Physician Advises on the Management of Warm Temperature in Children

 

Adoghe told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday that when an individual had fever, it was usually a sign that something abnormal was going on inside the body.

``The case of children requires urgent medical attention after careful observation by parents,’’ he said.

He described fever as a rise in the body temperature above the normal range of between 36.1 degree Celsius and 37.2 degree Celsius.

The physician explained that the degree of fever did not necessarily indicate the seriousness of the underlying condition, adding that a serious illness might cause a low fever, while a minor illness might cause a high fever.

``Parents always want to feel the temperature of the child through the use of hands. Your hand is not a thermometer, use appropriate thermometer for children and ask or learn how to use one,” he said.

The doctor identified some causes of fever as common infections, including malarial, common cold and flu, pneumonia, most bacterial and viral infections.

According to Adoghe, some inflammations like rheumatoid arthritis, most skin abscess or "boil", heat exhaustion, cancer, some medications like antibiotics and drugs for hypertension and some immunisation shots, may also cause fever.

On ways to recognise fever, he identified a rise or rising body warmth and feeling of discomfort which might be gradual or sudden.

Adoghe said that depending on the cause, associated signs and symptoms might include chills "cold" and shivering, sweating, loss of appetite, headache, muscle aches and pain.

Others he said could be general body weakness, dehydration, high fever of over 41.1 degrees Celsius might cause hallucinations, confusion, irritability, convulsions, and dehydration.

The physician said that sometimes it was not possible to identify the cause of a fever lasting more than three weeks, and your doctor might not be able to find the cause after extensive evaluation.

He advised parents on when to see a doctor, and said, ``babies and infants with a fever, who seem lethargic and unresponsive (weak, not alert or look drowsy and not responding), need a doctor''.

``Do not use cold water on a child with high fever, as this may trigger convulsion, rub your hands and make sure they are warm,” he advised.

The doctor also advised that if high fever episodes were not well managed, it could lead to febrile convulsions in children less than five years.

``Do not place any object like metal or wooden spoon in your child’s mouth or try to stop the seizure, as most seizures will stop on their own,” he said.

He explained that the prevention of many illnesses that could cause fever revolved around personal and household hygiene.

``Wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, handle food with clean hands,’’ he said.

The doctor also advised that school authorities should put preventive measures in place to be mindful of the weather, and  temperature, and to know when to and when not to put on air conditioners or fans in the classes.

“Properly immunise your child, eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables and get the proper amount of sleep,” he advised.