Child Healthcare - Fever

emergency medicine

Fever is the most common ailment in children when their body responses to foreign infections by increasing the body temperature. Every child passes through it once but one has to be concerned especially when the temperature is high.

Generally, the normal temperature is supposed to be 100.4ºF (38ºC) rectally, 99.5ºF (37.5ºC) orally and 99ºF (37.2ºC) axillary (armpit) temperature. So when the temperature rises slightly, it is called a mild fever while fever above 104 ºF is serious fever calling for emergency medicine.

Mild fever in children can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, common cold, ear infections, bronchitis, croup, gastroenteritis and many such common children ailments. It is also said that teething also might cause mild fever. Childhood vaccinations may also cause fever and the degree may vary on the type of vaccination. Other medically detailed information on childcare may also accessed through online healthcare services.

A child’s temperature should be rectally measured by inserting the thermometer tip in a child’s bottom. A child 3 months old or more can be checked orally. It can also be checked by his ear if proper technique is used. Tactile temperature is when the skin of the child is felt but it also depends upon the temperature of the person feeling the child’s skin. Generally, during a temperature check, digital thermometers are preferred widely as they are inexpensive and risk-free. Glass thermometers have to be taken care of and can prove to be toxic due to mercury.