Treating Fevers

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

01 Feb 2006 04:00 PM

If your baby has a fever, what should you do? First and foremost, you contact your pediatrician. There are different schools of thought on what to do when children develop fevers. Babies under 3 months should be seen regardless of other symptoms. High fevers can cause problems in young infants or be indicative of extremely serious problems.

However, a fever is a defense against infection. Some parents worry that by reducing the fever, you are reducing the baby's natural defenses against the infection. A low-grade fever is often not as uncomfortable as a high one, nor as dangerous. It's important to talk to the pediatrician about what to do when treating a fever. If they are exhibiting no other symptoms, you may let the fever run its course but be sure to offer them plenty of formula or breast milk to prevent dehydration.

If the fever is affecting their sleep, eating habits or behavior, then you may want to give them acetaminophen to help reduce the fever. Cool baths and cooler clothing can help to bring the body temperature down externally. High fevers that are over 102 are dangerous for prolonged periods of time depending on the baby's basal temperature. It's good to know this in order to discuss with your pediatrician.

The following symptoms accompanying a fever indicate dangerous conditions and you shouldn't wait to have your child seen:

· Small purple-red spots on the skin that do not turn paler when pressed. Large purple blotches appearing on areas of the body. These could indicate serious bacterial infections including Strep.

· Difficulty breathing even after clearing the nasal passages with a bulb syringe and the baby pants or struggles to get a deep breath could indicate asthma or pneumonia.

· Be aware of coughs, diarrhea, and vomiting or ear pain in addition to a fever as they could indicate an ear infection or sinus infection.

Babies get infections and not from lack of care, but because infections can take root in areas where sinus drainage is poor or clogged. Just like when you get a cold and you can't shake it, then you turn around and seem to have an infection. It works the same way for babies. Once upon a time, doctor's prescribed antibiotics automatically to prevent secondary infections; however those days are behind us. Many bacterial infections have become resistant to antibiotic treatments because they were so overused. Doctors will rarely if ever prescribe 'preventative' antibiotics, so awareness and knowledge are your first lines of defense against bad infections.

Whether this is your first baby or your third, you will learn that every child is different. They will respond to symptoms differently. The first few months are all a part of the learning curve that lets you become the best judge of your baby's health. The majority of pediatricians have nurse help lines that you can call when you have questions, don't hesitate to use them. If it's nothing to worry about, the nurse can reassure you and if there is, she can get you in to see a doctor.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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