Children Pain And Fever

Children Pain And Fever

A fever is a higher than normal body temperature. It's usually a symptom of an infection or illness such as a cold or flu. When measured by a thermometer under the tongue or arm, a child's temperature is usually between 36.6°C and 37.3°C. A child's fever is usually measured at over 37.5°C. When suffering from a fever, children usually show signs of illness such as sleepiness and a poor appetite. Look for a hot face or forehead, and a body that feels hot or shivery.

Fever is not considered medically significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Anything above normal but below 100.4 F (38 C) is considered a low-grade fever. Fever serves as one of the body's natural defenses against bacteria and viruses which cannot live at a higher temperature. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated, unless accompanied by troubling symptoms.

A fever can be caused by many different conditions ranging from benign to potentially serious. Some studies suggest that fever is useful as a defense mechanism as the body's immune response can be strengthened at higher temperatures, however there are arguments for and against the usefulness of fever, and the issue is controversial. With the exception of very high temperatures, treatment to reduce fever is often not necessary; however, antipyretic medications can be effective at lowering the temperature, which may improve the affected person's comfort.

A fever is the body's way of responding to infection or illness, and children with fever often feel quite miserable. Reducing a fever can help reduce their stress. can help children feel more comfortable sooner, by reducing fever as well as aches and pains. As well as pain relief, Advil provides up to eight hours of fever relief, including fever associated with immunization.

Fever has a number of potential causes, the most common of which are:
• Infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as colds and flu
• Prolonged exposure to the sun on a hot day.

What are the causes of fever?
• An infection - such as strep throat, flu, chickenpox or pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Some medications
• Over-exposure of skin to sunlight (sunburn)
• Heat stroke - may be caused either by exposure to high temperatures (nonexertional heat stroke) or prolonged strenuous exercise.
• Silicosis - a type of lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust.
• Amphetamine abuse
• Alcohol withdrawal

How do you recognize pain and fever?
Children aged over three years can usually talk about their pain symptoms, although it pays to observe children of this age as well for signs of pain, such as grimacing or touching the sore spot. In newborn babies and infants it's a more difficult task.

There are some similarities between the signs and symptoms of pain and fever, as you can see in the table below. However, those associated with fever may be more subtle - the younger the child, the more subtle the symptoms can be.

Symptoms of pain
• Screwing up of eyes
• Nasal flaring
• Grimacing
• Increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly
• Sweating
• Flushing
• Pallor
• Crying
• Finger clenching, thrashing of limbs, arching of back, head banging

Symptoms of fever
• Temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and children
• Shivering, shaking, chills
• Aching muscles and joints
• Headache
• Intermittent sweats
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Skin flushing
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
• Weakness
• With very high temperature (> 104 F/40 C), convulsions, hallucination, or confusion is possible. Seek medical attention.

 The following fever-reducing medications may be used at home:
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) can be used to lower a fever. The recommended pediatric dose can be suggested by the child's pediatrician. Adults without liver disease or other health problems can take 1,000 mg (two "extra strength" tablets) every six hours or as directed by your physician.
• Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) can also be used to break a fever in patients over 6 months of age. Discuss the best dose with your doctor. For adults, 400 mg-600 mg (two to three 200 mg tablets) can be used every six hours.
• Aspirin should not be used for fever in children or adolescents. Aspirin use in children and adolescents during a viral illness (especially chickenpox and influenza, or flu) has been associated with Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a dangerous illness which causes prolonged vomiting, confusion, and even coma and liver failure.

Pain & Fever range also provides fast and effective relief of pain associated with:
• cold & flu
• sore throats
• immunization
• teething & toothache
• earache
• headache
• minor Aches
• sprains & strains

Can fevers be prevented?
Fever is preventable only to the extent that the specific cause of the fever can be prevented. Most fevers are caused by infection. Avoiding sources the infection and maintaining good hygiene practices are your best way to prevent a fever.
 

Some ways to prevent the spread of infection include the following:
• Proper hygiene: Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Make sure you and your child's immunizations are up to date

Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever.

When trying to lower a fever:
• Do NOT bundle up someone who has the chills.
• Remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
• A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given - otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
• Do NOT use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.

Eating and drinking with a fever:
• Everyone, especially children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, popsicles, soup, and gelatin are all good choices.
• Do not give too much fruit or apple juice and avoid sports drinks in younger children.
• Although eating foods with a fever is fine, do not force foods.