How to Treat Fever in Toddlers

Fever is defined as the body's reaction to an infection. In simple terms, when the body temperature consistently remains above normal, it is defined as fever. Toddlers suffering from a viral or bacterial infection, often show elevated body temperature. It is also observed that toddlers playing in hot environment for long periods of time suffer from heat exhaustion that is typically marked by weakness, due to considerable loss of body fluids. This can also cause a rise in body temperature temporarily. Decrease in appetite, excessive sweating and red face are some of the most common symptoms of toddler fever.

Toddler Fever Treatment

Increase Fluid Intake
One of the best ways to manage and even cure fever is to increase water intake. More specifically, giving the child plenty of water can go a long way in controlling body temperature. Although, children with fever, are physically active, elevated body temperature, can certainly trigger fluid loss (dehydration). Intake of fruit juices can certainly help to manage toddler high fever effectively. So it is very important to give adequate water to the child at regular intervals.

Ice Pack
Application of ice pack is one of the best home remedies for fever. Or else, one can wrap ice cubes in a cloth and put it on the forehead to reduce fever. Another way to treat toddler fever is to apply handkerchiefs soaked in cold water on the forehead. However, make sure that water is not trickling down from the handkerchief, when putting it on the forehead of the child.

Medications
When it comes to oral medicines to relieve toddlers fever, use of acetaminophen is considered to be a safe remedy. This medicine has been used for years to treat pain and headache associated with fever. However, one should be extremely careful when giving acetaminophen to toddlers, as excess dosage can cause side effects. Keep in mind that the correct dosage of acetaminophen is the key to reduce symptoms of fever. Also, acetaminophen tablets should not be given in combination with other medicines, as it can cause severe side effects. Although age is a factor, in determining the correct dosage, doctors usually consider the toddler's weight to find out what amount of acetaminophen is toxic. Overdose of acetaminophen can trigger a toxic reaction and require urgent medical attention.

Another effective medicine to control fever in kids is to use Tylenol. The medication will not only reduce fever, but can also help to ease the discomfort associated with high body temperature.

Toddler Fever Rash
Many times, it is observed that as the fever starts subsiding, a mild rash appears usually on the neck. Honestly speaking, formation of blisters in the localized area is not a worrisome condition and generally goes away without any treatment. However, application of ice pack on the affected part is an effective approach to reduce skin irritation.

In case, the aforementioned treatment options fail to bring down the fever within two days, taking the appointment of a well qualified doctor is a must. Many parents do the mistake of giving excess (double) dosage of acetaminophen to reduce high fever in toddlers. However, the regular dose of medicine should not be changed without consulting a doctor.