Many parents grab the medicine when the temperature of the baby rises above +37 degrees. But doing so is strictly prohibited, since such indicators for young children - the norm. In our article we will consider the features of thermoregulation in children and find out when it is time to see a doctor.
Features of temperature in infants
Physiologically it is arranged so that the temperature of our body depends on external factors. The process of temperature change under the influence of the environment is called "thermoregulation", and its main center is our brain.
In young children, this function is not fully debugged, so they can be supercooling or overheating.
In infants, these indicators are regulated by such processes as heat transfer and heat production. Heat production in infancy is very active: babies produce much more heat than adults, and give up a little, which is connected with not fully developed sweat glands. The source of heat is brown fat, which accumulates in the body of the child since the prenatal period. Moreover, the fat layer is very thin, the heat generated by the body is not preserved.
It is important for parents to remember that at this age children still do not know how to tremble and therefore, if they freeze, they begin to actively pull their limbs.
Norm for newborns
Before reaching the year, the body temperature in babies can reach +37.5 degrees (if measured in the armpits). As we have said, such a high rate is due to the fact that the thermoregulation in infants is not fully formed. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the temperature change in order to respond to it in time.
For example, if a baby has high enough indicators after measurement, but at the same time he is calm, has not lost his appetite, then you should not worry.
It is believed that the temperature norm in infants is within the limits from +36.5 to +37.5 degrees. It should also be remembered that it may rise slightly in the evening, but in the morning, on the contrary, it slightly decreases. If the child is hot during the day, the indicators are growing on the thermometer, it should just be slightly undressed.
Choosing a thermometer and measuring methods
There are the following methods of measurement, and each method has its own average indicators:
- In the armpit - from +36.4 to + 37.4 ° С.
- Oral method (when measured in the mouth) - from 37.1 ° C.
- Rectal (anal) - + 37.5-38 ° С.
- Tympanic (in the ear) - 31.4 ° C.
It is considered that if you followed all the measurement rules, but the thermometer showed + 0.5 ° C above the norm, then the temperature is elevated.
It is also very important to choose the thermometer itself. They are of the following types:
Mercury. It is considered the most accurate, but it has one important disadvantage - its dangerous contents. It can only be measured in the armpit, the time is about 5 minutes for accurate results to appear. In no case can it be used to measure it orally or anally.- An electronic device that is great for babies. His accuracy is slightly lower, but he is safe, and the result can be seen in three minutes. Since a close contact between the thermometer and the skin is necessary to obtain results, it is best to measure orally or rectally.
- The thermometer in the form of nipples - suitable for newborns. Results will be known within three minutes. The main disadvantage is a rather high cost and a short period of use.
- Infrared thermometer, which is the most modern device. It happens otic, when the temperature is measured in the ear, and contactless - you just need to bring the device to the temple.
Mercury. It is considered the most accurate, but it has one important disadvantage - its dangerous contents. It can only be measured in the armpit, the time is about 5 minutes for accurate results to appear. In no case can it be used to measure it orally or anally.Signs and symptoms of temperature
As we have said, even a temperature of +37.5 in the absence of crying and anxiety is considered the norm. But if the child vomits, diarrhea appears, the skin on the forehead is hot, reddened, the baby feels restless - this is a reason to see a doctor.
If the thermometer showed +38 degrees, then this indicates that the body of a small person reacts to any stimulus in this way. Usually, infants are fairly well tolerated such a state, while continuing to behave actively, delight parents with excellent appetite. The main thing during this period is to give the baby more warm water or herbal infusion. You should also not use any medication, because with this indicator, the immune functions of the body work well.
But if the body temperature rises to +39 degrees, children usually become lethargic or irritable, refuse to eat, limbs become cool. Having noticed such signs, an urgent need to call a doctor, because in this case there is a high risk of complications of a different nature.
The same applies to situations with a lower temperature - if the baby feels good, does not act up, eats normally, do not need to panic.
Snot and cough, no temperature
When a child begins to cough, he has a runny nose, many young parents immediately start to panic, call the doctor. However, if the child feels normal, the temperature is normal, he is calm, has a good appetite, most likely, the case is the appearance of the so-called physiological cough or runny nose.
They can occur in the first days of a newborn’s life; this is an absolutely normal manifestation, since in this way the child’s body adapts to new conditions for it. In addition, the glands located in the nose cannot excrete the right amount of mucus to maintain the level of moisture. As a result, it becomes more than necessary, which is why a runny nose appears, may be accompanied by cough. Typically, these symptoms of "psevdoprovody" pass in just a couple of days.
At the age of 6-8 months, teeth erupt in babies, this period is difficult for both the child and his parents. At this time, there may be abundant nasal discharge - this is a normal reaction of the body.
A reflex cough due to the presence of mucus on the back of the nasopharynx, which leads to its irritation.
But you shouldn’t delay with a visit to the doctor, if your child suddenly had a cold extremity, a forehead is burning, there is heavy breathing - this can indicate an infection, which can be cured only under the supervision of a specialist.
Ways to lower the temperature
Pediatricians say that the temperature should not be brought down below +38.5 degrees, since in this case it is necessary to let the child’s body deal with the problem on its own. But if the thermometer shows more, you need to know how to bring down the increase, because it may indicate the presence of infection, but also an increased temperature is noted during stress, overheating, teething. Because it is so important not to self-medicate, and when the temperature jumps, consult a doctor.
But there are some tips that you should not forget. For example, if the indicators are slightly higher than normal and this is directly related to the problem of thermoregulation (when the child is not disturbed by anything), you need to lower the temperature in the room to +20 degrees, wipe the baby with a damp cloth, give a lot of liquid.
Antipyretic drugs
But if the child refuses to eat at high temperature, he is in a fever, you need to call a doctor who can prescribe one of the following drugs:
- Children's paracetamol - its analogues are drugs such as Panadol or Kalpon. The term of medication for children under the age of six years is three days, and for infants it is best to use rectal suppositories.
- Ibuprofen This tool not only helps to reduce the temperature, but also fights against inflammation. The only point is that it cannot be taken for infants, only after the children have reached the age of six months. Give no more than three times a day. Sold as a suspension, rectal suppositories.
There are also some important recommendations regarding what you shouldn’t definitely do at elevated temperatures.
And all because these fluids are quickly absorbed into the skin, which can cause intoxication. Also, babies do not need to be wrapped up in a wet and cold cloth (only wiping the body a little), because this can cause seizures.
It is also strictly not recommended to use Analgin or its analogues, since this drug has a lot of side effects (not for nothing that it was banned in many countries of the world). Other medications not recommended for the treatment of infants include phenacetin and antipyrine.
And most importantly - just follow all the instructions of the doctor who prescribes the necessary medicines, based on the results of tests, the condition of the child.
