Should you treat a child's fever with medication (Tylenol)?

Question

I have heard that a fever serves a purpose. By heating up the body, it kills the infection or virus. I know many people give their kids tylenol as soon as their kid gets a fever. This makes the child more comfortable but also lowers the fever. My daughter has a 102.3 temp right now. What should I do?

Answer 1

That is partially true, but you also must not allow it to go too high, as that may also cause damage.

probably treat above 100.5 oral temp.

you did not say the age of your child

Tylenol elixir is good and you may also use Motrin elixir with it if the temp is unusually high but be sure to follow the instructions for each med.

Answer 2

My mother used to wait one day before giving us any medication. Her reason was the same as you have stated above, that the fever is there for a reason, which is true. And most times the fever would go away or lessen after the first day. If it doesn't lessen after the first day, then Mom would give us one Advil, and that was all. Nothing more, even if the fever perstited. She always had us under blankets and made sure that we drank plenty of fluids...usually 100% fruit juices. If the fever lasts more than two days, then Mom would take us to the doctor.

Answer 3

Westie....you should call your pediatrician....children who experience high fevers...those above 102 f, can become comatose...yeah they can, and I'm certain you do not want that. Fever occurs when the body’s immune response is triggered by pyrogens (fever-producing substances). Pyrogens usually come from a source outside the body and, in turn, stimulate the production of pyrogens inside the body. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point. In response, our body begins to shiver; our blood vessels constrict (close); we get under the covers in an attempt to reach the new temperature that is higher than our baseline. Fever in excess of 102 can cause brain damage in children. While Tylenol may not be the best solution out there, you must do something.

Answer 4

Tylenol or children's Motrin works well to control temperature. Children can get extremely high temperatures and even seizures with them. Make sure your daughter is getting plenty of liquids because children with a fever can get dehydrated very easily. If she also is vomiting and has diarrhea then dehydration may require treatment at the hospital.
If medication helps the fever but it keeps coming back, you should take her to the doctor to discover the source of infection - viral vs bacterial in case antibiotics are needed. Sometimes antibiotics are over-prescribed leading to antibiotic resistant bacterial organisms - so doctors are often now trying to see if things clear up on their own first. Your doctors may have guidelines that they want you to follow - so you can call the office and they will tell you.

Answer 5

Usually if the fever is under 100 you should leave it. If its over you can try wet washcloths in the hot zones ie: armpits, groin area,neck. That can lower the temp to a more comfortable temp. I usually wait till night to give anything but if its that high give her tylenol. Depending on age i prefer childrens motrin

Answer 6

Try giving her Childrens tylenol and have her lay down under a sheet or blanket so she sweat out the fever. That's what my mom always did for me a child and it usually works. But if it gets worse I would suggest taking her to the hospital. Good Luck

Answer 7

Give her a cool bed bath, and good luck. If the fever persists take her to your doctor. How old is she.? Is she teething or have an ear infection? Soothing an ear infection - place a small blanket in dryer and place near her sore ear, usually the one she is tussling with if she cannot tell you. Teething, place a teething ring in freezer then let her chew on it.

Answer 8

tylenol but not aspirin, no problem just give her the tylenol, fever will be lower and she will be fine, if it does not get lower after a while and increases much more then see a doctor, but tylenol is fine!

Answer 9

Here are two links about children and fever.

http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8873

http://www.dcchildrens.com/dcchildrens/home_stories/bearfacts.aspx

My pediatrician has told me unless the fever is very high or my children are uncomfortable that giving something for the fever is not needed.

Answer 10

Our pediatrician has stated that medication should be given only if a fever is over 101 degrees farenheit. You might want to call your pediatrician to see what his/her preference is.