Fever is thus a symptom or sign of alarm as a result of the body’s defense mechanism against something that is bothering. In short, high temperature is a primary barrier of the body to prevent the infection progress.

The normal temperature ranges from 36 º C to 37.5 C (degrees Celsius). For practical purposes it is considered a fever when the child’s temperature exceeds 37.5 ° C. when taken rectally

Mild fever or feverishness: from 37.0 C to 37.5 º C rectal or 38 axillary

Mild fever: from 37.5 C to 38.9 º C axillary

High fever: More than 38.9 º C axillary

Note that body temperature varies during the day, which is known as circadian rhythm. Our body temperature rises in the afternoon, between four and six, and decreases in the mornings.

Besides the temperature is normal for children to grow to about 37 º C after mourn vigorously for colic or a tantrum, to run or be clothed in excess. So it is very important to distinguish fever overheating or excess heating coat. When in doubt, take the temperature, remove the excess coat and take it again 15 minutes later. If the floor is warm or exercise.

Although the fever is acting as a defense mechanism to prevent the infectious agent to multiply, must be taken when it rises above 38.5 º C.

Some of the most common causes of fever are infections by respiratory viruses or bacteria, gastrointestinal infections, ear infection, dehydration, application of vaccines, hypersensitivity to certain medications and some central nervous system lesions .

YOU can treat the fever, the doctor is the cause that produces

The pediatrician should determine the cause of the fever. In the case of an infectious agent, probably tells you your child an antibiotic and an antipyretic to reduce fever. One such drug is any medication that helps to eliminate the fever and is also known as antipyretic because it reduces body temperature.

For the common cold is viral, antibiotics are not effective for healing. However, there are medications to help reduce fever and pain such as Paracetamol Pediatric counter is in its different presentations for each age. (Different names for the same drug)

Tips to remember
• The fever itself is not a disease but a sign of some disease and indicates that something is happening to the body.
• It is always recommended to take home a thermometer and a rectal if there are children.
• Always should be considered a fever as a sign of alarm, we must remember that the degree of fever does not always correspond to degree of severity of illness.
• The febrile response in general is always greater in children than in adults.
• Always go to your doctor it with general measures do not correct this condition, if the temperature is over 38.5 degrees C in adult, if the fever is 38.0 degrees C or more in a baby under 3 months, if fever of 38.0 degrees C for more than 3 days not home measurement solutions and has no apparent cause.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT THE CHILD HAVE FEVER?
• When you feel hot to the touch (especially the neck and head), while the hands and feet are cold.
• When you suddenly lose your appetite.
• As usual vomit the last meal (a child usually eats well).
• When passing a bad night (a child who usually sleeps well).
• When a child is usually active, and play stops moving.
• When this declined inexplicably sleepy during the day.

HOW CAN I CONFIRM THAT THE CHILD HAVE FEVER?
It is very important that every mother knows to take the temperature and read the thermometer.

High-risk group
There is a group of children risk their background pathological condition or age, in their mouth is potentially dangerous:
• Heart disease
• Chronic anemia (eg sickle cell anemia)
• Metabolic disorders (eg diabetes)
• Neurological diseases
• Patients at risk of febrile seizure (between six months and five years of age)
• Neonate (less than a month old)

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