Parents’ Guide: Safe Home Remedies to Reduce Fever in Children

Fever is the symptoms or natural immune response accompanied by high temperatures to fight infections. While it often resolves within a few days with proper care, managing a child’s fever can be stressful for parents. Ensure adequate rest, hydration and appropriate remedies to help your little one to recover comfortably. Read more safe and effective home remedies to reduce fever in children and when to seek medical attention.

How to record the temperature?  

Temperature is measured using a clinical thermometer by placing it inside the mouth (below the tongue) or under the arm (auxiliary). Body temperature is considered normal if it ranges between 99 °F and 99.5 °F (37.2 °C and 37.5 °C). An elevated temperature above this range suggests that the individual is experiencing fever.  

Ways of measuring your child’s temperature

• Rectal method: By the rectum or ‘bum’
• Oral method: By the mouth
• Axillary method: Under the armpit
• Tympanic method: In the ear

Temperature taking steps

• Avoid mercury thermometers: They can be toxic if broken.
• Use the correct thermometer: It’s improper to use the oral thermometer to take rectal temperatures or vice versa.
• Digital thermometers: They are suitable for both oral and axillary or rectal use, are made of unbreakable plastic, are easy to read and provide rapid measurements.

Recognising fever symptoms in children

Understanding the fever signs is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Here’s what to look for:

• Increased body temperature: It is the most apparent sign. The back, forehead or stomach feels unusually warm.
• Chills and sweating: The child might feel cold and hot alternately.
• Headache: Fevers can sometimes cause headaches.
• Fatigue: Increased tiredness and a desire to nap more often.
• Irritability: Fevers can make children cranky and irritable.
• Decreased appetite: A lack of interest in eating is common.
• General discomfort: One may experience muscle aches and a general sense of being unwell.

Home remedies for fever in children

The primary goal of home treatment is to keep your child comfortable and hydrated. Here are some practical tips:

• Hydration: Ensure your child drinks enough of fluids. Water, clear soups and electrolyte solutions like Hydrolyte are excellent choices. If they’re reluctant to drink, try offering ice chips or popsicles. Small, frequent sips are better than large amounts at once.
• Light clothing: Dress your child in lightweight clothing to help regulate their body temperature. Keep their room comfortably cool.
• Rest: Encourage your child to rest and engage in low-key activities to conserve energy and aid recovery.
• Temperature monitoring: Regularly check your child’s temperature to ensure it doesn’t rise too high.
• Medications:  Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. However, the dosage must be strictly adhered to.
• Lukewarm baths: They help reduce the body temperature. Avoid cold baths or ice packs as they can cause shivering, which might raise the body temperature.

What to avoid?

Certain methods can be harmful and should be avoided:

• Ice or cold water baths: These baths can might rise the core body temperature.
• Alcohol rubs: These can be absorbed through the skin and are not safe.
• Overdressing: Lightly dress up the child to ensure better regulation of the body temperature.

When to consult a doctor?

Knowing when to consult medical advice is crucial. Contact a doctor if:

• A child under the age of 3 months is suffering from fever.
• The fever lasts more than three days.
• The fever exceeds 40 °C.
• Your child has a non-blanching rash, headache or neck stiffness.
• Your child experiences a seizure.
• Signs of dehydration appear, such as dry lips and mouth, no tears when crying or fewer wet diapers.
• The child has trouble breathing or is unusually drowsy.

By following these steps, you can manage your child’s fever at home while knowing when to seek professional help.

Conclusion

Fever, as an immune response against infections, often resolves with prompt measures. It is important to continuously monitor the temperature and seek medical attention if the fever persists. Furthermore, the varying causes and types of fevers further highlight the importance of complying with the treatment approach strictly.