An increase in body temperature is often the first sign of illness and occurs unexpectedly. Fever is the body's defense response to infection. It is at elevated temperatures that the struggle of the organism itself with the microbe is more effective. This struggle is also needed for the proper maturation of the child's immune system. Recently, science has proven the role of excessive enthusiasm for antipyretic drugs in children with acute respiratory infections in increasing the frequency of allergic diseases. This does not mean that antipyretic drugs should not be used. This means that it is necessary to use antipyretics (remedies for high temperatures) correctly and according to indications.
The decision to lower the temperature must be taken at temperatures above 39 degrees. Exceptions: children with neurological diseases, children with seizures against a background of high fever (the so-called febrile seizures), children in the first three months of life. Do not wrap your child up. Feel your hands and feet.
There are two types of fever. In case of red fever, the child "glows with heat", he is pink, as a rule, his condition does not suffer, he is active, just hot. In this case, you can limit yourself only to the use of antipyretic drugs. Of the antipyretics in pediatrics, paracetamol and ibuprofen (nurofen) are allowed. You can not use aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), analgin (metamizole sodium) in Russia is used only in an ambulance for emergency temperature reduction, when other means have not helped, nise (nimulide, nimesulide). For young children, it is preferable to use rectal suppositories. For drugs in the form of tablets, syrups, powders, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dose for a specific weight of the child. For paracetamol, a single dose is 15 mg / kg. That is, if the child's weight is 22 kg, then the child must be given 330 mg of paracetamol at a time. That is, if the tablet is 0.5 g (500 mg), this dose will be 2/3 of the tablet. This dose can be given to the child 4 times a day. For ibuprofen, a single dose is 10 mg / kg, the frequency of administration is 3 times a day. If the child weighs 8 kg, his single dose is 80 mg. 5 ml of suspension contains 100 mg of active ingredient. Accordingly, the dose of the suspension is 4 ml.
With "pale fever" the child is pale, lethargic, his hands and feet are cold. This is to blame for vasospasm. And while the vessels remain spasmodic, it will not be possible to effectively reduce the temperature. Together with antipyretic drugs, it is necessary to give no-shpu (drotaverine), papaverine in age dosages. Doses of papaverine, depending on the age of the child, range from 6 months. up to 2 years old - 5 mg, 3-4 years old - 5-10 mg, 5-6 years old - 10 mg, 7-9 years old - 10-15 mg, 10-14 years old - 15-20 mg, the frequency of administration can be 3 -4 times a day. One tablet contains 40 mg of active ingredient. If the child is 7 years old, his dose is 1/4 tablet.
Do not try to bring the temperature down to normal. It is enough to lower it by 1-1.5 degrees. Prophylactic administration of fever-lowering drugs should be avoided. Only when the temperature rises again to 39 degrees can the next dose of the medicine be given.
Under no circumstances apply cold objects (compresses, ice heaters) to a child with a high temperature (this can cause vasospasm, slow down heat transfer by the body, increase the internal temperature). Do not rub the child with alcohol, vinegar, turpentine, or their solutions. These substances are easily absorbed by children's skin and cause toxic poisoning.
Give your child plenty of fluids, but not hot drinks. This will help reduce intoxication of the body and maintain the water balance in the child's body (at elevated temperatures, the child needs more fluid). Be sure to consult your doctor! Fever is just a symptom. Its cause must be established and eliminated. Be healthy!
