Most childhood illnesses are accompanied by high body temperature. Often, inexperienced parents fall into a state of panic and resort to self-medication. Uncontrolled use of antipyretic drugs can worsen the child’s well-being and delay the healing process. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what fever in children is, learn to distinguish between its types and be able to provide timely assistance.

Fever is a protective reaction of the body, characterized by an increase in temperature. It occurs as a result of the action of foreign stimuli on thermoregulation centers.

At high temperatures, the natural production of your own interferons increases. They stimulate the immune system, reduce the viability and suppress the proliferation of many pathogenic microorganisms.

Before determining a fever, parents should know the age-specific temperature range. In infants up to 3 months it is unstable, permissible fluctuations up to 37.5 0 C are observed. For older children, the norm is 36.6 - 36.8 0 C.

It is important that the child is calm before taking measurements. You should not give hot drinks and food - this accelerates physiological processes in the body, and the indicators may be inaccurate.

Reasons

The reasons are conventionally divided into two groups.

Chills are one of the symptoms of acute fever

Species

Fever in a child manifests itself in different ways, the symptoms depend on the disease. The classification takes into account the clinical picture, duration and temperature fluctuations per day.

According to the degree of increase, four stages are distinguished:

• subfebrile ─ from 37 0 C to 38 0 C;
• febrile (moderate) ─ from 38 0 C to 39 0 C;
• pyretic (high) ─ from 39 0 C to 41 0 C;
• hyperpyretic (very high) ─ more than 41 0 C.

The duration is divided into three periods:

• acute ─ up to 2 weeks;
• subacute ─ up to 1.5 months;
• chronic ─ over 1.5 months.

Depending on changes in the temperature curve, several types are distinguished:

• constant ─ high temperature lasts for a long time, fluctuations per day are 1 0 C (erysipelas, typhus, lobar pneumonia);
• intermittent ─ there is a short-term increase to high levels, alternating with periods (1-2 days) of normal temperature (pleurisy, malaria, pyelonephritis);
• laxative ─ daily fluctuations within 1-2 0 C, temperature does not drop to normal (tuberculosis, focal pneumonia, purulent diseases);
• debilitating ─ characterized by a sharp rise and fall in temperature, during the day the fluctuations reach more than 3 0 C (sepsis, purulent inflammation);
• wavy ─ a gradual increase and the same decrease in temperature are observed for a long time (lymphogranulomatosis, brucellosis);
• relapsing ─ high temperature up to 39 - 40 0 ​​C alternating with fever-free manifestations, each period lasts several days (relapsing fever);
• incorrect ─ is characterized by its uncertainty, the indicators are different every day (rheumatism, cancer, flu);
• perverted ─ in the morning the body temperature is higher than in the evening (septic condition, viral diseases).

Based on external signs, pale (white) and pink (red) fever are distinguished, each of them has its own characteristics.

Pink

Pink is characterized by a strong sensation of heat, the general condition is not disturbed and is considered satisfactory. The temperature increases gradually, the pulse is allowed to increase, blood pressure remains normal, and rapid breathing is possible. Feet and hands are warm. The skin is pink, sometimes with slight redness, and feels warm and moist to the touch.

If you are convinced that the child has red fever, then start antipyretic measures at 38.5 0 C. In children with cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders, you should prevent a deterioration in health and take the medicine already at 38 0 C.

Pale

Pale fever is distinguished by its severe course. Peripheral blood circulation is disrupted, as a result of which the process of heat transfer does not correspond to heat production. Parents should pay attention to the readings of 37.5 - 38 0 C.

The child's condition deteriorates sharply, chills appear, the skin becomes pale, and cyanosis sometimes develops in the area of ​​the mouth and nose. Extremities are cold to the touch. Heart rhythms increase, tachycardia appears, accompanied by shortness of breath. The baby’s general behavior is disrupted: he becomes lethargic and does not show interest in others. In some cases, agitation, delirium and convulsions are observed.

A high temperature without symptoms of any disease can be a sign of illness, although many mothers believe that it is harmless.

Heavy sweating is one of the symptoms of relapsing fever

What to do at the first symptoms

When providing first aid, it is necessary to take into account the types of fevers. The tactics for each are individual, so we will consider them separately.

