Patient's question:
The newborn has had a high fever and had a chest X-ray taken. The doctor said it was pneumonia. They have been hospitalized for two days, but the high fever hasn't subsided, still staying above 38 degrees. What should be done about the newborn's pneumonia and fever?Doctor's answer:
Alcohol bathing is a commonly used method to reduce fever, but it is no longer recommended for infants. Rubbing alcohol on an infant's body can cause their skin to rapidly relax and contract, which can be highly irritating to the infant and may also lead to alcohol poisoning. Many parents often use cold packs or ice on the forehead to lower fever. However, this method should not be used for children under six months old, as infants are easily affected by external temperature changes. Using cold packs can cause a rapid drop in temperature, making it difficult for infants to adapt. Additionally, when an infant has a fever, their overall body temperature rises, and applying ice locally only provides localized cooling. It is best to use lukewarm water to wipe the infant's entire body.