Causes of fever and how to treat it

Baby fever can be one of the most frightening things for parents, especially when a high fever or baby is only a few weeks old. To overcome this problem, the following is an explanation of the various causes of child fever and what needs to be done to overcome it.

Causes of baby fever
Fever is not a disease. Fever usually shows that the child's body is fighting disease and its immune system is functioning properly. Fever in infants can indicate a cold or other viral infection.

Although rare in infants, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, ear infections or more serious infections, such as bacterial infections of the blood or meningitis, can also cause fever.

Pneumonia is pneumonia caused by bacteria. Symptoms include intense heat, cough with phlegm, rapid breathing, tightness, anxiety, headaches, and lack of appetite.

In addition, side effects of vaccination or vaccination also sometimes cause infant fever. Babies whose body temperature is hot or who have just spent too much time outside the house on a hot afternoon can also trigger a fever.

Symptoms of fever in infants
A common sign of fever in infants is a warm forehead. However, this is not an absolute symptom. Also, when you become more fussy, your baby may have a fever.

Other symptoms associated with fever in infants include:

• Lack of sleep
• No appetite
• Reluctant to play
• Less active or even lethargic
• Seizures or seizures

How to measure baby's temperature?
You can measure the temperature of your child in various ways, for example through the rectum (mouth), mouth (oral), ears, armpits (axilla) or temples. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents only use digital thermometers in children.

You should not measure your baby's temperature with a mercury thermometer. Because, if the thermometer is broken, the baby can be exposed or intoxicated with mercury.

Rectal thermometer provides the most accurate temperature results and is easy to use for babies. Babies usually cannot keep the oral thermometer in place. Ear, temporal, or underarm thermometers sometimes don't have the same accuracy.

To get the rectal temperature, first make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash with soapy water or alcohol. Lay your baby on your stomach or back, with your legs bent toward your chest.

Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the thermometer ball and gently insert about 1 inch into the rectal opening. Hold the digital thermometer in place for about two minutes until you hear a "beep". Then gently remove the thermometer and read the indicated temperature.

What is the temperature of the baby during a fever?
The baby's normal temperature can range from 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. Most doctors consider rectal temperatures at 38 degrees Celsius or higher, as fever.
 
When should you call a doctor?
Contact your doctor if your baby has the following conditions or the following symptoms:

• Less than 3 months and fever. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Square and insensitive
• Problems breathing or eating
• Very difficult or difficult to calm down
• Rash
• Signs of dehydration, such as tendency to dry out, dry mouth and no tears when crying
• convulsions

Doctors may have difficulty detecting simple viral infections in newborns, such as colds, or more serious infections (such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia or meningitis).

This is why doctors sometimes do special tests (such as blood or urine tests, or chest x-rays) to determine the cause of a baby's fever and look for more serious infections in young babies.

What to do if a baby has a fever?

If your baby is less than 1 month old and has a fever, contact your doctor, clinic, or nearest hospital immediately. For larger babies, try these tips for treating baby fever.
 
Bathe your baby with hot water:
Wash your baby with warm water. Always check the temperature of the water on your wrist before bathing the baby. Then choose light clothes for her.

Make sure the baby gets enough fluids:
Give your baby enough fluids to prevent dehydration. The liquid can be breast milk, formula milk, electrolyte solution or water, depending on the baby's age. Contact your doctor or midwife to find out how to care for your baby.

Dehydrated babies can cry without tearing, have dry skin and not wet diapers. If the baby is more than 6 months old, you can give him ibuprofen.

Avoid giving aspirin. Because aspirin triggers the risk of Reye's syndrome. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the dosage and use of the drug before giving your baby anti-fever medication.

If you are afraid of fever in your baby, contact medical staff to get the best advice.

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