Quick remedies for infants to reduce fever quickly
Nov 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
When infants have a fever, physical cooling methods can be used to reduce body temperature. The main method involves wiping the body with alcohol, and medication may also be used to achieve faster fever reduction. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen should be taken correctly as directed by a physician to help lower the fever. If the baby experiences recurrent fever and shows poor general conditions, including low spirits, reduced appetite, or disturbed sleep, immediate medical attention at a hospital is necessary.
When an infant has a fever, prompt treatment is essential, as delays may lead to serious consequences. Fever can be reduced using physical cooling methods, primarily alcohol sponge baths, and medication may also be used to achieve faster fever reduction. The correct procedures are as follows:
Alcohol Sponge Bath Method:
1. Mix 70% alcohol with warm water in a 1:1 ratio, or 75% alcohol with warm water in a 1:2 ratio. If alcohol is unavailable, you may substitute with erguotou liquor (a strong Chinese spirit) mixed with warm water at a 1:4 ratio, and place the solution in a small bowl.
2. Close doors and windows before starting the sponge bath, and comfort the infant to keep them calm.
3. Use gauze or a soft small towel to soak up the alcohol solution from the bowl. Begin wiping the upper body: start from the outer side of the neck, down the outer side of the upper limb to the back of the hand; then from the side of the chest, through the armpit, along the inner side of the upper limb to the palm. Repeat the same process on the other arm.
4. For the back and waist, turn the infant onto their side and wipe for three minutes. For the lower limbs: start from the iliac bone, down the outer side of the leg to the dorsum of the foot; from the groin, down the inner side of the leg to the medial malleolus; and from the lower thigh, through the popliteal fossa, to the heel.
5. Wipe each limb for three minutes before moving to the other side.
Medication for Fever Reduction:
When an infant’s fever exceeds 38.5°C under the armpit, accompanied by crying and poor mental condition, medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be administered according to medical advice and prescription instructions to reduce fever.
Note: If the baby experiences recurrent fever and shows generally poor conditions including精神, appetite, and sleep, immediate medical attention at a hospital is required.
