How do you reduce an 8yrs olds fever of 102 if meds arent working?

Question

She has been taking fever reducers and such, but it isn't helping. My bf says put her in a warm bath...will this work?

Answer 1

Cool baths....

Answer 2

Obviously I'll be in the minority here, but I don't usually try to reduce a child's fever until it hits closer to the 103+ range. I do make exceptions, obviously if the child is in pain or discomfort they should have a pain reliever which may also lower the fever. And sometimes a child with a 101 temp will look like death warmed over and I'll decide that the meds will do more good than harm. Or vice-versa, a child with 102-103 may seem only mildly ill, and I'll be shocked when I take the temp and realize how high it's getting!

But in general I let a fever be. It has a job to do; that job is to raise the body's temperature so high that the virus or bacteria can't continue to grow & multiply. Giving meds short-circuits this response, and also I notice that when I do medicate, shortly afterward the child is up and running around again. Only to crash and burn in a little while when the meds wear off. Then they usually feel worse than before, and the fever will go even higher.

You know your child best, though. If the fever is high and something is concerning you, you should call the doctor and see if s/he thinks a trip to the ER is necessary.

Best of luck; I hope your daughter feels better soon!

Answer 3

my suggestion would be what childrens medical center told me -

1. Make sure you are giving the right dosage of medication - many times people dont realize that the meds go by weight, so if you have a 6 yr old that weighs as much as an average 8 yr old, you need to go by the 8 yr old dose.

2. make sure that if you are using a digital thermometer, that the batteries are not going - in otherwords, take your own temp to make sure the thermometer is not malfunctioning. also make sure you are not taking the temp too soon after some warm soup or anything else.

3. Alternate between fever meds - some work better on some kids than others - everyone is different - they usually had me give tylenol and then 3 1/2 hrs later, give motrin than a hour later - take the temp again. (my kids fevers would come down with the motrin, but not the tylenol- my friends kids were the opposite)

4. if the fever has not come down with that, call your drs office and page the oncall or go the the emergency room.

Answer 4

first of there is something called Bekool pads try them also you don't want the bath to be to warm just luke warm. you have also think your child is fighting a virus and that is why a body gets a temprature to help "burn" it out of their system here is some more info

STEP 1: Get plenty of rest. STEP 2: Drink plenty of fluids. Suck on an ice cube or flavored ice, or drink iced fruit juice or chilled clear broth. STEP 3: Dress lightly and keep the room temperature between 70 and 74 degrees F. Use a blanket if you feel cold. STEP 4: Take anti-fever medicines only when necessary. For children under 18 years old, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For adults, use acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. STEP 5: Give a child a lukewarm sponge bath for a temperature higher than 102 degrees F, but wait 30 minutes if you have given her acetaminophen. Wipe the child with a lukewarm washcloth or place her in a lukewarm tub for 20 minutes, then dry her thoroughly and check her temperature. If it is lower than 102 degrees F, don't continue with the lukewarm baths. If the child is shivering, warm up the water by a few degrees for the next bath. STEP 6: Know your medications. Some drug allergies cause fevers. If you suspect that one of your prescription medications may be causing a fever, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. STEP 7: Spread lip balm or petroleum jelly over the lips during the fever and for several days thereafter, since lips often crack and split during a fever. Tips & Warnings
A fever of 103 degrees F is not unusual in a young child. For adults, a fever higher than 101 degrees F or a fever that is greater than 101 degrees F at its onset is cause for medical attention.
Ice packs can be placed in the groin and armpit areas when an adult has a very high fever, but consult your doctor first.
Call your doctor or emergency room if a high fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, difficulty breathing, confusion, lethargy, delirium or convulsions, or a cough with colored sputum.
Never use alcohol for a rubdown. The fumes are toxic, and alcohol is absorbed through the skin. Use lukewarm water.

Answer 5

Just remember that a fever is the body's way of fighting an infection. Put her in luke warm water...this will help lower her body temperature. Just take her out if she starts shivering! A 102 fever is not considered life threatening. And, keep cold wet wash clothes on her head to help cool her down and dress her lightly. If you're still concerned, call her pediatrician's office...most have an answering service or a nurse on duty that can help you and give you advice.

Answer 6

Hi, I have two boys, one 7 and one 4. A fever of 102 is common in children. Tylenol never works on my boys' fevers, but Motrin generally does. I make sure I use the Jr. strength, not the children's. Also, I have them take a cool (lukewarm) bath and then put them in their jammies. I have never had their fevers last through Motrin and a bath, but if it did, then I would call the doctor in the morning just to make sure some random virus is not circulating.

Good luck and have fun cuddling with her!

Answer 7

A better option is to do sponging (dip a cloth in cold water, not chilled) and wipe her body with that. The evaporative cooling will reduce her temperature. If she starts shivering, stop and cover her with blankets. Is she getting paracetamol (acetaminophen), which is the main fever reducer. Don't give too many tablets or syrups without doctor's advice. Put some Damp cloth on her forehead to cool her. Wish you and the child all the best.

Answer 8

This is what you should do strip her down, give her Popsicles and other cold drinks, if you have a fan or air conditioner turn it on. My son had a fever of 104 this is exactly what they did in the er.

then the alternated between Tylenol and Motrin I call the er or some insurance companies have numbers you can call to get the advice of a nurse or a doctor.

They say not to worry unless it gets over 103 but you know it is only one degree and most thermometers are off by 1 or 2 degrees I would take her to the hospital if she was mine.

Answer 9

My nephew just had a high fever and had a seizure from it coming down to fast and going up fast again, the doctor said to keep it down with his meds, and a cool washcloth on the neck and forehead, lukewarm baths and lots of fluids without sugar, juice is fine but sugar free. This should bring it down and not too fast!

Answer 10

Try alternating the medicine you give her. For example start with Tylenol, the next dose ( about 6hrs) use Motrin, then back to Tylenol. Children's aspirin doesn't really help. About the bath, that's a good idea, but try cooler water. You want the body's temperature to go down, if nothing else works see a Dr. It could me a sign of infection.

Answer 11

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