• Remove excess clothing from the child; do not cover him with several blankets. Many people believe that a child should sweat a lot, but this opinion is wrong. Excessive wrapping further contributes to an increase in temperature and entails disruption of the heat transfer process.
• You can do wiping with warm water. Even the youngest patients are allowed, but full bathing in the shower is not allowed. Apply a cool, damp towel to the forehead and temples. It is allowed to apply a cold compress to large vessels ─ on the neck, in the armpit and groin area, but with caution so as not to cause hypothermia.
• Vinegar rubdowns and compresses are indicated for children over 8 years of age; they are used no more than 2-3 times a day. Vinegar is toxic to a child’s body, so it is important to properly prepare its solution in a 1:1 ratio (mix one part of 9% table vinegar with an equal amount of water).
• Alcohol rubdowns have restrictions; they are allowed only for children after 10 years. Pediatricians do not recommend this method, explaining that when rubbing the skin, the blood vessels dilate and alcohol enters the blood, causing general intoxication.
• If your child has a fever, you need plenty of warm fluids. Linden tea has a good antipyretic effect. It has diaphoretic properties, but be sure to drink water before drinking it to avoid dehydration. Please your ill baby with a tasty and healthy drink - brew him some raspberries. It contains a large amount of vitamin C and will be an excellent addition to general treatment.
• Ventilate the room regularly, avoid drafts, and carry out wet cleaning 2 times a day.
• Provide the child with constant rest. You can’t engage in active games; it’s better to offer quieter entertainment.

• observe strict bed rest;
• in this situation, on the contrary, the baby needs to be warmed up, put on warm socks, covered with a blanket;
• make warming tea with lemon;
• Monitor body temperature every 30 - 60 minutes. If it is below 37.5 0 C, hypothermic measures are suspended. Then the temperature can drop without additional interventions;
• Be sure to call a doctor at home; for this type of fever, antipyretic drugs alone are not enough; treatment may include antispasmodic drugs. Severe cases will require hospitalization.

With mouse fever in children, low blood pressure is observed

Diagnostics and examination

If you have even the slightest doubt that you yourself cannot cope with a high temperature, it is better not to take risks and not put the life of your child at risk. We immediately call a pediatrician or an ambulance team.

Already at the initial examination, the attending doctor establishes a preliminary diagnosis, but in some situations additional consultations with specialized specialists will be necessary. The list of examinations depends on the type of fever, its symptoms and the general well-being of the baby.

Mandatory examinations in the laboratory include a detailed blood test and general urine test, and X-ray examinations as indicated. Subsequent diagnostics include ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and other organs, more in-depth bacteriological and serological studies, and a cardiogram.

Treatment

Treatment of fever in children is aimed at eliminating the cause that caused it. It may be necessary to prescribe antiviral or antibacterial drugs. The antipyretic has an analgesic effect, but has no effect on the course of the disease itself. Therefore, in order to avoid improper use of medications, all recommendations are indicated by the attending physician.

Children with a history of neurological disorders, chronic heart and lung diseases, febrile seizures, drug allergies, genetic predisposition, as well as newborn babies are at risk. Approaches to their treatment are individual, preventing all complications.

A sharp rise in temperature can provoke febrile convulsions. They are observed in children under 5 years of age and do not pose a particular health hazard. The main thing in this situation is to remain calm and provide assistance correctly. It is necessary to place the child on a hard surface and free the chest from clothing. Remove all dangerous objects to avoid injury. During a seizure, there is a risk of saliva entering the respiratory tract, so the head and body must be turned to the side. If the attack is accompanied by respiratory arrest, immediately call an ambulance.

Dengue fever causes diarrhea in a child

Taking antipyretic medications

Parents, remember that fever is an integral part of the body's fight against infection. Unreasonable use of antipyretic drugs can disrupt its natural resistance.

When buying medications in pharmacies, you should take into account the child’s age, drug tolerance, all side effects, ease of use and cost. Pediatricians usually prescribe Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

• “Paracetamol” is considered safer for the child’s body; it is allowed for children from the age of 1 month. The daily dose is calculated depending on weight and is 10 - 15 mg/kg, taken at intervals of 4 - 6 hours.
• Ibuprofen is prescribed from 3 months at a dose of 5 - 10 mg/kg every 6 - 8 hours. It has a number of contraindications for the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. Before taking it, you should definitely consult your doctor.

