Fever is a condition when the body temperature is above 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. This fever may related to very wide diseases and conditions. Generally, this condition indicate that your body faces a problem including infections. The signs of a fever in a new born may be vary from baby to baby depending on the causes of the fever. Parents should extra careful and call a doctor when their babies especially those under three months has a temperature of 101 degrees F or 38.3 degrees C.
In newborn babies, especially those under three months, the escalating of body temperature may be a sign of serious infections including meningitis and urinary tract infection. Since their immune system is still immature, this condition should be handled seriously and immediately. Besides infections, the high temperature may cause as a reaction of vaccination or spending time on hot environment.
What are the advance signs of a fever in a newborn
Parents need to extra careful when their baby experiences fever that accompanied with symptoms such as refuse to feed, crying inconsolably, limp or listless, vomiting or diarrhea, having problems breathing, and having trouble swallowing. Untreated condition may lead to a severe symptoms or even life-threatening condition.
How to treat a fever in a newborn?
When you feel your baby is more warm than usual, try to measure their temperature using a thermometer. Try to read the temperature orally or rectally for more accurate measurement. Alternatively you may read the body temperature at the armpit. When the temperature bellows the critical treshold, you may treat your baby at home by following steps:
1. Give your baby much fluid especially breast milk to avoid dehydration and to lower the body’s temperature. To relieve baby’s discomfort caused by fever, use a sponge bath or lukewarm bath.
2. After consulting to your doctor and he/she gives you the green light, you may give your baby ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the fever. Make sure to read the label and always to stick with the dosage.
3. Never give your baby an aspirin base drug since it may trigger the risk of getting rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
4. Avoid to use multilayer clothes to avoid over heating and keep your baby inside a room with normal room temperature. When the signs of a fever in your baby persist for four to five days or the fever reaches critical temperature , go to a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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