How to quickly reduce high fever in children
Nov 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
When children have a high fever and need rapid fever reduction, physical cooling and medication are generally the two main approaches. Physical methods primarily include cold compresses with a towel. When a child’s temperature exceeds 38.5℃ under the armpit and symptoms such as headache or poor mental status appear, antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be taken according to medical advice to effectively reduce the fever.
When children have a high fever and rapid fever reduction is desired, physical cooling and medication are commonly used. The primary physical method is cold compress with a towel, as detailed below:
1. Physical fever reduction—towel cold compress method:
① Soak a towel in cold water, wring out half of the water so that it is damp but not dripping.
② Apply the damp towel as a cold compress to major blood vessel areas such as the child's forehead, groin, and armpits. Remember to replace the towel every 10–15 minutes.
③ After the body temperature drops, use a dry towel to wipe off moisture from the skin.
2. Medication for fever reduction: When a child’s fever exceeds 38.5°C under the armpit and symptoms such as headache or poor mental state appear, antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be administered as directed by a physician to reduce fever.
