Fever in Children: Causes and Symptoms

Definition and Causes

• Fever is a normal response to an infection, where the body's temperature rises to fight off the infection.
• Normal body temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F)
• Causes of fever in children:
  • Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal
  • Immunizations
  • Teething
  • Overdressing or overheating
  • Medications

Signs and Symptoms

• Elevated body temperature (usually above 38°C or 100.4°F)
• May have accompanying symptoms:
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Assessment and Diagnosis

• Take the child's temperature with a thermometer:
  • Oral or digital thermometer for children above 4-5 years
  • Rectal thermometer for infants and younger children
• Look for signs of infection:
  • Ear infection
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
• Perform a physical examination to identify any underlying conditions

Management and Treatment

• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to reduce fever:
  • Follow the recommended dosage and consult with a doctor before administering
  • Not recommended for children under 3 months
• Encourage fluid intake:
  • Breast milk or formula for infants
  • Electrolyte-rich beverages (such as Pedialyte) for children over 1 year
• Dress the child in light, comfortable clothing
• Use a cool compress or sponge bath to reduce fever (but not too cold)

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Fever in infants under 3 months
• Fever above 40°C (104°F) in children of any age
• Fever accompanied by:
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Refusal to drink fluids
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Ear pain or difficulty hearing
  • Severe irritability or lethargy
• If the child has a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition

Fever in Children

• Normal body temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F)

Causes of Fever

• Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal
• Immunizations
• Teething
• Overdressing or overheating
• Medications

Signs and Symptoms of Fever

• Elevated body temperature (usually above 38°C or 100.4°F)
• Accompanying symptoms:
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Assessing and Diagnosing Fever

• Take the child's temperature with a thermometer:
  • Oral or digital thermometer for children above 4-5 years
  • Rectal thermometer for infants and younger children
• Look for signs of infection:
  • Ear infection
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
• Perform a physical examination to identify underlying conditions

Managing and Treating Fever

• Medications:
  • Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin)
  • Follow recommended dosage and consult a doctor before administering
• Encourage fluid intake:
  • Breast milk or formula for infants
  • Electrolyte-rich beverages (such as Pedialyte) for children over 1 year
• Dress the child in light, comfortable clothing
• Use a cool compress or sponge bath to reduce fever

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Fever in infants under 3 months
• Fever above 40°C (104°F) in children of any age
• Fever accompanied by:
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Refusal to drink fluids
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Ear pain or difficulty hearing
  • Severe irritability or lethargy
• If the child has a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition