Definition of fever in children
Fever is a very common disease. This disease can affect anyone, one of the most common is fever in children. Generally, fever in children is not caused by something dangerous. Body temperature is said fever in children and baby is up to 37 degrees centigrade even more. If in an adult, the body temperature is said to have a fever reaching 38-39 degrees centigrade.
This is caused by differences in body temperature and endurance between children and adults. The fever is said to be good, because this is a sign that the child’s body is fighting infection. However, a fever experienced by a child can be caused by a certain disease.
To find out if a child has a fever or not, we have to check the temperature. Checking the temperature is done using a device called a thermometer. That is why, fever in children cannot be relied on by touching or feeling from parents alone.
What causes the child to have a fever?
Fever is a natural mechanism for the body to fight infection. This disease appears in children, indicating that the child’s immune system is working to fight flu and even other infections. fever occurs when the brain gives orders for an increase in body temperature.
This is needed to direct white blood cells that fight viruses and bacteria. There are several causes of fever in children that need to be known, including:
Presence of infection
As previously explained, a fever experienced by a child is a sign of the immune system fighting an infection. Infections caused by bacteria and viruses are infections that often cause children to have a fever. Infectious diseases that can cause a child to have a fever are flu, tonsillitis, ear infections, respiratory infections and kidney infections.
Ambient temperature
Not only infection can cause a child to catch a fever. The disease will also attack children if they stay outside for too long when the weather is hot.
Immunization effect
In some children and babies can also get fever after immunization. The fever that is experienced is usually classified as mild.
Symptoms of fever in children
If the child has a fever, he will show some of the common symptoms. As parents, it is important to know the symptoms that children display when they have a fever. What are the symptoms? Here’s the explanation.
- Children will be easily fussy, angry and lethargic
- The child’s appetite will decrease
- Cry often
- Quick breathing
- Changes in sleep and diet patterns
- Have seizures
- Body aches and headaches
- The child will have difficulty sleeping or vice versa
The symptoms displayed by each child when having a fever may be different for each person. Symptoms that appear ranging from mild symptoms to severe symptoms. Here are some symptoms of fever in children to watch out for.
Indigestion
When a child has a fever accompanied by indigestion, such as continuous bowel movements, he may have diarrhea or typhus. Diarrheal disease appears characterized by an increased frequency of defecation and liquid stool. Diarrhea can be caused by several factors including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and sensitivity to certain foods.
Other symptoms that may occur are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. If in this condition, you should immediately take the child to the doctor. If this is not treated immediately, the child will be prone to dehydration. In fact, diarrhea can cause dehydration which can be life threatening.
Decreased consciousness
You should take your child to the doctor as soon as possible if the child has a fever accompanied by a loss of consciousness. This condition allows children to get dengue fever, especially if it is marked by the appearance of a rash of red spots on the skin.
Seizures
Seizures occur as a result of extremely rising temperatures. This condition can occur when the body is at a temperature above 38 degrees centigrade. The seizures were divided into two groups, namely seizures with simple fever and complex febrile seizures. Simple febrile seizures can only occur once in 24 hours, lasting less than 15 minutes. If complex febrile seizure occurs more than 15 minutes or even more than once in 24 hours.
Complications of fever in children
Some of the complications that may occur when a child has a fever include:
- Decreased awareness or hallucinations
- Severe dehydration
- Seizures
- Other serious illness
How to deal with fever in children
When a child has a fever, body fluids will easily evaporate. This can lead to the risk of dehydration in children. Therefore, it is important to do the first time if a child has a fever is to have enough body fluids. Try to keep your child hydrated by consuming water.
Apart from fulfilling your child’s fluid intake, there are several other ways you can do it at home. This method is able to overcome the fever experienced by children. Including the following.
- Make sure the room temperature remains cool so that the child feels comfortable
- Cover the child using a thin cloth, and open the window so that the air circulation is smooth
- Compress using a towel soaked in warm water. Do not compress with cold water, because cold water can increase the child’s body temperature and even shiver.
- Get plenty of rest for the child and don’t go outside the house just yet.
- Check the child’s temperature regularly using a thermometer
- Provide food that is easy to digest
Also Read: First Aid in Children with Fever
How to prevent fever in children
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Parents can prevent fever that occurs in children. Do the following.
- Get children used to always wash their hands using soap and water. Especially before eating, after going to the toilet and after being close to someone who is sick.
- Always cover the child’s mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid children touching their nose, mouth and eyes with dirty hands
- Do not share eating and drinking utensils with other people.
4 types of fever-reducing fruit
Apart from providing home remedies, apparently there are several types of fruits that can relieve heat. You should serve the following fruits for consumption when children have a fever.
Watermelon
Who doesn’t know this fresh fruit. Watermelon is great for reducing fever in children. Watermelon will help children stay hydrated and speed up energy metabolism in the body. Well, that mechanism is able to reduce children’s fever quickly.
Apple
Apple fruit is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants in it. In addition, apples contain flavonoids which can increase endurance. This can reduce children’s fever.
Grape
Grapes are rich in fiber and nutrients that are essential for the body. Just like apples, grapes can increase immunity and endurance by producing T and delta cells in the body. This mechanism can help the body deal with fever effectively.
Orange
Oranges of any kind are believed to reduce fever. You can give oranges to children for direct consumption. Apart from being consumed directly, oranges can also be made as infused water. Even though the fruit above is very capable of reducing heat, that doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. If the child’s fever persists, take your child to the doctor immediately.
Hope it is useful.
