The
normal temperature of human body is 98.6°F. If the
temperature is taken rectally, the thermometer will show a rise of 1°F, that is
it will show 99.6°F. The normal body temperature can vary slightly among
individuals. The doctors consider the rise in body temperature as fever if it
crosses the mark of 99.4°F when taken orally and 100.4°F when taken rectally. Rectal
checking of temperature is done in infants and children who are older than four
years have their temperature checked orally. Infants under three months should
be rushed to the hospital if they have fever above 100.5°F. The same applies
for children older than three months and having a body temperature above 102°F.
Digital thermometers provide a more accurate temperature reading.
Mercury thermometers pose a health risk to the family as it is an environmental
toxin. Hence, this is another good reason why mercury thermometers should be
replaced with digital thermometers. Parents must take few measures before and
during the task of checking the child’s temperature. First of all, the parent
should be sure about the kind of thermometer he or she wants to use, that is
whether the thermometer should be meant for oral use or rectal use. The child
shouldn’t be bundled up very tightly before the temperature is checked. When
the thermometer is being held by the child, the parent should supervise the
whole procedure. Infants might experience pain when the thermometer is inserted
into his rectum. Therefore, it is a good idea to cover the thermometer’s tip
with petroleum jelly before insertion and only half of the thermometer should
be inserted inside. The thermometer should be held until the beep is heard as
children tend to drop the thermometer, if it is left to them. When taking the
temperature orally, the thermometer should be placed underneath the tongue and
should be left there until the beep is heard. After usage, the thermometer
should be washed with cold water and soap.
When an infection is being fought by the body, it shows signs of fever.
When the child becomes fussy and experiences aches in parts of the body, the
child should be administered with some medicines. Medicines are available for
children, depending on their needs, age and weight. The recommended dosage will
be written on the pack or the label of the medicine and the parents should
check that chart before giving any medicine to the child. If there is any kind
of confusion, a doctor should always be consulted. Medicines like
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol for children are available over the
counter. When acetaminophen is given along with lukewarm bath, it helps
decrease the fever. The medicine should be given just before the bath. The
water shouldn’t be cold and no alcohol products must be used while bathing. If
bath is given minus acetaminophen, the child can begin to shiver and there is
chance of body temperature going high again.
Aspirin is not advisable for children as it may develop serious
illness called Reye’s syndrome in the child. The risk is even more in kids having
chickenpox or flu. Not more than five doses should be given in twenty four
hours. If drops are given, the dropper should be filled till the marked line. A
liquid medicine usually comes with a measuring device in the form of a cap. If
not, it can be bought at the local drug store. Infants under four months
shouldn’t be given medicine, unless told by the doctor.
Certain symptoms call for immediate attention and the doctor must
be contacted immediately. Symptoms can be dry mouth, rapid change in body temperature,
ear-ache, behavioral changes, frequent diarrhea and vomiting, paleness,
seizures, skin rashes, intense headaches, sore throat, swollen joints, irritability,
high pitch crying, not feeling hungry, stiff neck, stomach ache, whimpering,
wheezing, limpness, and breathing problems. At all times, the child must be
made to wear comfortable cotton cloths which help the body to breath properly
and at the same time absorbs the sweat. The child should also be given fluids
constantly, in order to combat with dehydration.
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