Question
What should I do if my child has a fever that fluctuates in temperature?
Answer
Hello: When a child has a fever, parents must not let their heads follow the heat. They need to stay calm and composed, not panic and act impulsively. Follow these steps in order: 1. Analyze the cause of the fever: Most fevers are caused by infections, with viruses being the most common, such as colds, flu, measles, pediatric rash fever, and epidemic pleurodynia. Bacterial infections are also common, like tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and epidemic meningitis. Parasitic infections can also cause fever, such as malaria and kala-azar, although they are less common. Non-infectious fevers include heatstroke, dehydration, leukemia, tumors, and post-injury or post-surgery conditions. Some diseases with heat dissipation disorders can also cause fever, like widespread ichthyosis dermatitis and hypohidrosis. Of course, it can be difficult to distinguish at times, but once the situation is clarified, it can provide information for the doctor. 2. Observe the type of fever: Use a household thermometer to accurately measure armpit temperature and keep a record. Below 37 degrees Celsius is normal; below 38 degrees Celsius is considered low-grade fever; between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius is moderate fever; above 39 degrees Celsius is high fever. Also, consider the duration of the fever and any accompanying symptoms. 3. Do not overuse antibiotics: Many households keep antibiotics on hand, and when a child has a fever, various antibiotics are immediately administered. This is inappropriate. First, most antibiotics have no effect on viruses and can actually suppress the body’s immune function; secondly, fever itself is a normal response of the body’s immune system to eliminate pathogenic factors. If you use medication to kill bacteria and viruses, it will affect the proliferation of phagocytes and the production of antibodies, thereby affecting the body’s ability to resist diseases.