Patient's question:
Child fever, high and low, what to do?Doctor's answer:
Hello:When a child has a fever, parents must remain calm and not panic. Do not handle the situation recklessly without thinking. Instead, follow these steps in order:
1. Analyze the cause of the fever: Most fevers are caused by infections, with viral infections being the most common. Examples include colds, influenza, measles, roseola, and epidemic mumps. Bacterial infections are the next most frequent, 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, between 38°C and 39°C is a low-grade fever, between 38°C and 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 when a child has a fever, they immediately administer various antibiotics. 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 affect the proliferation of phagocytes and the production of antibodies, thereby impairing the body's ability to fight the infection.