By Dr. Catherine Gant

There are several different ways of measuring temperature, and you should make sure that you have a thermometer in your medicine cabinet. Strips placed on the forehead are cheap and easy to use but not very accurate. Thermometers under the arm have to be held there for a full minute with good skin contact. A thermometer under the tongue is efficient but can be dangerous if a young child then bite it. A very good way of measuring temperatures at home is with the aural thermometer that is placed in the ear for a second and records temperature digitally. In experienced hands a rectal temperature reading using a thermometer is quick and accurate and measures the child's central (core) body temperature.

Fever in children under the age of six years can cause febrile convulsions. These usually happen when the temperature goes up very suddenly.

FEVER CONTROL

Undress the child as much as possible; they will resist, as they often feel cold, and curl up, and cover themselves when they have a fever which increases their temperature.

TEPID-SPONGING

Use luke-warm water and wash the child gently down, particularly under the arms and around the head and neck, stomach and groin, a gentle breeze or fan in the room also helps. Do not use cold water as this causes the blood vessels in the extremities to shut down and actually increases the central temperature.

DRUGS   

Drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are useful in controlling fever. Do NOT exceed the stated dose (either in size or frequency), particularly in young children and calculate this dose from the child’s weight rather than their age if you are giving repeated doses. If treating continuously for more than 36 hours ask for medical help.

Never give medicines containing aspirin (also called salicylic acid) to children, as it can cause liver inflammation. Also, be aware that some cough and cold remedies may contain paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.

If the fever is very high, difficult to control, or goes on for more than a couple of days, then call your doctor.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please see febrile convulsions in the Health A-Z for further information on treatment of fevers, both conventional and alternative.