Every mother is concerned about the health of her own child. The slightest temperature changes in the baby are very worrying for parents. At what temperature are children given an antipyretic? How to help your child as efficiently as possible without harming him? Up to what point should I wait and bring down the temperature 38⁰? Should I call a doctor or can I handle it myself? How to bring down the heat at home? Many parents ask these questions, especially in the midst of colds. So, we will figure out at what temperature children are given an antipyretic and what to do if such a situation arose.
How dangerous is a rise in temperature?
Indicators on a thermometer up to 39.5⁰ are not dangerous for the body - doctors say so. But having found a child's temperature above 37⁰, mothers begin to sound the alarm (especially young ones). In most cases, an increase in temperature is the result of a catarrhal illness. But there are also serious, complex diseases that begin to appear precisely with the onset of temperature. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you need a doctor. It should be remembered that any disease is easier to cure at an early stage.
A child whose temperature does not drop or constantly rises for several days should be shown to a doctor. The child’s body is more prone to dehydration, and without appropriate treatment, prolonged high temperature is dangerous.
Initial measures
If the child has a temperature of 38 degrees or lower, special and emergency measures should not be taken. This means that the body must try to cope on its own, having developed for itself the correct algorithm of actions and the corresponding antibodies in the event of a recurrence of such diseases. The task of parents is to contribute in every way to this process. Offer your child to drink much more often than usual. At the same time, it is not necessary to force the child to use decoctions, infusions and milk with honey, blindly adhering to grandmother's recommendations. Only if the child agrees. But remember that there will be enough water in such a situation. The temperature of the liquid should be close to body temperature, but in no case give hot. Fruit drinks or fruit drinks bring a good effect.
What else can be done?
It is necessary to ensure the correct microclimate in the room. Stuffiness and heat contribute to the multiplication of bacteria and viruses that the child’s body fights against. Ventilate the room (without the presence of a child, naturally), ensure humidity (if there is no humidifier, you can hang a wet towel on the battery).
Dress your child in comfortable and loose clothing. No need to wrap it up, provoking sweating. Some doctors recommend taking a short bath (36-37 degrees). This will help improve heat dissipation.
Ancient methods of grinding with vodka, alcohol or vinegar should not be used. The child should not be rubbed with these fluids. Better let him sleep, sleep is the best doctor. The child will rest, and the body, without overexertion, can throw all his strength into the fight against infection.
If the temperature started to rise
If the child has a temperature of 38 and begins to rise, and it is not possible to bring it down by home methods, it is necessary to turn to medicines.
There are general recommendations at what temperature an antipyretic is given to children. If the age of the child is from 0 to 2 months, then medicines are given even at around 38 degrees. If the child is more than three months old, then it is necessary to wait for the mark of 39 degrees, and after reaching two years, an antipyretic is used at a temperature above 39.5 degrees.
It is believed that to bring down the temperature 38 is not necessary for an infectious disease. This is due to the fact that the body should be given the opportunity to fight with an aggressive agent on its own.
When do I need to bring down the temperature 38⁰ and lower?
But if the child has additional symptoms, then the limitations in temperature indicators go by the wayside. So, it is necessary to give an antipyretic agent at any temperature if:
- the general condition of the child is unsatisfactory, he refuses water and food, cries, is irritated or capricious, does not behave as usual;
- any rashes are noticed on the skin of the child;
- the child complains of pain in the auricle or in the abdominal cavity;
- vomiting or diarrhea has appeared;
- you observe a partial respiratory arrest;
- convulsions appeared;
- the child began to cough heavily and complain of pain in the chest;
- it hurts the baby to go to the toilet;
- the temperature remains high and does not fall during the day;
- a child’s history of a neurological disease or serious heart disease, kidney disease, hepatitis or diabetes and the like;
- vaccinated, for example, DTP.
Each parent should be guided by the state of their child. If your child feels well and there are no additional symptoms, then the answer to the question: “Should I bring down the temperature 38⁰ and higher?” - unequivocal: there is no need to offer antipyretic drugs to a child up to 39 degrees.
But if the baby does not feel well, even if he has 37.5⁰, then you can give him the appropriate drug. It should be noted that the presence of diseases of internal organs or a neurological nature also obliges to bring down even a low temperature.
Antipyretics at high temperature
At what temperature children are given an antipyretic, it also depends on the drug used. Today there are a great many means. But doctors distinguish two groups of drugs, the safest and most effective for children.
The gentle action has Paracetamol produced in various forms. Suppositories, syrups, suspensions are the safest and most suitable for children. Ibuprofen has a stronger and longer-lasting effect, but the number of contraindications and side effects is correspondingly greater. Forms of release are also diverse.
Analogs of antipyretics
Analogues of these drugs are widely known and certainly are in every home. The identical composition with "Paracetamol" are: "Panadol", "Kalpol", "Efferalgan", "Dofalgan", "Tylenol", "Dolomol". The well-known analogue of Ibuprofen is Nurofen.
Also in pediatrics, the homeopathic remedy Viburkol is often used. And such drugs for adults as Aspirin, Analgin, Phenacetin and the like cannot be used for children.
Form release "Paracetamol" and "Ibuprofen"
Each parent chooses which form of drug to choose on their own or on the recommendation of a pediatrician. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the age of the child and the speed of action of the syrup or candles. All that is given orally - tablets, syrups, potions, acts faster (from 20 minutes to half an hour), but the child may refuse to take the medicine. Antipyretic syrup for children contains various aromatic additives that can trigger allergies. For vomiting or nausea, it is also better to give preference to suppositories.
The action of suppositories is most effective - this is one of the most convenient dosage forms. The only negative - they have an effect after 40 minutes. Parents who seek to bring down the temperature of the child must wait for the effect, and not give the child another dose of the medicine. "Paracetamol", candles or syrup, knocks down the temperature by 1-1.5 degrees after 30-40 minutes. Preparations based on "Ibuprofen" give a greater effect and last longer.
The dosage of each drug is determined according to the instructions or your doctor. Repeated intake of the drug should be no earlier than 4 hours. The minimum interval between receptions is possible only at high temperature and poor health.
It is important to remember that "Paracetamol", "Ibuprofen" and analogues only reduce the temperature, but do not affect the cause of the disease. Antipyretics for children from a year are allowed in any form. For the smallest, it is better to stop the choice on a suspension or candles.
Instead of a conclusion
So, during epidemics of SARS or influenza, you need to know how to bring down the heat at home. If she rose, this is a sign of the body fighting the infection. It is necessary to bring down the temperature under the condition of normal well-being of the child after exceeding the mark of 39 degrees. If there are pain, vomiting, rashes, then such actions must be performed after the appearance of the figure 38.5 on the thermometer. If the child is less than 3 months old, then you should bring down the temperature after 38 degrees.
Medication should ideally be prescribed by the attending physician. But it is better to consult a pediatrician in advance and be prepared. It makes sense to keep at home antipyretic syrup for children and candles in order to more effectively act in accordance with the situation.
It is necessary to clearly follow the instructions and do not bring down the temperature more often than indicated. Keeping the right dosage will help to avoid side effects. It is strictly forbidden to take such drugs in advance or for prevention, expecting an increase in temperature.
If the child has a temperature of 38⁰ or higher, there are no cold symptoms, but the child complains of pain in the abdomen - immediately call an ambulance, as this may be appendicitis. In such cases, do not bring down the temperature, as this will only do harm. In case of convulsions, redness of the skin, vomiting or diarrhea, shortness of breath, it is necessary to resort to emergency medical care.
If the child's temperature lasts for three days, be sure to consult a doctor to avoid dehydration and to prescribe the correct treatment.