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Show Fever Dn Drrfanto, Children By RICHARD M. SAG., M.D. Not all children with fever need to be seen by the doctor. Certain principles about normal nor-mal body temperature and fever will help the parent make a decision regarding when and how quick to get specific help. THE REGULATION of normal nor-mal body temperature takes place in the center of the brain in an area called the hypothalrnus. This area acts as the body's thermostat. It is not a fixed regulator; but rather is one that fluctuates about one-half a degree per day. Usually our lowest temperature is in the morning morn-ing just before we get up, and our highest temperatures are in the later afternoon, early evening. OUR BODIES regulate temperature by controlling the production of heat at the metabolic cellular level, or .through heat loss as in flushed skin, sweat, panting and decreased activily. Normal temperature also varies between individuals and age. As a general guide, rectal temperatures higher than 100.5 or below 97.2 should be considered abnormal. abnor-mal. WHEN VERY ill, the temperature should be taken rectally. Oral temperatures are generally one degree lower than rectal temps, and under the arm temps are two degrees lower than rectal temps. Temperatures outside the normal limits are generally caused by outside direct effects ef-fects on the body (the environment), en-vironment), or by effects on Ihe regulation center of the brain. IN NEWBORNS and very young, the environment may more easily override the regulation systems, and result in either low or high temperatures. If this be the case, the best way to get the temperature back to normal is to regulate the infant's environment. en-vironment. A general principle when dealing with young children is to avoid sudden change and work for steady gradual change. For example, do not use an ice baih to bring down Ihe temperature, nor vigorous methods to quickly heal the baby. MOST OFTEN, the cause for fever in infants and children is related to changes on the regulation center in the hvpothalmus. These changes are most usually related to changes that take place during dur-ing inflammation or inlec-non. inlec-non. Please keep in mind that fever is only a symptom, and not a disease. Fever in an infant in-fant under four months of age may be the first and only symptom of severe disease; and this infant requires immediate im-mediate medical attention. FEVER IN children on certain cer-tain medications or with specific serious diseases that affect the body's immuniiy may be more serious, requiring requir-ing doctors attention. Our bodies can usually withstand lemperatures under 106; however, should it rise further or remain at 106 for prolonged periods, the brain may suffer damage. Fever as an only symptom in older infants and children can usually be observed by the parent alone, for up to one week. 1 CANNOT emphasize enough that a warm skin temperature does not necessarily neces-sarily mean fever; and,fhe temperature should be taken. And in the same fashion, a child with symptoms of infection in-fection whose skin does not feel warm, should have his temperature taken, because he might have a fever. CERTAIN basic control measures should be taken to control fever. First, remember that water is used up more quickly with fever, and the child should be given increased amounts. Decreased body activity will decrease heat production, so keep the child down. Many blankets will conserve heat and may raise the temperature. tempera-ture. So to allow the heat to dissipate, use as few blankets as possible; but at the same time try to avoid chilling and shivering. LIQUIDS that evaporate from Ihe skin cause a loss of heat. This is the same cooling effect as when you walk out of a shower or balh. To use this principle, use a warm wet wash cloih to wet Ihe child and allow him lo air dry. Remember il is the evaporation evapora-tion thai cools; so do not just keep the baby in Ihe tub.lt used lo be a practice to use rubbing alcohol because it cools quickly; bul Ihis may he dangerous because the fumes may be easily absorbed and possibly cause eye damage, coma or convulsions. MEDICINES are a useful tool if used properly. Two different medicines that can be used (if no reactions occur are aspirin and acetaminophen. aceta-minophen. Since these medicines are different, they can be used separately, or together. When used together, a higher fever may be controlled con-trolled better. Please read labels. Many cold medicines contain either aspirin or acetaminophen. You may possibly give an overdose unmeaningly. THE DOSAGE for both aspirin as-pirin and acetaminophen is the same: one grain per year of age every four hours. For example a 1V2 year child can take Ingrains; and a 6 month old may take V2 grain. One grain equals 60 mg (milligrams). An adult dose is 10 grains, or two regular aspirin pills. A ten year old can take an adult dose. One baby aspirin pill is equal to Wa grains so four baby aspirins as-pirins equal one adult pill. If you have questions about the dosage, it is wise to check with your doctor. IF AFTER these measures the fever is not controlled perhaps your child should be examined by a doctor. If your child develops other symptoms, symp-toms, or symptoms more severe than a runny nose, it may be wise to call your doctor doc-tor for specific advice. Many times an office visit can be averted by same simple suggestions. If you have any questions about today's article please feel free to write Richard M. Sug, M.D., North Davis Pediatrics. 2132 N. 17(10 W., Suite C, Layton. Utah. 84W1. |