How a Fever occurs
The human body has a thermostat which regulates the body temperature. The normal human body temperature is between 36.5oC – 37.5oC. When there is an infection, various chemicals are released in the body. This resets the thermostat resulting in fever.
Fever Facts
- A temperature above 37.5oC is considered a fever
- Fever is the body’s way to fight an infection
- Fever is not life threatening unless extremely high
- Over-wrapping a child in a hot environment can cause the body temperature to be slightly above normal
- Fever caused by viral infections may persist for up to 1 week
- Children with high fever (>38.5oC) may develop a seizure. This however does not necessary lead to brain damage.
Medications
Medications are able to bring down the temperature by 1-2oC. Do not be alarmed if your child is still having fever after the medication as the effects of the medication can last 4-6 hours upon administration.
PARACETAMOL SYRUP
- First line of treatment for fever
- To be administered 6 hourly if temperature is 37.5-38.5oC
- To be administered 4 hourly if temperature is above 38.5oC
- Do not use in infants less than 3 months old
- Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose
IBUPROFEN SYRUP
- To be used if body temperature is persistently above 38.5oC
- Can be used if fever does not respond to Paracetamol
- Do not use in infant less than 6 months old
- Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose
- Before taking ibuprofen, inform doctor or pharmacist if the child has any allergies
When to see a doctor?
If the following symptoms are present with a fever:
- The child is less than 6 months old
- The child is feeding poorly, vomiting or lethargic
- The child has breathing difficulties
- The child develops new symptoms such as abdominal pain or rash
- The child develops a seizure
- The fever does not subside in spite of medication treatment
References:
- Fever in children. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. (2018) (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.kkh.com.sg/healthpedia/pages/childhoodillnessesfever.aspx
- Fever in children. Emedicine Health. (2018) (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_children/article_em.htm
- Paracetamol. Mims Malaysia. (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.mims.com/malaysia/drug/info/paracetamol
- Ibuprofen. Mims Malaysia. (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.mims.com/malaysia/patientmedicine/generic/ibuprofen-oral
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