Knowing the Causes and the Right Way to Overcome Fever in Children

Don't panic when your child has a fever. Fever is a condition of increased body temperature which is a symptom, usually based on a condition, such as an infection. By being aware of the causes of fever, it will be easier to deal with fever in children.

Fever is believed to be the body's defense reaction against various things such as infection or other causes of fever. Chances are, when a child has a fever, they will feel uncomfortable, however, not all fevers are dangerous, depending on the cause and treatment.

Various Causes of Fever

Many things can cause fever in children. Parents are advised to know the causes so as not to be confused and panic. Here are some causes of fever that often occurs in children:

• Immunization

  After immunization, babies often have a fever. This fever, including mild and does not always occur, is part of the post-immunization follow-up event (AEFI). Generally short-lived, health care workers also usually provide parents with information and at least fever-reducing drugs.

• Teething

  When a child is teething, there are several signs that occur. For example, drooling more than usual, fussiness, difficulty eating and fever which is generally not high. At this time, the child may also feel pain due to the growing teeth.

• Have a cold

  Although not high, but when a cold, there can be an increase in body temperature. Babies and children usually have colds more often than adults who generally have a cold 2-4 times per year. Babies to preschoolers, it's normal to have 8-10 colds per year, while kindergarten age children can experience colds 12 times a year.

• Flu

  Flu is often caused by an infection, so a fever is one sign your child has the flu, along with other symptoms such as weakness, malaise, cough, sore throat and stomach pain. Generally, fever due to flu is quite high, reaching 38 degrees Celsius or more.

• Headache

  Various conditions can trigger headaches in children. Starting from fatigue, lack of food intake, stress, to infections such as upper respiratory tract infections (ARI) can cause headaches in children. In addition, tension headaches or migraines may also be experienced by children. Generally shorter than that experienced by adults. High fever also often causes headaches.

How to Overcome Fever

A child's body is said to have a fever, which is when the temperature rises to more than 37.5 degrees Celsius. While it's not always dangerous, don't take a fever lightly. Because, under certain conditions, a fever can indicate that the body is experiencing a condition that needs to be watched out for.

Fever that requires special attention, namely fever in children under two years of age, children with a history of febrile convulsions, high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, fever that occurs repeatedly or continuously and lasts more than one week, and fever accompanied by a decrease in fever. awareness.

When a child has a fever, there are several ways of proper handling. These methods are:

• Measure the temperature

  Rely on a thermometer to check your child's body temperature, normally between 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is above it means your child has a fever. In infants, it is recommended that body temperature be measured by rectal temperature.

• Check for other symptoms

  Pay attention to the child's symptoms or behavior when he has a fever. If the fever is accompanied by a sore throat, lethargy, stomach pain, or pain when urinating, see a doctor to determine the cause. Fever in infants aged three months and under, it is advisable to always see a doctor because they are still very susceptible to various diseases.

• Give medicine and increase fluid intake

  It would be better, if the child is examined by a doctor, so that the underlying cause of the fever can be treated. You can also help him by compressing to increase the comfort of the child. Do not forget, increase fluid intake, to replace lost body fluids during a fever.

Paracetamol Helps Lower Children's Fever

As a pain and fever reliever, paracetamol is usually given when fever and pain occur due to the things mentioned above, namely immunization, teething, colds, flu, and headaches, as well as in conditions of toothache, backache, joint and muscle pain.

Paracetamol can be given by a doctor, or it can be purchased over the counter. Even if you buy it freely, pay attention to how and how much it is used. The dosage must also be in accordance with the instructions for use.

To be effective, the correct use of paracetamol is adjusted to the child's weight or adjusted for age. Paracetamol for children, often accompanied by a fruit flavor that children like, to facilitate drug administration.

Don't Just Believe Myths

There are still many people who believe in myths about how to reduce fever, even though its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. Here are some of these myths:

• Grated onion can reduce fever. In fact, smearing red onions does not reduce fever, and even risks causing irritation. The benefits of red onions which contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants are only known if they are consumed, not by smearing them.
• Giving chicken soup can reduce fever. This is not entirely wrong, but actually the nutritional content and warm liquids in the soup can help restore and make the body more comfortable. For example, carrots contain beta-carotene, peppers or tomatoes contain lots of vitamin C, and chicken is a source of protein that adds energy.
• Children take cold showers to reduce fever. Using cold water to bathe when you have a fever can make your body tremble because the temperature difference is too great between your body and the water. Gently wash with warm water using a cloth until clean. Then dry the child's body and wear comfortable clothes.
• Children who have a fever should immediately be given fever-reducing medication. Giving paracetamol or other fever-reducing drugs, is actually intended to make the child feel more comfortable. Basically, a fever is a sign that the body is working against the cause of a disorder such as an infection. So to help the body, the doctor will provide treatment that works to overcome the cause of the fever.

Fever in children is very common. Most fevers are not caused by a serious condition. Parents do not need to panic if there is a fever, be aware of the ways above and immediately consult a doctor.