Ways to Reduce Fever in Children

Anadolu Medical Center Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Yeşim Eker Neftçi talked about ways to reduce fever in children. Fever is a defense mechanism of the body, usually against infection by viruses or bacteria.

Emphasizing that as a result of the response of the immune system in the body, the body temperature rises, which manifests itself as fever, Dr. Yeşim Eker Neftçi said, “In order to say fever, body temperature should be measured 37,5 degrees and above in the armpit and 38 degrees and above in the ear. Although fever is necessary to fight infection, it should also be reduced because it predisposes children under the age of 5 to convulsions," he said.

Dr. Yeşim Eker Neftçi made the following recommendations to reduce fever in children:

• First of all, the ambient temperature should be lowered.
• The clothes on the baby and the child should be removed until only underwear is left. For some babies and children, being naked can cause restlessness, crying, and difficulty keeping a fever down. In such cases, very thin cotton clothes may remain on the child.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen type drugs can be given in doses appropriate for their weight in children who are not allergic to these drugs. Salicylates are not suitable for use in children.
• If no decrease in fever is observed within 1 hour with the antipyretic, the child should be given a warm shower.
• Fluid intake is very important when reducing fever. Therefore, make sure that the child is drinking enough water.