Fever in babies - when to seek a doctor

Our babies are our world, and seeing them sick is the worst nightmare of every parent. However they do fall sick every now and then, and the first few years are a hectic series of trips to the emergency and spending sleepless nights watching over our little one. Here are some tips that help you handle fever episodes in your baby in the manner best for her.

Step 1: Don’t panic

Fevers are actually a very common thing in babies. And most fevers mean nothing. Actually, they might be a good thing since higher temperatures enable the body to fight infections. As long as the baby is playing and acts her normal self, you can wait and watch, UNLESS it is one of the scenarios in Step 2.

Step 2: Check for temperature

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, you need to contact your doctor immediately in the following scenarios:

1.    The child is under 3 months of age, and has a rectal temperature over 100.4°F

2.    The child is from 3-6 months of age, and has a rectal temperature over 101°F

3.    The child is more than 6 months old, and has a rectal temperature over 103°F

Step 3: Watch out for these symptoms accompanying a fever, which may warrant a visit to the doctor.

• Refuses to feed and misses several feedings in a row
• Baby is unusually sleepy or acts really sick
• Crying nonstop
• Forceful vomiting. Not able to keep liquids down for eight hours
• Crying without tears, a dry mouth and fewer wet diapers- all indications of dehydration
• Pain and discomfort while passing stool, with fewer bowel movements in the recent days (constipation)
• Stuffed nose that lasts more than 2 weeks, ear pain or a cough more than a week old (symptoms of cold)
• Loose, watery stools indicative of diarrhea
• Sudden onset of an unexplained rash
• Redness in one or both eyes, with or without discharge

Fevers are not always bad signs, so while we need to keep a careful watch, most fevers resolve on their own without medical intervention. So the next time you are woken up in the middle of the night to find your baby hot, flushed and sweaty, take a deep breath. Get her temperature checked, and check for other tell-tale symptoms that indicate the need to call the doctor right away. If all check points indicate no emergency, give your baby the time to fight the illness on her own. Seek supportive home care by giving her plenty of fluids, sponge baths or wipe downs to bring the fever down, or keep a cold washcloth on her forehead. Also keep her in a cool, well-ventilated room.

Being prepared save us as well as the doctor time during a phone call, office visit or emergency 

situation.

To Know more details about pediatricians in Uae

                                  Adam & Eve Specialized Medical Centre 

Near Royal Rose Hotel, Pink Building (501) Floor 01
Electra Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

info@aesmc.com

Tel: +971 2 6767 366 / Fax: +971 2 6767 399
Mob: +971 52 1555 366 / +971 55 1555 366