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What is fever?
Fever (also called pyrexia) is defined as body temperature that is higher than normal for each individual. It generally indicates that there is an abnormal process occurring in the body. Exercise, hot weather, and common childhood immunizations can also make body temperature rise.
Fever is not an illness, but, rather, a symptom or an indicator that something is not right within the body. A fever does not tell you what disorder is causing it, or even that a disease process is occurring. It may be a bacterial or viral infection, or simply a reaction from an allergy to food or medication, or becoming overheated at play or in the sun.
What constitutes a fever?
Although high fevers may bring on convulsions or delirium, generally it is not how high the temperature is, but how rapidly the temperature rose that causes a convulsion.
If symptoms of an illness are present:
a temperature between 99.8oF - 100.8oF is considered a low-grade fever.
a temperature between 101oF - 102oF is considered a mild fever.
between 102oF - 103oF is considered a moderate fever.
anything around 104oF or above is considered a high fever, and delirium or convulsions may occur.
Your child's physician may have different definitions of fever than these, and will provide guidelines for when to treat fever yourself and when to call the physician's office.
What are the signs that indicate fever?
Because a baby, young child, or disabled person may not be able to express how he or she is feeling, be sure to look for signs -- outward indications -- that fever is present before using a thermometer. Signs that indicate fever may include:
flushed face
hot, dry skin
low output of urine, and/or dark urine
not interested in eating
constipation or diarrhea
vomiting
headache
aching all over
nausea
Taking the temperature:
The best means of taking temperature is with a thermometer. There are several types of thermometers, including:
glass thermometers with mercury (oral or rectal)
digital thermometer
ear thermometer
Taking a temperature reading with a thermometer directly touching certain areas of the skin, such as under the armpit or in the bend of the elbow, is not recommended because it is not considered to be reliable.
Treating fever:
Once you have determined that the person has a fever, you may treat it by giving acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, or Feverall) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or both, in dosages or combinations advised by your physician. Never give aspirin to a child or young adult who has a fever.
A tepid bath (water that is neither too cool or too warm to the touch) may reduce the fever, as well as comfort the person. Alcohol rubdowns are no longer recommended.
Call your physician for guidance anytime you are uncomfortable with the conditions of the fever, and remember to contact your physician anytime a temperature spikes rapidly or persists despite treatment.
When to call the doctor:
Call your physician immediately if any of the following conditions accompany a fever:
seizure
feeling dull or sleepy
irregular breathing
stiff neck
confusion
purple spotted rash
ear pain (a child tugging on his/her ear)
sore throat that persists
vomiting
diarrhea
painful, burning or frequent urination更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
What is fever?
Fever (also called pyrexia) is defined as body temperature that is higher than normal for each individual. It generally indicates that there is an abnormal process occurring in the body. Exercise, hot weather, and common childhood immunizations can also make body temperature rise.
Fever is not an illness, but, rather, a symptom or an indicator that something is not right within the body. A fever does not tell you what disorder is causing it, or even that a disease process is occurring. It may be a bacterial or viral infection, or simply a reaction from an allergy to food or medication, or becoming overheated at play or in the sun.
What constitutes a fever?
Although high fevers may bring on convulsions or delirium, generally it is not how high the temperature is, but how rapidly the temperature rose that causes a convulsion.
If symptoms of an illness are present:
a temperature between 99.8oF - 100.8oF is considered a low-grade fever.
a temperature between 101oF - 102oF is considered a mild fever.
between 102oF - 103oF is considered a moderate fever.
anything around 104oF or above is considered a high fever, and delirium or convulsions may occur.
Your child's physician may have different definitions of fever than these, and will provide guidelines for when to treat fever yourself and when to call the physician's office.
What are the signs that indicate fever?
Because a baby, young child, or disabled person may not be able to express how he or she is feeling, be sure to look for signs -- outward indications -- that fever is present before using a thermometer. Signs that indicate fever may include:
flushed face
hot, dry skin
low output of urine, and/or dark urine
not interested in eating
constipation or diarrhea
vomiting
headache
aching all over
nausea
Taking the temperature:
The best means of taking temperature is with a thermometer. There are several types of thermometers, including:
glass thermometers with mercury (oral or rectal)
digital thermometer
ear thermometer
Taking a temperature reading with a thermometer directly touching certain areas of the skin, such as under the armpit or in the bend of the elbow, is not recommended because it is not considered to be reliable.
Treating fever:
Once you have determined that the person has a fever, you may treat it by giving acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, or Feverall) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or both, in dosages or combinations advised by your physician. Never give aspirin to a child or young adult who has a fever.
A tepid bath (water that is neither too cool or too warm to the touch) may reduce the fever, as well as comfort the person. Alcohol rubdowns are no longer recommended.
Call your physician for guidance anytime you are uncomfortable with the conditions of the fever, and remember to contact your physician anytime a temperature spikes rapidly or persists despite treatment.
When to call the doctor:
Call your physician immediately if any of the following conditions accompany a fever:
seizure
feeling dull or sleepy
irregular breathing
stiff neck
confusion
purple spotted rash
ear pain (a child tugging on his/her ear)
sore throat that persists
vomiting
diarrhea
painful, burning or frequent urination更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net