It is impossible to lower the temperature with Aspirin and Analgin, they pose a danger to children's health! The first causes a severe complication - Reye's syndrome (irreversible damage to the liver and brain). The second has a negative effect on the hematopoietic system. After taking it, the temperature drops sharply, and there is a risk of shock.

• consume according to instructions no more than 3-4 times a day;
• Duration of treatment is no more than 3 days;
• Do not use for fever prevention purposes;
• During the day, it is allowed to alternately take an antipyretic medication, which contains another active ingredient. Be sure to coordinate these points with your doctor;
• Young children sometimes have difficulty taking medicine in the form of syrup or tablets. In these cases, rectal suppositories are recommended; their effect is no different;
• 30-45 minutes have passed since taking the medicine, but the child’s fever continues to progress. Then a health worker will need to administer an intramuscular injection of antipyretic medications;
• use proven medications in treatment and purchase them only in pharmacies.

Prevention

It is impossible to predict or prevent fever. The goal of prevention is to reduce the risk of getting sick. Observe sanitary and hygienic standards, strengthen the child’s immune system, and prevent hypothermia and overheating of the body. During epidemics of influenza and other infections, be careful and do not attend mass events.

In conclusion, I would like to remind parents: any febrile manifestations are one of the first symptoms of the disease, which should be taken seriously. High fever should not last longer than 3 days; if it worsens, contact a specialist for a diagnosis.

Do not resort to self-medication, learn how to properly treat a fever. Don’t listen to outsiders’ advice “from the street”; they can leave irreparable complications. After all, the most important thing in our lives is healthy and happy children!

Every mother, having repeatedly encountered an increase in temperature (or, as this condition is also called, hyperthermia) in her baby, does not know whether to bring it down or not. In addition, she does not fully understand how to help the child without harming his body.

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of various childhood diseases. Hyperthermia is a protective reaction of the body in response to exposure to pathogenic stimuli, stimulating the body's immune reactivity. Therefore, the uncontrolled and unjustified prescription of antipyretics by overly caring parents often leads to a decrease in the baby’s resistance to various infectious agents.

A constant level of body temperature allows the body to maintain optimal activity of all biological processes in organs and tissues, which is achieved by maintaining a balance between heat production and heat transfer and is regulated by the thermoregulation center located in the hypothalamus.
An increase in body temperature can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents. Some microorganisms (streptococci, diphtheria bacillus, gram-negative organisms) themselves produce pyrogen substances that can cause hyperthermia. Others - viruses, rickettsia, spirochetes - stimulate the synthesis of pyrogens by the organism into which they enter.
The cause of non-infectious fever can be pathology of the central nervous system (trauma, hemorrhage, tumors), endocrine diseases, psychogenic factors, taking certain medications, overheating.

An increase in temperature activates the production of interferon, the synthesis of antibodies, an increase in the activity of phagocytes, an increase in the antitoxic function of the liver, and the secretion of corticosteroid hormones. All these mechanisms significantly inhibit the reproduction of viruses and bacteria. It is known that at temperatures above 39°C, most viruses lose their virulent properties. Thus, hyperthermia has a pronounced protective nature.
Usually, in the absence of underlying diseases, the child normally tolerates an increase in body temperature up to 39°C, but high fever disrupts the normal functioning of the baby’s organs and systems and can cause life-threatening conditions: febrile convulsions, toxic encephalopathy, etc.

Types of fever in children
Based on the degree of increase in body temperature, the following types of fever are distinguished:
- subfebrile – 37.2 - 38°C;
- febrile:
1. moderate – 38.1 - 39°C,
2. high – 39.1 - 41°C;
- hyperperitic – 41.1°C and above.

The duration of fever can be:
- ephemeral – from several hours to several days;
- acute – up to 2 weeks;
- subacute – up to 6 weeks;
- chronic – more than 6 weeks.

By clinical course It is necessary to distinguish between pink and pale fever. In the first type, the child’s condition and behavior are slightly disturbed, the skin is pink, moist, hot, and the limbs are warm. This fever is more common in children and is more favorable. The level of heat transfer corresponds to the level of heat production.
The second type is characterized by a severe general condition of the child, behavior is disrupted, lethargy, moodiness or, conversely, agitation appears. Chills, pale and dry skin, marbled pattern, cold hands and feet, acrocyanosis (bluish tint of lips and nails), increased pulse and blood pressure are expressed. Pale fever occurs when the balance between heat production and heat loss is disturbed. Against this background, such serious complications as febrile convulsions and toxic encephalopathy may appear.

