.
Natural
Ways to Reduce Fever
Cooling the Body with a Lukewarm Bath
A lukewarm
bath gradually lowers body temperature. Ice-cold water or ice packs should not
be used, as they can constrict blood vessels and increase internal temperature.
How to apply?
- Place the child in lukewarm
water (30-32°C).
- Gently wipe their skin with a
soft towel and let it air dry.
- Avoid using cold water or
rubbing alcohol.
Adjusting Clothing and Room Temperature
Dressing
the child too warmly can increase body temperature.
- Use lightweight, breathable
cotton clothing.
- Keep room temperature between
22-24°C.
- Avoid
heavy blankets.
Effective
Medications to Lower Fever
Sometimes,
fever must be lowered with medication. Reliable and safe options like
Effelargan can be an excellent choice for parents.
Effelargan – A Safe Fever Reducer for Children
Effelargan
is a pain reliever and fever reducer designed for children. Its rectal
suppository form makes it particularly useful for children who refuse oral
medications.
Benefits of
Effelargan:
Safely and quickly reduces fever
Does not burden the digestive system
Relieves pain from teething, headaches,
and more
Dosage and usage:
- 6 months to 4 years: 1
suppository (150 mg) every 6 hours
- 4-10
years: 1 suppository (300 mg) every 6 hours
Do not increase dosage without a doctor’s
advice!
When to
Seek Medical Help?
You should
call emergency medical services if:
The fever reaches 40°C or higher
The child experiences severe shivering
or convulsions
The skin becomes pale or bluish
The child loses consciousness or becomes
unresponsive
Fever persists for more than 3 days
If your
child's fever suddenly rises, it's crucial to monitor dangerous symptoms and
take the right measures.
Key steps
to reduce fever:
1️ Measure temperature and monitor symptoms
2️ Cool the body with hydration, proper
clothing, and baths
3️ Use safe fever-reducing medications
like Effelargan
If any
serious symptoms appear, seek medical help immediately!