How do I get my child’s fever down?—and when to call a doctor

Every little one gets a fever from time to time, and usually it’s nothing to worry about but it’s important to know what to do when this happens.

The body does a good job of maintaining its normal temperature, but when it reaches 100.4º F and higher, it’s officially a fever. The organs involved in helping with temperature regulation include the brain, skin, muscle and blood vessels.

What causes the temperature increase?

When your child has a fever, the body works the same way to control the temperature, but it resets its thermostat at a higher temperature.

• Chemicals, called cytokines and mediators, are produced in the body in response to an invasion from a microorganism, malignancy, or other intruder.
• The body is making more macrophages, which are cells that go to combat when intruders are present in the body. These cells actually eat-up the invading organism.
• The body is busily trying to produce natural antibodies, which fight infection. These antibodies will recognize the infection next time it tries to invade.
• Many bacteria are enclosed in an overcoat-like membrane. When this membrane is disrupted or broken, the contents that escape can be toxic to the body and stimulate the brain to raise the temperature.

What conditions can cause a fever?

A fever can be caused from:

• Infectious diseases
• Certain medications
• Heat stroke
• Blood transfusion
• Disorders in the brain

What are the benefits of a fever?

What are the signs that my child may have a fever?

Children with fevers may become more uncomfortable as the temperature rises. The following are the most common symptoms of a fever, however, each child may experience symptoms differently. In addition to body temperature greater than 100.4º F, symptoms may include:

• Less active or talkative as usual.
• Fussier, less hungry and thirstier.
• Your child may feel warm or hot.
• Increasing or decreasing sweat production.
• Naturally wanting to seek a cooler or warmer environment.

Remember that even if your child feels like they are “burning up,” the actual rectal or oral temperature may not be that high. The symptoms of a fever may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

When should a fever be treated?

In children, a fever that is making them uncomfortable should be treated. Treating your child’s fever will not help the body get rid of the infection any faster; it simply will relieve discomfort associated with fever. Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years can develop seizures from fever (called febrile seizures). If your child does have a febrile seizure, there is a chance that the seizure may occur again, but, usually, children outgrow the febrile seizures. A febrile seizure does not mean your child has epilepsy. There is no evidence that treating the fever will reduce the risk of having a febrile seizure.

What can I do to decrease my child’s fever?

Give your child an anti-fever medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. DO NOT give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious, potentially fatal disease, called Reye syndrome.

Other ways to reduce a fever:

• Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as juices, soda, punch or popsicles.
• Give your child a lukewarm bath. Do not allow your child to shiver from cold water, as this can raise the body temperature. NEVER leave your child unattended in the bathtub.
• Do not use alcohol baths.

When should I call my child’s physician?

This article was originally published on Children’s National Health System’s Rise and Shine and it has been republished with permission from the author.

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