Fever

All children get fevers at some time. Children feel uncomfortable when they get hot, often cry, need comforting and lose their appetite. They should be given paracetamol- based elixirs (Calpol in England) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory paediatric elixirs (eg. ibuprofen) to lower the temperature, and kept cool with damp tepid (not cold) sponges. Aspirin should not be used for children. Excess clothing and bedclothes should be removed. You should not exceed the recommended daily dose of any medications. Most causes of fever will resolve within two to three days. You should certainly see your doctor in case your child requires antibiotics if an infection is present, but this is not usually an emergency. However, if your child becomes drowsy, complains of headaches or neck stiffness, is intolerant of light or develops a blotchy dark rash, or multiple small spots, you should call your doctor immediately. Convulsions Occasionally young children (between three months and five years) will have a febrile convulsion. This is a brief fit with jerky movements of arms and legs, lasting less than ten minutes, and generally occurs at the beginning of febrile illnesses. Febrile convulsions are not epilepsy, do not continue through childhood, and do not cause or imply any sort of brain damage. Children should be laid on their front and their necks extended, cooled and treated with appropriate antibiotics. For diagnosis of accompanying rash, see Rash