1 minute read
Paint and allow to dry
Temperature Control in Children High tem peratu res are part of growin g up, es peciall y in the first five years of a chil d’s li fe.
Viral infections are the most common cause of high temperatures. Look for signs of infection before you blame it on teething.
Advertisement
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, you must 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 very
rapidly over a few hours. Some children often play as normal, even if they are developing something serious. Be alert and react early rather than late.
Always keep antipyretics/suppositories in stock. Temperatures return every four hours – so be prepared!
Current infections going around are gastroenteritis, chest infections and viral infections – and always keep bacterial infections in mind.
It’s difficult for working parents using daycare facilities - get a good support structure in place and speak to employers honestly about the exact situation. By Dr Raj Moethilalh, Specialist Paediatrician, consulting in Umhlanga, Isipingo Medical Towers and Kingsway Hospital. For bookings call 031 902 5440.
Shop 115, Liberty Mall Entrance 1 (Game Entrance) Tel: 033 342 2114 Head Office: 033 387 2411 Mobile/WhatsApp: 064 786 7868 / 082 619 0007 Web: www.blingcreations.co.za
