Patient's question:
Symptom Description: The child has had a fever for one day, with a temperature ranging between 37.7-37.9°C. Intermittent coughing, with only a slight cough. Other functions like urination and defecation are normal.History of Treatment and Effect: Took two doses of pediatric paracetamol and phenylephrine granules, but the temperature is still 37.7°C.
Desired Help: Should I go to the hospital? How should I handle this?
Doctor's answer:
The normal basal body temperature of a healthy child is between 36.9℃ and 37.5℃. Generally, when the temperature exceeds the basal body temperature by more than 1℃, it can be considered a fever. If the temperature is below 38.5 degrees, do not give fever-reducing medication or administer fever-reducing injections. Instead, give the child more water. Pay attention to whether the environmental temperature is too high. Dress the child in fewer clothes to help them cool down. Soak a towel in lukewarm water (around 20 degrees), wring it out so it doesn’t drip, fold it, and place it on the forehead. Change it every 4 minutes. Alternatively, use a warm, damp towel to wipe the child’s head, armpits, and limbs. Currently, physical cooling is still the primary method. Encourage the child to drink more water, ensure the room temperature is not too high, and avoid dressing the child in too many clothes.