Child Fever Won't Go Down With Medicine
There is nothing more concerning for a parent than the sight of your child suffering from a fever. A fever is a sign that your child's body is fighting off an infection or illness, and as a parent, you want to do everything in your power to help your child feel better. However, there may be instances when the fever won't go down with medicine, leaving you feeling helpless and worried. In this article, we will discuss why a fever may persist despite medication and what you can do to help your child feel more comfortable.
What is a fever?
A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually due to an infection, illness, or injury. It is a common symptom of many childhood illnesses, including the flu, colds, and ear infections. A fever can be a good thing because it means your child's immune system is working hard to fight off the infection. A normal body temperature for a child is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but a fever is considered to be anything above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why won't the fever go down with medicine?
There are a few reasons why your child's fever may not go down with medication. One common reason is that the medication may not be strong enough to treat the specific illness or infection that is causing the fever. In some cases, the medication may not be effective at all if your child's body is resistant to it. Another reason why the fever may persist is that the underlying infection or illness may be too severe for the medication to fully treat, meaning that the fever will continue until the underlying condition is resolved.
It is important to note that fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, only helps to reduce fever symptoms and does not treat the underlying cause of the fever. Therefore, it is important to consult with your child's pediatrician if your child's fever persists despite medication.
What can you do to help your child?
While it can be frustrating for a parent to feel helpless when their child is suffering from a fever, there are still some things you can do to help make your child feel more comfortable. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your child stays hydrated. A fever can cause dehydration, so it is important to encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions.
You can also try using cool compresses or baths to help lower your child's body temperature. This can temporarily relieve your child's discomfort and help reduce the fever. It is important not to use cold water or ice baths, as this can cause your child's body temperature to drop too quickly, which can be dangerous.
Finally, make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Rest is essential for your child's body to heal and recover from the illness or infection that is causing the fever.
Conclusion
A fever that won't go down with medication can be a frustrating and worrying experience for parents. However, it is important to remember that a fever is a sign that your child's body is fighting off an infection or illness. While medication can help to reduce fever symptoms, it is not a cure for the underlying cause of the fever. If your child's fever persists despite medication, it is important to consult with your child's pediatrician to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. In the meantime, make sure your child stays hydrated, gets plenty of rest, and try using cool compresses or baths to help reduce the fever.
