Knowing the Causes and How to Overcome Fever in Children Right

Don't panic right away when the child has a fever. Fever is a condition that increases body temperature which is a symptom, usually based on a condition, such as an infection. By being aware of the causes of fever, it is easier to overcome fever in children. Fever is believed to be the body's defense reaction against various things such as infections or other causes of fever. Chances are, when the child has a fever will feel uncomfortable, however, not all fever is dangerous, depending on the cause and treatment

Various Causes of Fever

Many things can cause fever in children. Parents are advised to know these causes so as not to be confused and panicked. Here are some of the causes of fever that often occurs in children:

• Immunization

After immunization, babies often have a fever. This fever is mild and does not always occur, is part of the incident after immunization (KIPI). Generally short, health care workers usually provide parents with information and at least fever remedies.

• Teething

When a child is teething, there are several signs that occur. For example, more saliva than usual, cranky, difficult to eat and fever that are generally not classified as high. At this time, the child may also feel pain due to teeth growing.

• Cold

Although not high, but when a cold, an increase in body temperature can occur. Infants and children usually have colds more often than adults who generally have colds 2-4 times per year. Babies to pre-school-age children, it is natural to experience colds 8-10 times per year, while kindergarten-age children can experience colds 12 times a year.

• Flu

Flu is often caused by infection, so fever is one of the signs that a child has the flu, along with other symptoms such as weakness, malaise, cough, sore throat and stomach ache. Generally, fever due to flu is quite high, reaching 38 degrees Celsius or more.

• Headache

Various conditions can trigger headaches in children. Starting from fatigue, lack of food intake, stress, to infections such as upper respiratory tract infections (ARI) can cause headaches in children. In addition, tension headaches or migraines are also likely to be experienced by children. Generally shorter than that experienced by adults. High fever often causes headaches.

How to Overcome Fever

The child's body is said to have a fever which is when the temperature rises to more than 37.5 degrees Celsius. Although it's not always dangerous, don't underestimate fever. Because, under certain conditions, a fever can indicate that the body is experiencing a condition that needs to be watched out for. Fever that requires special attention is fever in children under two years, children with a history of febrile seizures, high fever that is above 39 degrees Celsius, fever occurs repeatedly or continuously and lasts more than one week, and fever is accompanied by a decrease awareness. When a child has a fever, there are several appropriate treatments. These methods are:

• Measure the temperature

Rely on a thermometer to check a child's normal body temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature above that means your child has a fever. In infants, body temperature is recommended to be measured through rectal temperature.

• Check for other symptoms

Pay attention to the child's symptoms or behavior when running a fever. If the fever is accompanied by a sore throat, lethargy, pain in the stomach, or feel pain when urinating, consult a doctor to determine the cause. Fever in infants aged three months and under, it is always advisable to see a doctor because it is still very vulnerable to various diseases.

• Give medicine and increase fluid intake

If your child has a fever, give him a fever-lowering medication. One drug that can be given is paracetamol. This drug is considered safe for consumption by children, as long as it is taken according to the dosage. It would be better if the child is seen by a doctor, so that the underlying causes of fever can be treated. You can also help by compressing to increase the child's comfort. Do not forget, multiply the intake of fluids, to replace body fluids lost during fever.

Paracetamol Helps Reduce Childhood Fever

As a pain and fever reliever, paracetamol is usually given when fever and pain arise from the things mentioned above namely immunization, teething, colds, flu and headaches, also in conditions of toothache, back pain, joint and muscle pain. Paracetamol can be given by a doctor, or can be bought freely. Even if you buy it freely, pay attention to how and how to use it. The dose must also be in accordance with the rules of use. To be effective, the correct use of paracetamol is adjusted for the child's weight or adjusted for age. Paracetamol for children, often accompanied by fruit flavors that are loved by children, to facilitate the administration of drugs.

Don't Just Believe Myth

There are still many people who believe in the myth of how to reduce fever, even though its effectiveness has not been proven scientifically. Here are some of these myths:

• Grated onion can reduce fever. In fact, distributing shallots does not reduce fever, and even risks causing irritation. The benefits of red onions that contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants are only known if consumed, not by distribution.
• Giving chicken soup can reduce fever. This is not entirely wrong, but actually the content of nutrients and warm liquids in soups that can help restore and make the body more comfortable. For example, carrots contain beta-carotene, paprika or tomatoes contain lots of vitamin C, and chicken meat as a source of protein that adds energy.
• Children take a cold shower to reduce fever. Using cold water for bathing during a fever can make her body tremble because the temperature difference is too far between the body and water. Wash gently with warm water using a cloth to clean. Then dry the child's body and wear comfortable clothes.
• Children who have a fever should be immediately given antipyretics. Giving paracetamol or other fever-reducing drugs, is actually intended to make children feel more comfortable. Basically, fever is a sign that the body is working against the cause of disorders such as infection. So to help the body, the doctor will provide treatment that works to overcome the cause of fever.

Fever in children is very common. Most fever is not caused by a serious condition. Parents do not need to panic if there is a fever, be aware of the above methods and consult a doctor immediately.