Any parent, both new and experienced, has experienced a feeling of helplessness when it comes to watching their child fight through a pediatric fever. As an adult, we’ve all experienced fever at one time or another and know how uncomfortable it can be. It’s the last thing we want our children to go through but, unfortunately, it’s inevitable.
While our first instinct may be to panic, it’s important to note that a pediatric fever can actually be a good sign that your child’s body is doing what it needs to do to heal. Today, as part of our San Antonio pediatric services, we’re going to provide you with valuable information regarding your child’s pediatric fever and ways to manage it.
What Causes a Pediatric Fever?
First, let’s determine what’s considered a fever. A normal, healthy body temperature is 98.6 F. Once your child’s temperature reaches 100.4 F, they are considered feverish. Typically, your child will experience a pediatric fever when they’re fighting an infection from a virus or a bacterial infection. However, there are other causes of pediatric fever. Beyond an infection, your child could be experiencing a pediatric fever because of heat exhaustion, a severe sunburn, inflammatory health problems, or even side effects from certain medications.
Pediatric fevers can be a little scary, especially if they’re occurring in infants. But it’s important to keep in mind that, just like in adults, a pediatric fever is the body’s natural response to fighting an illness or infection. Because of this, it’s often best to let the pediatric fever run its course so that it can continue to fight off the infection. Keep an eye on the fever though, as there are signs to watch out for that serve as indicators it’s time for your child to visit their San Antonio pediatrician.
When To Visit a San Antonio Pediatrician
Feeling warm, sweating, or appearing flushed are normal and common signs of a pediatric fever. However, there are symptoms that accompany your child’s pediatric fever to look out for as they could need San Antonio pediatrics to cure. Call your San Antonio pediatrician immediately if your child:
- Has a pediatric fever that lasts longer than 24 hours (in a child under two years) or lasts more than three days (in a child over two years of age).
- Has experienced a seizure.
- Their fever rises above 104 F after going down (for a child of any age).
- Appears lethargic or is more fussy than usual.
- Is also experiencing symptoms such as a severe headache, ear pain, difficulty breathing, bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea, a sore throat, an unexplained rash, or a stiff neck.
Any of these additional symptoms require our San Antonio pediatric services immediately.
At Parsi Pediatrics in San Antonio, our mission is to help keep your child healthy as well as help them recover when faced with an illness. As part of our San Antonio pediatric services, we administer pediatric flu shots to prevent pediatric flu, an illness that is one of the ways your child can come down with a pediatric fever.
For more information on our San Antonio pediatric services or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert San Antonio pediatricians, contact our office today at 210.561.1551!