Febrile seizures
Febrile are convulsions that occur against the background of an increase in body temperature (usually 39-40°C) during acute infectious and inflammatory diseases. This condition usually develops against the background of a pale fever and indicates brain hypoxia (lack of oxygen), significantly worsening the child’s condition. Most often, febrile seizures are observed in infants in the first year of life, less often in children under 5 years of age. Their duration is usually 4-5 minutes, and a short-term loss of consciousness is possible, and they stop when the body temperature decreases and usually do not require the prescription of anticonvulsants.

Hyperthermic syndrome– this is a pathological variant of fever, in which heat production sharply increases and heat transfer decreases. High body temperatures are accompanied by a significant deterioration in the child’s condition. Pronounced pallor, a marbled skin pattern, a bluish tint to the fingers and toes appear, and the difference between skin and rectal temperatures increases (more than 1°C), which indicates centralization of blood circulation. This terrible condition is characterized by progressive disruption of the functioning of the child’s vital organs, as well as the lack of effect of antipyretic therapy.

Basic principles of fever treatment in children
The issue of prescribing antipyretic drugs to a child should be approached very carefully. This is done based on the severity of clinical signs, the presence of background diseases and the baby’s well-being.
We must not forget that fever is a protective reaction of the body, and a decrease in body temperature leads to a decrease in the baby’s own defenses and its natural resistance to infections.

When hyperthermia develops in a child, it is necessary to provide him with rest, ventilate the room in which he is located, and humidify the air. The room temperature should be no more than 21°C. In this condition, the baby needs to be given a sufficient amount of warm liquid, as the body begins to lose it through the skin and respiratory tract. For each increased temperature degree, an additional intake of water is required at the rate of 10 ml per 1 kg of the child’s body weight, and this is in addition to the fact that there is a natural (physiological) norm for its consumption.

Don't forget about physical methods of cooling the body. The baby should be undressed and lightly wiped with warm water. You can put a wet bandage on your forehead. The use of cold water is not allowed due to the fact that this can lead to spasm of skin blood vessels, a decrease in heat transfer and an increase in body temperature. It is also not recommended to wipe a child with alcohol-containing solutions and vinegar due to their absorption from the surface of the skin, leading to intoxication, because peripheral vessels dilate during fever.
Medications should be prescribed taking into account the degree of fever, its type and the presence of risk factors in the child.

Risk factors for developing complications due to fever in children include:
- child’s age up to 3 months,
- history of febrile seizures,
- diseases of the central nervous system,
- severe diseases of the circulatory system,
- hereditary metabolic pathologies.

Thus, according to WHO recommendations, in the absence of the above factors, antipyretic drugs should be prescribed to a child with hyperthermia above 38.5°C. However, if his general condition is disturbed, there is pale skin, chills (i.e. white fever), their help should be sought immediately. When the fever is pink, antipyretics are given when the body temperature rises above 38°C, and when it is pink - 37.5°C. Such recommendations are not dogma, and they should be followed depending on the situation.

When choosing an antipyretic drug for a baby, preference should be given to the safer one. Currently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, are used in the treatment of children. However, now some drugs from this group, such as aspirin and analgin, are prohibited for use as antipyretics for fever caused by a viral infection. After taking them, children can develop very serious complications associated with disorders of the blood coagulation system. Analgin has an adverse effect on red blood cells and platelets, and also inhibits bone marrow hematopoiesis, and the use of aspirin causes the development of Reye's syndrome in a child, the mortality rate of which is 50%.

In pediatric practice, preference is given to drugs containing paracetamol and ibuprofen. But when prescribing any medications to your baby, you should still strictly adhere to therapeutic dosages and not exceed them.
Children with pale fever, hyperthermic syndrome and febrile convulsions are indicated for urgent hospitalization.

MamaNaya 05/26/2010 at 11:15:18

"White" fever. What to save yourself with?

