If the body temperature rises above normal, it is called a fever. Body temperature is 98 to 100. It is said that fever in itself is not a disease and this is true.
Fever is the result of protection against any infection present in our body i.e. this fever is our body's defense mechanism when our body fights against infection the temperature rises.
Hence it is said that fever is not a disease itself but fever is a symptom of every bacterial and viral disease. A fever is actually a signal that a war is going on in our body.
Our blood and lymphatic system produce white blood cells. When the number of white blood cells in our body increases, they fight against germs like an army and quickly attack the germs, which in turn increases the body temperature and heats it up. Commonly called fever.
-
PRECAUTIONS
○Generally, a body temperature of 98 to 100 is considered normal, but if it exceeds this, then it should be taken to bring it down.
○Wet pads should be placed on the forehead to reduce the intensity of fever. Now cold pads are also available in the market which keep cool for a long time and are stuck on the forehead.
○Use antipyretics, but no medication without a doctor's advice.
○Give the baby soft food as sometimes fever weakens the stomach.
○Avoid slow digesting food.
○Avoid sun and heat, but also protect yourself from extreme cold.
○Avoid bathing in hot water.
○Wear light clothing.
○Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
○Drink plenty of plain water and fresh juices.
○Young children should be cleaned with a wet cloth instead of bathing. ○Fever causes dehydration too quickly. They should also give ORS in case of diarrheas' or vomiting.
-
Methods of measuring fever
As science has progressed. Similarly, many devices have been invented to measure fever.
Mercury thermometer is a glass thermometer that has mercury that moves up and down according to body temperature. A scale is made on this thermometer where the mercury stops is the body temperature. Apart from this, digital thermometers are also readily available in the market and there are thermometer tapes for checking fever on the forehead. Doctors now also have an ear fever checker.
-
Checking Fever at Home
The simplest and oldest method for measuring children's fever at home is the mercury thermometer. Homes with children often have mercury thermometers. Fever should also be checked during administration. How well the medicine is working can be assessed.
-
Methods of measuring fever
As science has progressed. Similarly, many devices have been invented to measure fever.
Mercury thermometer is a glass thermometer that has mercury that moves up and down according to body temperature. A scale is made on this thermometer where the mercury stops is the body temperature. Apart from this, digital thermometers are also readily available in the market and there are thermometer tapes for checking fever on the forehead. Doctors now also have an ear fever checker.
-
Measuring fever from stool orifice
In very young children, fever can be checked by placing a thermometer in the back hip bone. Place the baby on the stomach. Insert the thermometer about an inch into his stool orifice. Wait for reading. Afterwards, wash the thermometer thoroughly with soap and water.
-
Checking fever from the armpit
Check armpit fever in children under four years of age. Place the thermometer in the armpit and lower the arm well. The thermometer should be pressed between the armpit and the arm. Wait for reading.
-
Checking fever by mouth
Clean the thermometer thoroughly and wash it with water to normalize its temperature. Now place the thermometer under the child's tongue and hold it with your hand so that the child does not have to exert too much. After waiting for two to three minutes, note the reading.
-
Medicine
Medicines can help reduce fever. Medicines only help to reduce the fever by 1 degree Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit to 3 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes fail to lower the temperature.
Two types of medication are usually recommended to control fever. which are as follows:
-
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is also available as a vaginal suppository (a glycerin suppository that is inserted through the anus).
-
Ibuprofen
These drugs are available in tablet and capsule and liquid forms.
This drug blocks the production and entry of chemicals in the body that cause pain.
These medications help the child to control the fever and make him feel comfortable, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the fever.
Only your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which medicine will help reduce your child's fever.
-
Precautions
○If your baby is less than 3 months old, do not give him any medicine yourself without asking the doctor. Self medications are not allowed
○The right dose of medicine for a child depends on his body weight. The dosage of the medicine that should be given is usually listed on the medicine package.
○Always give medicine on time. ○Keep an interval of 4 to 6 hours between one dose of the medicine.
○Give medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.
○Use the measuring cups or spoon provided with the medicine to measure the dose correctly. If this spoon or cup is not available with the medicine, you can buy droppers, medicine syringes and medicine spoons separately from medical stores. They are very helpful in administering medicine to newborns and young children.
○Don't hesitate to ask a family member to help give medicine to the child.
○If a dose of medicine is missed, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is a little late for the next dose, skip it and continue the medicine as scheduled.
○You can also set an alarm on your mobile to avoid this problem and to remember the time of medicine.
Don't worry too much if your child has a fever because it is normal to have a fever, but some fevers are dangerous and we will tell you about them later.
Until then, take care of yourself and your children and try to protect yourself and children from the changing weather.