Fever Treatment for Child
Fever
Any abnormal rise in body temperature should be consider a symptoms of an underlying condition. The range of normal body temperature is 35.5- 37.7deg Celsius ( 96-100F). Oral or rectal temperature of more than 100.4 degree C (38 deg F) or higher.
Fever is not a diagnosis per se.
It’s very important to separate serious causes of fever from more minor or self limiting illness.
The causes of fever can be organised in to 4 main categories- Infectious, Inflammatory, Neoplastic and Misc.
- Self-limited viral infections(Common cold, influenzas, Gastroenteritis) and
- Uncomplicated bacterial infections(Ear infection, pharyngitis and sinusitis)
- Serious underlying infections or condition- need proper evaluation
- Varies from no symptoms to extreme malaise
- Hot or cold
- Flushing,
- Shivering
- Fatigue
- Irritability.
Detail history with onset of fever, duration and accompanied signs
- Vomiting
- Pain abdomen
- Headache
Depending on underlying causes
When associated with different symptoms , investigations as per probable diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- X ray
- Ultrasounds
- Tepid sponging with Luke warm or tap water
- Paracetamol
- Fever with specific underlying aetiologies resolves when the condition is properly treated.
- Poor feeding, excessive cry, high grade fever in newborn.
- Lethargy
- Persistent vomiting
- Sick looking child
- Rapid breathing
- Fever with altered sensorium
- Fever with convulsion
The specific investigations recommended for a child with fever depend on the other symptoms present, the child’s age, and other risk factors. Here are some examples of investigations that may be recommended based on the probable diagnosis:
Respiratory infection: If a child has fever along with cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, the healthcare provider may recommend a chest X-ray and/or a respiratory viral panel to check for common respiratory infections.
Urinary tract infection (UTI): If a child has fever along with symptoms suggestive of a UTI, such as painful or frequent urination, the healthcare provider may recommend a urine culture and/or imaging studies such as an ultrasound or a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to evaluate the urinary tract.
Gastrointestinal infection: If a child has fever along with vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, the healthcare provider may recommend stool studies to check for common gastrointestinal infections such as rotavirus .
COVID-19: If a child has fever along with other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, the healthcare provider may recommend testing for SARS-CoV-2 using a PCR or rapid antigen test.
Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or C-reactive protein (CRP) may also be used to help diagnose certain conditions and monitor the child’s response to treatment. Again, the specific investigations recommended will depend on the child’s individual circumstances and should be determined by a healthcare provider