We recently experienced this phenomenon. This is creepy.
I will say that previously our fever was accompanied by sweating and went away quite easily. We had water as an antipyretic - it helped. And then there’s a sudden jump to 39.6, my arms and legs are icy, my lips turn blue. The child is semi-conscious. This was my first time encountering this. As soon as I managed to put a suppository with paracetamol, I called an ambulance, they refused: “If the child is breathing, then call the children’s emergency room. And anyway, what did you think before? We should have prevented such an increase!” Fortunately, the child felt a little better. They opened the window, gave me hot water, and rubbed my limbs. The ambulance did not arrive immediately. The doctor quite calmly said that it was ARVI. He said to give no-shpa, vinegar wraps, cool enemas with paracetamol and ibuprofen...
For 2 days we still struggled with the temperature rising to 39.5. And cold extremities all the time. No-shpa made me vomit, the enema didn’t help, and I didn’t do vinegar wraps because... many people say that vinegar (even diluted) does more harm than good. But somehow we survived this crisis.
Then it turned out that we did not have ARVI. A rash appeared, but there was no snot or cough. Is it roseola or some other viral infection.
Anyone who has encountered white fever, please share your experience. Why does it arise? What to do if no-spa is not suitable? I read that papaverine suppositories are effective. Has anyone used them?
This kind of fever is very scary. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. But if suddenly this happens, you must be prepared to quickly save the child, without counting on an ambulance.

• katskin 05/29/2010 at 14:27:32

  We survived

  only our version is cooler - the temperature is 40.6, my daughter was chattering her teeth and screaming that she was cold, all the other symptoms were the same, although she was completely adequate. The ambulance arrived 20 minutes later, I clearly described the situation. Moreover, it was a repeated call, and they did not leave us a referral to the hospital. They gave an injection (but spa + diphenhydramine + analgin) - it didn’t help my daughter, they took us to the hospital, they repeated the injection, added ceftriaxone and dexamethozone, that didn’t help either - 40.2 was eventually wiped off with vinegar, brought down to 39.9 - they did it right away an enema with cool water - this was the only thing that helped and the temperature was 38.5. The diagnosis was made only on the third day by X-ray - pneumonia (there was no cough, the doctors did not hear wheezing), they said that it was viral in nature
  All these procedures cannot be done at home - there is a risk of convulsions, even from rubbing, not to mention an enema - by the way, at 40 it is categorically contraindicated.
  Conclusion - in case of white fever, we call an ambulance and rush to the hospital.
  At home you need to have an ambulance injection (see above) and be ready to inject if anything happens, as well as money for a private ambulance - it’s faster.
  You can try papaverine if you are not allergic, but it is less effective.
  One thing you need to remember is that suppositories act more slowly than injections, and in such a situation, minutes count. If you put a suppository, then you can no longer inject your child with this drug for some time.
  

  geny 05/26/2010 at 22:49:51

  I once used no-shpa in candles, but I think it was called-khsha +

  I can’t say more precisely, this was a couple of years ago, I think the pharmacy should know. Mefenamic acid helps us a lot with “unbreakable” temperatures, it’s really better than any other drugs.

  • kaktus1 05/27/2010 at 09:28:25

    roseola

    and we had roseola at 1.5 years old... gave paracetamol, but only when the temperature exceeded 39, the emergency doctor said to rub cold feet with vodka and put on woolen socks, and when the socks get hot, take them off. In addition, for a small child, At high temperatures, it is advisable to abandon diapers.

Shooter 05/26/2010 at 12:46:16

But you can inject it, you can light all sorts of candles. Get well!(-)

I am not some!
(c) Kolyan, 4g.

Fantasy 05/27/2010 at 18:17:19

It seems to me that the child was vomiting not from no-spa, but from a high fever.+

My son always vomits when his temperature is above 39. Our temperature is very low. Paracetamol and Analdim suppositories practically do not reduce it.
We measure the temperature every 30 minutes, as soon as the temperature creeps above 38.5 I give an antipyretic in syrup (if you have eaten anything, of course). I rubbed it with warm water without vodka/alcohol/vinegar a couple of times. The water should be warm.

JULIA_29 05/26/2010 at 11:43:31

yes, we survived roseola

“White” fever in a child can be caused by the administration of vaccines, for example, measles, whooping cough, influenza, etc. Fevers of non-infectious origin are also quite numerous. Chills are observed in rheumatic and allergic diseases, vasculitis, etc.

