When a child comes down with an illness, many parents fear the worst and immediately make an appointment with Pediatricians in Elgin IL. There are times, however, when watching and waiting at home is a better option. It’s important to know when a child needs to see a doctor for a fever.
It’s very common for children to run a fever, even with a minor illness. In most cases, a simple fever can be dealt with at home with over-the-counter medications. There are a few instances, however, when a fever does need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Very High Fever
Children tend to run higher fevers than adults. Most fevers over 100-degrees are not considered medical emergencies in children over six months of age. However, if the fever reaches 103-degrees, it’s time to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
High fevers usually indicate the child’s body is currently fighting an illness, whether viral or bacterial. Pediatricians in Elgin IL will evaluate all of the child’s symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
Unrelenting Fever
It’s usually simple to reduce a child’s fever with over-the-counter medications. If the fever is easily controlled, there is not much else to do. However, if the fever won’t go down or keeps coming back, it’s best to visit a local pediatrician for advice.
An unrelenting fever is usually the sign of a serious infection. Sometimes, the fever may go away only to return with a vengeance a few days later. These types of fevers are frightening for parents, and only a doctor can provide parents with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Accompanied by Other Symptoms
It’s common for children to come down with a fever and have no other symptoms. When other symptoms appear, however, an evaluation by a doctor should be considered. There are several different symptoms parents should always be on the lookout for.
Children showing signs of dehydration, including a dry mouth or fewer wet diapers, need to be evaluated. Extreme fatigue is another symptom that can point to a more serious infection. Any child who has a history of febrile seizures should also see the doctor as soon as possible.
Not every fever is dangerous, and it’s important for parents to know when to schedule an appointment with their doctor. Extremely high fevers, fevers that difficult to control, and other symptoms of infection need to be treated right away.
