What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?
Generally, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, bacterial pneumonia, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the specific cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive environmental temperature and insufficient heat dissipation: High indoor temperatures or excessive clothing can prevent a child's body from effectively dissipating heat, resulting in elevated body temperature, usually without other discomforts. Adjust the indoor temperature to 22–26 °C, reduce the amount of clothing, and wipe areas such as the forehead, neck, and armpits with a warm towel to promote heat dissipation.
2. Immune response after vaccination: After vaccination, the child's immune system is activated and may cause a mild fever, typically lasting 1–2 days. No special medication is required; ensure the child gets sufficient rest, drinks adequate fluids, and monitor temperature changes closely. If the temperature does not exceed 38.5 °C, fever-reducing patches applied to the forehead can assist in cooling.
3. Upper respiratory tract infection: Viral or bacterial infection of the nasal passages and throat causes inflammation, which leads to fever, often accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and runny nose. When the temperature exceeds 38.5 °C, follow medical advice to administer medications such as paracetamol suspension drops, ibuprofen suspension, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules to reduce fever.
4. Acute gastroenteritis: Consumption of contaminated food or viral infection causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in fever accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Follow medical advice to use medications such as montmorillonite powder, Bifidobacterium quadruple active probiotic tablets, and oral rehydration salts III to alleviate diarrhea, replenish fluids and electrolytes, and prevent dehydration.
5. Bacterial pneumonia: Bacterial infection in the lungs causes inflammation, which worsens and leads to persistent high fever, often accompanied by symptoms such as rapid breathing, coughing, and phlegm production. Follow medical advice to use antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, cefaclor dry suspension, or azithromycin dry suspension to treat the infection.
In daily care, ensure the child's diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Frequently open windows for ventilation to maintain fresh indoor air circulation, which helps the child recover more quickly.