Patient's question:
The child is currently 8 months old.1. Since yesterday afternoon, the child began to have a fever with an anal temperature of 39.5°C. Suppositories were administered, with a dose of 1/3 of a tablet each time.
2. Last night, the anal temperature was 39°C, and suppositories were administered again, with a dose of 1/3 of a tablet each time.
3. This morning, the anal temperature was 38°C, and suppositories were administered again, with a dose of 1/3 of a tablet each time.
The child has been crying frequently this morning and has shown little interest in eating. At noon, the anal temperature was measured at 36.5°C, which is below normal body temperature. I’m unsure whether the medication caused the low temperature, leading to the child’s discomfort!
What should the experts advise? Is there a serious issue? I’m very worried and urgently await your response! Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello:If your child has a fever, parents must remain calm and not panic. Do not rush to handle the situation recklessly. Instead, follow these steps in order:
1. Analyze the cause of the fever: Most fevers are caused by infections, with viruses being the most common. Examples include colds, influenza, measles, roseola, and epidemic mumps. Bacterial infections are the next most common, such as tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and meningitis. Parasitic infections can also cause fever, like malaria and kala-azar, but these are relatively rare. Non-infectious causes include heatstroke, dehydration, leukemia, tumors, trauma, or post-surgical conditions. There are also diseases that impair heat dissipation, such as generalized ichthyosis or hypohidrosis. Of course, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between these causes, but clarifying the situation can provide valuable information for the doctor.
2. Observe the type of fever: Use a household thermometer to accurately measure the axillary temperature and keep a record. Below 37°C is considered normal, 38°C or below is a low-grade fever, 38–39°C is a moderate fever, and above 39°C is a high fever. Additionally, note the duration of the fever and any accompanying symptoms.
3. Do not overuse antibiotics: Many households keep antibiotics on hand, and children are often given various antibiotics as soon as they develop a fever. This is not appropriate. First, most antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and can even suppress the body's immune function. Second, fever itself is a normal response of the body's defense mechanisms to eliminate pathogens. If you use medication to kill bacteria or viruses, it will hinder the proliferation of phagocytes and the production of antibodies, thereby weakening the body's ability to fight the disease.