Symptoms of "white" fever

The name of the fever accurately reflects the appearance of the baby. The pallor and marbling of the skin immediately catches the eye. Feet and hands feel cold to the touch. Lips take on a bluish tint. Breathing and heart rate increase. Blood pressure rises. The child complains of chills and cold.

The patient's condition may be apathetic and lethargic or, conversely, agitated. The child may be delusional. Often “white” is accompanied by febrile convulsions.

Treatment of "white" fever

For the treatment of children with “white” fever, the use of antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs is not effective enough to reduce high fever, and sometimes is completely useless. Such sick children are prescribed medications from the group of phenothiazines: “Pipolfen”, “Propazine”, “Diprazine”. The single dose is determined by the attending physician. These drugs dilate peripheral blood vessels, reduce the excitability of the nervous system, eliminate microcirculation disorders and increase sweating.

Doctors also recommend using vasodilators for “white” fever. For this purpose, nicotinic acid is prescribed at a dose of 0.1 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Paracetamol should be given at the same time. In case of ineffectiveness after taking the drugs twice, you should call an ambulance. Medicines containing paracetamol include Panadol, Tylinol, Calpol. Also, ibuprofen-based drugs - Nurofen - can be given as an antipyretic. The drugs are available in syrups and suppositories.

“Nosh-pa” will also help relieve vascular spasm. The baby should be given half a tablet of medicine and intensively rub the child's cold extremities. Antipyretic medications will not begin to work until the spasm passes. All methods of physical cooling should be excluded: wrapping in cold sheets and wiping!

Fever- one of the common symptoms of many childhood diseases. This is explained by the fact that an increase in body temperature is a protective reaction of the body that occurs in response to exposure to pyrogenic stimuli.

Due to the widespread availability of antipyretic drugs, doctors are increasingly faced with problems such as uncontrolled use of drugs, overdose, complications and side effects, which cannot but affect the health of children.

Therefore, it is very important to understand what a fever is and in which cases it is necessary to prescribe antipyretics, and in which cases you can do without them.

Normal temperature body temperature is considered to be in the range of 36.4 -37.4 degrees (when measured in the armpit). In the morning hours the temperature is slightly lower, the highest in the evening hours (these are daily temperature fluctuations, if they are within 0.5 - 1 degree - this is normal).

If body temperature in the armpit above 37.4 degrees, then they are already talking about an increase in body temperature. (in the oral cavity above 37.6°C; rectal - above 38°C)

Causes of fever

Infectious diseases are one of the most common causes of fever;

Fever of a non-infectious nature can be:

• Central origin - as a result of damage to various parts of the central nervous system;
• Psychogenic in nature - disorders of higher nervous activity (mental disorders, neurosis); emotional stress;
• Endocrine origin - thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma;
• Medicinal origin - taking certain drugs (xanthine drugs, ephedrine, methylthionine chloride, some antibiotics, diphenine and others).

The most common cause of fever is infectious diseases and inflammation.

Types of fevers

By duration of fever:

• Ephemeral - from several hours to several days;
• Acute - up to 2 weeks;
• Subacute - up to 6 weeks;
• Chronic - more than 6 weeks.

According to the degree of increase in body temperature:

• Subfebrile - up to 38°C;
• Moderate (febrile) - up to 39°C;
• High - up to 41°C;
• Hyperthermic - over 41°C.

Also distinguish:

• "Pink fever"
• "Pale fever."

Clinical manifestations and symptoms of fever

It should be remembered that fever is a protective reaction of the body; it helps us fight the disease. Unreasonable suppression of fever can lead to a decrease in the intensity of the immune response and progression of the disease. At the same time, this is a nonspecific protective-adaptive reaction and, when compensatory mechanisms are depleted or in the hyperergic version, it can cause the development of pathological conditions such as hyperthermic syndrome.

In children with serious diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, fever can lead to decompensation of these systems and the development of seizures.

Therefore, a golden mean is necessary in everything, and if a child’s body temperature rises, a doctor’s consultation is required.

Fever is only one symptom, so it is very important to determine the cause that led to the increase in temperature. To do this, it is necessary to assess the magnitude of the rise in body temperature, its duration, fluctuations, and also compare the data with the child’s condition and other clinical manifestations of the disease. This will help make a diagnosis and choose the right treatment tactics.

