At what temperature are children given antipyretics? Doctor's recommendations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Every mother is concerned about the he alth of her own child. The slightest change in temperature in a baby is very disturbing for parents. At what temperature are children given antipyretics? How to help your child as effectively as possible, while not harming? Until what moment should we wait and bring down the temperature of 38⁰? Should I call a doctor or can I do it myself? How to bring down a high temperature at home? These questions are asked by many parents, especially in the midst of colds. So, let's figure out at what temperature children are given an antipyretic and what to do if such a situation arises.

How dangerous is a rise in temperature?

Indicators on the thermometer up to 39.5⁰ are not dangerous for the body - so say the doctors. But when a child has a temperature above 37⁰, mothers begin to sound the alarm (especially young ones). In most cases, an increase in temperature is a consequence of the onset of a cold. But there are also serious, complex diseases that begin to manifest themselves precisely with the onset of temperature. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribetreatment, you need a doctor. It should be remembered that any disease is easier to cure at an early stage.

A child whose temperature does not drop or constantly rises for several days must be seen by a doctor. Children's bodies are more susceptible to dehydration, and without appropriate treatment, prolonged high fever is dangerous.

Initial measures

If the child has a temperature of 38 degrees or below, special and emergency measures should not be taken. This means that the body must try to cope on its own, having developed for itself the correct algorithm of actions and appropriate antibodies in case of recurrence of such diseases. The task of parents is to contribute in every possible way to this process. Encourage your child to drink much more often than usual. At the same time, it is not necessary to force the child to use decoctions, infusions and milk with honey, blindly adhering to grandmother's recommendations. Only if the child agrees to it. But remember that water in such a situation will be enough. The temperature of the liquid should be close to body temperature, but in no case give it hot. Fruit drinks or compotes bring a good effect.

What else can you do?

It is necessary to ensure the correct microclimate in the room. Stuffiness and heat contribute to the reproduction of bacteria and viruses that the child's body fights. Ventilate the room (without the presence of a child, of course), provide humidity (if there is no humidifier, you canhang a wet towel on the battery).

Dress your child in comfortable and loose clothing. No need to wrap it up, provoking sweating. Some doctors recommend taking a short bath (36-37 degrees). This will help improve heat dissipation.

The old methods of rubbing with vodka, alcohol or vinegar should not be used. The child should not be rubbed with these liquids. Better let him sleep, sleep is the best doctor. The child will rest, and the body, without overstraining, can throw all its strength into fighting the infection.

If the temperature started to rise

If a child has a temperature of 38 and starts to rise, and home methods fail to bring it down, you need to turn to medication.

There are general recommendations at what temperature children are given antipyretics. If the child's age is from 0 to 2 months, then medicines are given already at the level of 38 degrees. If the child is more than three months old, then it is necessary to wait for the mark of 39 degrees, and after reaching two years, the antipyretic is used at a temperature above 39.5 degrees.

It is believed that bringing down the temperature of 38 is not necessary in case of an infectious disease. This is due to the fact that the body should be given the opportunity to fight the aggressive agent on its own.

When do you need to bring down the temperature of 38⁰ and below?

But if a child has additional symptoms, then temperature restrictions fade into the background. So, you need to giveantipyretic at any temperature if:

• the child's general condition is unsatisfactory, he refuses water and food, cries, is irritable or capricious, does not behave as usual;
• any rashes are noticed on the child's skin;
• child complains of ear or abdominal pain;
• vomiting or diarrhea;
• you observe partial cessation of breathing;
• convulsions appeared;
• child began to cough violently and complain of chest pain;
• baby hurts to go to the toilet;
• temperature remains high and does not drop throughout the day;
• child's history of neurological disease or serious heart disease, kidney disease, hepatitis or diabetes, etc.;
• vaccinated, such as DTP.

Each parent should be guided by the condition of their child. If your child feels well, and there are no additional symptoms, then the answer to the question: “Should I bring down the temperature of 38⁰ and above?” - unequivocal: up to 39 degrees, there is no need to offer the child antipyretics.

But if the baby feels bad, even if he has 37.5⁰, then you can give him the appropriate drug. It should be noted that the presence of diseases of the internal organs or a neurological nature also obliges to bring down even a low temperature.

Antipyretics for high fever

At what temperature children are given an antipyretic also depends on the drug used. For todayday there is a great variety of means. But doctors distinguish two groups of drugs that are safest and most effective for children.

Paracetamol, produced in various forms, has a sparing effect. Candles, syrups, suspensions are the safest and are allowed for children. Ibuprofen has a stronger and more lasting effect, but at the same time, the number of contraindications and side effects, respectively, is greater. Release forms are also varied.

Analogues of antipyretics

Analogues of these drugs are widely known and probably in every home. Identical in composition with Paracetamol are: Panadol, Kalpol, Efferalgan, Dofalgan, Tylenol, Dolomol. The well-known analogue of Ibuprofen is Nurofen.

Also in pediatrics, the homeopathic remedy "Viburkol" is often used. And drugs for adults, such as Aspirin, Analgin, Phenacetin and the like, cannot be used for children.

Forms of "Paracetamol" and "Ibuprofen"

What form of the drug to prefer, each parent chooses independently or on the recommendation of a pediatrician. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the age of the child and the speed of the syrup or suppositories. Everything that is given orally - tablets, syrups, potions - acts faster (from 20 minutes to half an hour), but the child may refuse to take the medicine. Antipyretic syrup for children contains various aromatic additives that can provoke allergies. Also with vomiting or nauseait is better to give preference to candles.

The action of suppositories is most effective - this is one of the most convenient dosage forms. The only negative is that they take effect after 40 minutes. Parents who seek to bring down the temperature of the child must definitely wait for the effect, and not give the child another dose of medication. "Paracetamol", suppositories or syrup, brings down the temperature by 1-1.5 degrees in 30-40 minutes. Ibuprofen-based products are more effective and last longer.

The dosage of each drug is determined according to the instructions or by the attending physician. Re-administration of the drug should be no earlier than 4 hours later. The minimum interval between doses is possible only with high temperature and poor he alth.

It is important to remember that "Paracetamol", "Ibuprofen" and analogues only bring down the temperature, but do not affect the cause of the disease. Antipyretics for children from one year old are allowed in any form. For the smallest, it is better to stop the choice on a suspension or candles.

Instead of a conclusion

So, during epidemics of SARS or influenza, you need to know how to bring down the heat at home. If it rises, this is a sign of the body's fight against infection. It is necessary to bring down the temperature, subject to the normal well-being of the child, after exceeding the mark of 39 degrees. If there are pains, vomiting, rashes, then such actions must be performed after the number 38, 5 appears on the thermometer. If the child is less than 3 months old, then the temperature should be brought downafter 38 degrees.

Drugs should ideally be prescribed by the attending physician. But it is better to consult with a pediatrician in advance and be ready. It makes sense to keep fever-reducing syrup for children and candles at home in order to act more effectively in accordance with the situation.

You must strictly follow the instructions and do not bring down the temperature more often than indicated. Compliance with the correct dosage will help to avoid side effects. It is strictly forbidden to take such drugs in advance or for prophylaxis, waiting for a rise in temperature.

If a child has a temperature of 38⁰ and above, there are no symptoms of a cold, but the child complains of pain in the abdomen - immediately call an ambulance, as it may be appendicitis. In such cases, the temperature is not brought down, as this will only hurt. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience seizures, redness of the skin, vomiting or diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.

If a child has a fever for three days, be sure to see a doctor to avoid dehydration and prescribe the correct treatment.