How to Reduce a Child’s Fever Quickly

Children are prone to illness and fever due to their immature physiological development. So, what should be done when a child develops a fever to reduce it quickly? The specific approaches are as follows:

① Physical Cooling

Wiping the entire body with lukewarm water is an effective method for reducing fever and is suitable for children of all ages. The optimal water temperature ranges from 32°C to 34°C. Each wiping session should last at least 10 minutes. Special attention should be paid to skin folds—such as the neck, armpits, elbows, and groin areas. For children with high fever or older children, a lukewarm bath may be used; the water temperature should be slightly lower than the child’s body temperature.

② Pharmacological Treatment

If a child’s axillary temperature exceeds 38.2°C or if the child experiences significant discomfort due to fever, antipyretic medication may be administered. Often, body temperature continues to rise after the onset of fever; therefore, administering antipyretics at 38.2°C ensures that the medication takes effect just as the temperature reaches approximately 39°C. Otherwise, excessively high temperatures may trigger febrile seizures. When antipyretic treatment is required for a child with a cold and fever, only age-appropriate, pediatric-specific antipyretics should be used for safe and effective fever reduction.

③ Dietary Management

For infants still exclusively breastfed, breastfeeding should continue normally. During fever, appetite may decrease; thus, feeding should be offered in small, frequent amounts. For children who have begun complementary feeding, dietary adjustments are important. Offer easily digestible, light, nutrient-rich liquid or semi-liquid foods—such as breast milk, lotus root starch, rice cereal, and pureed fruits and vegetables.