High temperatures are part of growing up, especially in the first five years of a child’s life.
Viral infections are the most common cause of high temperatures. Look for signs of infection before you blame it on teething.
A good thermometer is essential to monitor accurate temperatures. I use the digital thermometer, used over the forehead and even then I repeat it several times if the child is restless. Keep a record of the temperature to show your doctor. Normal body temperature is 37.2 degrees Celsius. A high temperature is anything above that. In case of a high temperature, react immediately! Remove all clothes and use an antipyretic e.g. paracetamol oral/suppository, wipe down with warm water – you can use a warm water shower. Don’t let the fever exceed 38 degrees Celsius, because of the risk of convulsions. Febrile convulsions occur in the age group 6 months to five years. Please note that convulsions can be caused by other conditions besides a high temperature. A high temperature sometimes indicates a serious infection requiring urgent medical attention – look for a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, neck stiffness, bleeding, foul-smelling urine, a cough, croup, rapid breathing, jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes or contact with infections at school. Seek urgent medical attention because children are fragile and can deteriorate rapidly over a few hours. Always keep antipyretics/suppositories in stock. Temperatures return every four hours – so be prepared!
By Dr Raj Moethilalh, Specialist Paediatrician, consulting in Umhlanga, Isipingo Medical Towers and Kingsway Hospital. For bookings call 031 902 5440.