Fever is one of the most common reasons parents in Dhampur bring a child to the doctor. In most cases a fever is the body’s normal response to a mild infection and settles within a few days. But some fevers need a paediatrician’s attention quickly. The short answer: see a doctor the same day if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, if a fever lasts more than three days, or if your child has any warning sign listed below, such as fast breathing, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade, a fit (seizure), or being very drowsy or hard to wake. For any emergency, Kamaal Nursing Home’s emergency team is available 24×7 on 01344-221786.
What counts as a fever in a child?
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is usually considered a fever in children. A digital thermometer under the arm is the simplest way to check at home; forehead and ear thermometers are also widely used. A child’s temperature naturally varies a little through the day, and it rises after play, crying or being wrapped in heavy clothes, so re-check after a few minutes of rest if the first reading is borderline.
It is worth remembering that the number on the thermometer matters less than how the child looks and behaves. A child with 39°C who is drinking, playing and smiling is usually less of a worry than a child with 38°C who is limp, pale and refusing fluids.
When to see a paediatrician for fever: the warning signs
Contact a doctor promptly, or come to the hospital, if your child has a fever together with any of the following.
Age-related reasons
- A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher. Young babies can become unwell quickly and should always be checked the same day.
- A baby aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C or higher.
Signs that need urgent attention
- Breathing fast, grunting, or the chest sinking in between the ribs with each breath.
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it.
- A stiff neck, severe headache, or discomfort with bright light.
- A fit (convulsion or seizure), even if it stops on its own.
- Very drowsy, difficult to wake, or unusually floppy; or crying that cannot be settled.
- Signs of dehydration: no urine for 8 hours or more, dry mouth, no tears, a sunken soft spot on a baby’s head.
- Repeated vomiting, or vomiting that is green or contains blood.
- Cold hands and feet with a high fever, or skin that looks blue, grey or blotchy.
Reasons to book an OPD visit
- The fever has lasted more than 3 days, or keeps coming back.
- Your child has an ear ache, a painful throat, pain when passing urine, or a cough that is getting worse.
- Your child has a long-term condition (such as a heart problem or sickle cell disease) or has recently travelled.
- You are worried. Parents usually know when something is not right, and a check-up gives peace of mind.
What you can do at home while you watch
For a child who is otherwise well, home care is often enough while the infection runs its course.
- Offer fluids often: breast milk or formula for babies, and water, ORS or diluted juices for older children. Small sips frequently are better than large amounts at once.
- Dress the child in light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool; do not bundle a feverish child in blankets.
- Let the child rest, but there is no need to force a child who wants to play to stay in bed.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen in the dose for the child’s weight can make a child more comfortable. Always follow the label or your doctor’s instructions, do not give both routinely, and never give aspirin to children.
- Avoid cold-water sponging or ice baths; these can cause shivering and make the child feel worse. A lukewarm sponge is fine if the child finds it soothing.
- Check on your child during the night, and re-check the temperature if they seem more unwell.
The paediatric team at Kamaal Nursing Home sees children for fever, infections and seasonal illness in the Paediatrics & Newborn Care department, with blood tests, urine tests and X-ray available in the same building when they are needed.
Fever after vaccination
A mild fever in the day or two after a routine vaccine is common and is a sign the body is building protection. Offer fluids, keep the child comfortable, and use paracetamol if your doctor advised it. Seek advice if the fever is high, lasts more than 48 hours, or your child has any of the warning signs above.
Frequently asked questions
Can a high fever cause brain damage?
Fever from an ordinary infection does not cause brain damage. What matters is the illness causing it and how the child is behaving, which is why a doctor looks at the whole child, not only the temperature.
My child had a fit with fever. What should I do?
Lay the child on their side on a safe surface, do not put anything in the mouth, and note how long it lasts. Even if the fit stops quickly, the child should be seen by a doctor the same day. If it lasts more than 5 minutes or the child does not recover normally, come to the emergency department straight away.
Who will see my child at Kamaal Nursing Home?
Children are seen by the paediatric team led by Dr. Kamaal Ahmad, Senior Paediatrician. You can call the front desk on 01344-221786 or use the contact page for directions and timings.
Hindi summary: Bachche ka bukhar 38°C (100.4°F) ya usse zyada ho to use fever maana jaata hai. Agar bachcha 3 mahine se chhota hai, bukhar 3 din se zyada chale, saans tez chal rahi ho, daura (fit) aaye, gardan akdi ho, ya bachcha bahut sust ho, to usi din doctor ko dikhayein. Paani aur doodh thoda-thoda dete rahein aur halke kapde pehnayein. Emergency ke liye 24×7 Kamaal Nursing Home, Dhampur: 01344-221786.
Source for temperature thresholds and warning signs: NHS – Fever in children.
This article is for general information; consult a doctor at Kamaal Nursing Home for advice about your condition.