Causes of high fever in infants and children
A high fever is the most common reason for infants and children to present to a hospital emergency room. Pediatric specialist Dr. Buket Taneri explained the causes of respiratory infections in children and infants and related respiratory diseases, and provided information on treatment methods.
“Belief that fire causes brain damage may lead to harmful practices”
Expressing that requests made with the belief that high fevers can cause brain damage in children could lead to harmful results. Dr Buket Taneri said: “Fever is one of the most common reasons for families to present to pediatric emergency services and pediatric outpatient clinics. Fever is an immune response that indicates that the body’s immune system has been activated. The important point to note is knowing is that fever is a symptom, not a disease.The belief that fever will cause permanent damage, such as brain damage in children, can sometimes lead to unnecessary and harmful practices.Fever in children can be caused by infections, rheumatic diseases, bacteria, viruses or many diseases.The most important thing in a child with a fever is the recognition and treatment of the disease.
“Above 37.5 and 37.8 are considered fever”
Regarding the temperature measurement and degree of children and babies, Dr. Buket Taneri said: “Fever can vary depending on where it is measured. Fever in children also usually develops as a result of an infection. When measuring fever, thermometers using a digital or infrared emission method are used. It is no longer recommended to use mercury thermometers against the risk of poisoning and accidents. The fever we measure in infants and children is 37.5 in the armpit and above 37.8 in the ear. The course of the fever can give us clues to define the disease. For example, viral infections can cause a fever that rises slowly but lasts for a week, while bacterial infections can cause a more persistent and high fever. Knowing the underlying cause when treating fever is important for initiating appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Respiratory tract infections seen in children are most common in the late fall and winter months and increase in closed and crowded environments.
“Many hand-to-mouth in children increases the risk of transmission”
Speaking of respiratory infections, Dr. taneri said:
“The most common mode of transmission of respiratory infections is the droplet route. Virus particles released into the environment through coughing or sneezing are inhaled and cause disease. Bringing children’s hands to mouth and nose too often increases the risk of direct contact transmission. Upper respiratory infections seen in children include rhinitis (common cold), flu, pharyngitis, tonsillitis (tonsillitis), otitis media (acute otitis media), fluid buildup in the middle ear (otitis media), sinusitis, and laryngitis (croup). Lower respiratory infections are seen as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Since the symptoms of respiratory infections are similar, it is very important to correctly diagnose the disease and administer the treatment correctly.