Question

The patient is a ten-year-old child who is experiencing symptoms of general fever, aversion to cold, and talking incoherently. Although no fever-reducing medicine has been used, cold compresses have already been applied. The parent inquires about the initial steps to take for cooling down the child.

Answer

  1. Thermoneutral Method: Place the child in an environment with a temperature of approximately 24°C, allowing the body temperature to decrease gradually. To promote contact with the external air for cooling purposes, it’s advisable to wear as little clothing as possible. If conditions permit, use air conditioning to regulate the room temperature. This method is suitable for newborns under one month old, especially during summer. Simply opening the baby’s clothing and placing them in a cool, shaded area will cause the body temperature to gradually drop. If the baby is also experiencing aversion to cold or shivering, this method should not be used.
  2. Fever-Reducing Patches: This is a product that has gained popularity in recent years, although its fever-reducing effect is questioned by some. However, using fever-reducing patches can provide some comfort to the baby’s head and give parents peace of mind. From a safety perspective, fever-reducing patches should be harmless.
  3. Ice Compress: This method is currently controversial. Some experts believe that ice compresses may cause the baby’s skin capillaries to constrict, obstructing heat dissipation and potentially increasing body temperature. Ice compresses are particularly not suitable for babies experiencing aversion to cold or shivering.