29.03.2024

High fever in a newborn

Elevated temperature in a child, regardless of his age, always causes a sense of anxiety in parents. Especially when it comes to a newborn, since his immune system is weakened.

What temperature should a healthy child have?

We are all used to the fact that in a healthy person the temperature does not exceed 36.6 degrees, and, seeing on a thermometer 37, we immediately begin to sound the alarm, as it is believed that this is the first sign of the presence of inflammatory processes in the body.

But this does not apply to newborn children. Their  temperature can fluctuate around 37 degrees, plus or minus half a degree. It all depends on the physiology of the child.

To find out what temperature is normal for your child, you need to take it at the same time every day. It is worth noting that newborn children easily overheat and also freeze easily. A lowered temperature in a child can be observed in the morning, and an increased evening, in the region of 18: 00-22: 00 hours. Therefore, the best time to measure temperature in order to find out the norm for a child is from 13:00 to 15:00.

Under normal conditions, as a rule, the baby’s skin is pinkish, clean, moist and warm to the touch. At high temperature (above 38 degrees), the palms and heels of the baby remain cold (this is due to circulatory disorders), while the skin becomes hot and pale. A rash may appear on the skin.

How to measure the temperature in a newborn?

You can measure the temperature in a child both in the usual way for us (in the armpit), and in the mouth and rectum. Usually, the temperature in newborns is measured through the rectum with a special thermometer. But it is worth considering that choosing this method of measuring temperature, it will always be above the norm (from 37.6 degrees to 38). Therefore, do not be scared.

What can cause a fever in a child?

The reasons for the increased temperature in the newborn can be various factors – from harmless overheating to infectious diseases that pose a serious threat to life.

The most common causes are:

  • overheating (prolonged stay on the street in the summertime or excessive wrapping of a child);
  • frequent constipation;
  • teething;
  • prolonged crying;
  • excessively high activity;
  • inflammatory processes in the body;
  • infectious diseases.

The exact cause of the fever can only be determined by a doctor. For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs to tell when and how much the temperature rose in the baby, as well as about the drugs that were given to the child for several days and in what doses.

It is not necessary to independently diagnose a child and deal with its treatment. After all, an increased temperature in a child can be a “bell” for parents, which notifies them that they urgently need to run to the doctor or call a specialist at home. If you do not have the opportunity to get to the hospital on your own, and the doctor can only arrive in a few hours, you should not wait. Urgently need to call an ambulance.

How to bring down the temperature in a baby?

Today there is a huge amount of antipyretic drugs for newborns. The most famous are Nurofen, Ibufen, Children’s Paracetomol, as well as children’s Cepecon candles. But before giving their child should definitely consult a doctor.

In no case should the child be given acetylosalicylic acid, as it can seriously damage the gastrointestinal tract. To lower the temperature before the doctor arrives, rubbing the baby’s body with a cloth moistened with warm water diluted with vinegar will help. You should also provide your baby with a plentiful drink.

When do you need to call an ambulance?

You need to call an ambulance when:

  • the child does not get off the temperature with the help of antipyretic drugs;
  • vomiting occurs;
  • prolonged crying;
  • the baby refuses the chest and the bottle;
  • diarrhea appears;
  • a rash appears on the body;
  • cramps appear;
  • if the child strains his neck and does not allow to bend his chin to his chest;
  • the color of urine in the child changes (becomes cloudy);
  • the child has a rare urination;
  • heart palpitations and noisy breathing;
  • if the child rolls his eyes or supports with arms and legs;
  • the baby becomes lethargic (does not eat, does not drink and constantly sleeps);
  • the presence of chronic diseases in the child;
  • repeated attempts to bring down the temperature are unsuccessful.

The presence of these signs requires an urgent call for an ambulance. The faster the doctor arrives and examines the child, the faster it will be possible to eradicate the cause of the increased temperature in your child.

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