You should pay attention to your child's temperature, but you should also monitor your child's behavior and appearance to determine if her fever is something to worry about.
If you are a parent, chances are your child will suffer from a fever several times during his or her childhood. While fevers can be a source of worry for parents, they are actually quite common. It is important for parents to understand that a fever is not an illness in itself, but it is instead a symptom of an illness. If you determine that your child does have a fever, you may want to immediately give her acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever. However, pediatricians often recommend that you let the fever alone for a time. The fever is a signal that the body is working to rid itself of an infection, and so the fever has a job to do. Obviously, if your child is running a high fever, though, or he is very uncomfortable, you will want to lower his body temperature.
How can you tell if your child's fever is something to worry about? In the past, the major indication of the seriousness of a fever was basically the temperature reading. Today, however, pediatricians are concerned with more than just the actual temperature. You should also pay attention to how your child is acting. The exception to this would be an infant. If your child is three months or younger, and he is running a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should contact your pediatrician regardless of how your child is acting. If your child is older than three months, and he is running a fever of 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should also contact your doctor.
You should pay attention to how your child is acting. If she is running a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, but she is playing and active, you really shouldn't worry. If, however, your child is running a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and she is listless and lethargic, you should contact your doctor. If your child seems to be in pain, cries frequently, complains of a headache and/or a stiff neck, has blue lips and/or tongue, appears limp and/or has difficulty waking up, has a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or shows a rash or mysterious bruises, you should contact your doctor or visit the emergency room as soon as possible. You should also contact your doctor or emergency room physician if your infant's soft spot appears to be bulging.
If your child is running a fever, but he is actively playing, seems happy, and has a good color, there is probably nothing for you to worry about. Of course, if you are concerned you can always contact your doctor for your own peace of mind.
Obviously, the method that you use in taking your child's temperature can make a difference in the temperature reading. Most pediatricians discourage the use of glass thermometers because they contain mercury. Digital thermometers are typically accurate and easy to use.
Digital thermometers can be used rectally, orally, and axillary, which means the thermometer is placed under the child's arm. If your child is not old enough to use a thermometer orally, rectally is the most accurate. You will need to lubricate the tip of the thermometer and insert it into your child's rectum a half-inch to an inch deep. Do not force it, if it meets resistance. If you take your child's temperature by placing a digital thermometer under his arm, you need to remove his shirt so that only skin on skin is used. Some parents prefer to use an electronic ear thermometer. While these are easy to use, they are not very accurate for babies that are younger than three months.
Remember, your child's fever may not actually be cause for worry. You should pay attention to her temperature, but you should also monitor your child's behavior and appearance. If you have any questions or concerns, however, you should always contact your pediatrician.