Depending on the clinical manifestations, “pink fever” and “pale fever” are distinguished.

"Rose Fever"

With this type of fever, heat transfer corresponds to heat production; this is a relatively favorable course.

At the same time, the child’s general condition and well-being are not significantly affected. The skin is pink or moderately hyperemic in color, moist and warm (or hot) to the touch, the limbs are warm. The increase in heart rate corresponds to an increase in body temperature (for every degree above 37°C, shortness of breath increases by 4 breaths per minute, and tachycardia by 20 beats per minute).

"Pale (white) fever"

This type is said to occur when, with an increase in body temperature, heat transfer does not correspond to heat production due to impaired peripheral circulation. The fever takes an unfavorable course.

In this case, the child experiences a disturbance in his condition and well-being, chills persist for a long time, pale skin, acrocyanosis (blue around the mouth and nose), and “marbling” appear. There is a strong increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing (shortness of breath). Extremities are cold to the touch. The child’s behavior is disturbed; he is lethargic, indifferent to everything, and may also experience agitation, delirium, and convulsions. Weak effect of antipyretics.

This type of fever requires emergency care.

Hyperthermic syndrome also requires emergency care, especially in young children. With hyperthermic syndrome, decompensation (exhaustion) of thermoregulation occurs with a sharp increase in heat production, inadequately reduced heat transfer and lack of effect from antipyretic drugs. It is characterized by a rapid and inadequate increase in body temperature, which is accompanied by impaired microcirculation, metabolic disorders, and dysfunction of vital organs and systems.

Treatment of fever

When body temperature rises, the question immediately arises: Do I need to lower the temperature?

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, antipyretic therapy for initially healthy children should be carried out when body temperature rises above 38.5°C. But, if a child has a fever (regardless of the severity of the temperature increase), there is a deterioration in the condition, prolonged chills persist, myalgia, poor health, pallor of the skin, and manifestations of toxicosis appear, then antipyretic therapy should be prescribed immediately.

It should be noted that for children at risk of developing complications due to an increase in body temperature, antipyretic therapy is prescribed at lower levels. For “red fever” at a temperature above 38°C, for “white” fever - even at low-grade fever (above 37.5°C).

The risk group includes:

• Children in the first three months of life;
• Children with a history of febrile seizures - that is, those who have previously had seizures against the background of an increase in body temperature;
• With pathology of the central nervous system;
• With chronic heart and lung diseases;
• Children with hereditary metabolic diseases.

Urgent Care

For "red fever"

Open the child, expose him as much as possible and provide access to fresh air (avoiding drafts).

It is necessary to provide the child with plenty of fluids - 0.5-1 liter more than the age norm of fluid per day.

Antipyretic therapy should begin with physical cooling methods:

Cool wet bandage on forehead;

Cold (ice) on the area of ​​large vessels (armpits, groin area, neck vessels (carotid artery));

Vodka-vinegar rubdowns - mix vodka, 9% table vinegar and water in equal volumes (1:1:1). Wipe the child with a swab soaked in this solution and let it dry. It is recommended to repeat 2-3 times.

If there is no effect, move on to antipyretic drugs(orally or rectally).

For children, paracetamol is used (in syrup, tablets, suppositories - depending on age) in a single dosage of 10-15 mg per 1 kg of weight.

Ibuprofen is prescribed in a single dose of 5-10 mg per 1 kg of the child’s weight (read the instructions before use).

If the temperature does not decrease within 30-45 minutes, an antipyretic mixture may need to be administered intramuscularly (done by medical professionals).

For "white fever"

With this type of fever, simultaneously with antipyretic drugs, it is also necessary to give vasodilators orally or intramuscularly (if possible). Vasodilators include: no-spa, papaverine (dosage 1 mg/kg orally).

For hyperthermic syndrome It is necessary to monitor body temperature every 30-60 minutes.

After the temperature drops to 37.5 °C, therapeutic measures to reduce the temperature can be stopped.

Children with severe hyperthermic syndrome (especially those at risk), as well as with intractable “white” fever, after emergency assistance (usually by an emergency team) should be hospitalized in a hospital.

Parents should know that if a fever persists for more than 3 days, they should definitely consult a doctor and conduct additional examination to find out the cause of the fever.

Take care of your children’s health, do not self-medicate, it is better to seek help from a specialist.