Should I give my child fever-reducing medicine if they have a temperature of 38.4°C while asleep?

Dec 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
38.4 degrees refers to 38.4°C. Generally, a child with a body temperature of 38.4°C while sleeping does not need to take antipyretic medication. If the child's temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretics may be taken under a doctor's advice. For a patient with a low fever of 38.4°C, cooling can be achieved by applying cold compresses; wrap ice in a towel and place it on the forehead to help dissipate heat.

  38.4 degrees refers to 38.4°C. Generally, when a child has a temperature of 38.4°C while sleeping, there is no need to take antipyretic medication. However, if the child's body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic drugs may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

  If the patient has a low-grade fever of 38.4°C, cooling can be achieved by applying cold compresses with ice. Wrap ice in a towel and place it on the forehead to promote heat dissipation and help lower body temperature. Alternatively, wiping the body with lukewarm water using a warm towel can dilate blood vessels and reduce surface body temperature. Additionally, drinking plenty of water during a low-grade fever helps lower body temperature by promoting sweating and regulating body heat. Increased urine output also helps eliminate toxins through urine, contributing further to fever reduction.

  If the child’s temperature exceeds 38.5°C, medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets may be taken under medical advice. These drugs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and acting on the hypothalamic regulatory center to achieve fever reduction and pain relief. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under a doctor’s supervision to facilitate recovery.