High fever, which is common in children, is one of the most worrying issues for parents. Practices such as parents washing the child with cold water in a panic or covering the child thinking that he/she is cold may cause more serious pictures. If the child's fever does not decrease despite the precautions taken, a specialist should be consulted. In childhood, fever may occur after teething and vaccination, but in these cases, fever does not usually reach serious dimensions. Since the fever control system of young children is not fully developed, fever rises faster. Body temperature may change during the day depending on the time of day and movement, or according to the measurement location such as armpit, ear and rectum. While it may be normal to increase body temperature in the evening hours or after an active game, 37.5 C measured from the rectum is normal. Roughly, body temperature ranges from 36.5 C to 37.5 C. Body temperature above 37.5 °C in the armpit, above 38 °C in the anus, and above 37.6 °C in the ear is considered as fever. Sublingual temperature measurement in children and ear measurement in babies under 6 months are also not recommended.
As the body temperature increases, the heart and respiratory system start to work faster and spend more energy. While the blood flow to the vital organs increases, the blood flow to these areas decreases as the veins in the extremities such as the arms and legs contract. There is a mottled, marble-like appearance on the skin, and it is seen that the hands, arms and legs are cold and the body is warmer. In fact, in some diseases such as chickenpox and cold, early intervention in fever with medication may even be harmful as it can prolong the duration of the infection. Most families immediately resort to antipyretic drugs for fear of having a seizure due to fever. The incidence of febrile seizure is very low. Febrile convulsions, which can be seen between 6 months and 5 years of age, occur most frequently at 1-3 years of age. Having a history of convulsions in mother, father or siblings, d The risk is slightly higher in children who have previously had a febrile seizure. For these reasons, in cases of fever, it should be followed and controlled with simple methods before taking medications, and if necessary, medication or specialist control should be sought. . Washing with cold water and applying alcohol-based water with vinegar and cologne are not correct practices. The increased body temperature accelerates the metabolism and the need for fluid increases, so the child's fluid intake should be increased. If the fever is high, warm application should be made. Despite these applications, a doctor should be consulted with a high fever, and medications should be applied if necessary. If there are signs such as diarrhea and vomiting accompanying the fever, if the child experiences extreme weakness, if sudden rashes such as bruising or bleeding occur on the skin, and if the fever does not decrease despite antipyretic methods and medication, the child should be taken to a health institution without delay and the fever should be controlled.
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