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General health

Ways to reduce high temps please and how high is too high?

24 replies

MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 19:49

I should search really but i don't want to be on MN at the mo.

DS1 has very high temp, have given 1st dose of ibuprofen and ABs as well as a sponge down with cold water. he is in bed in vest and pants but what other ways are there for reducing temp effectively?

At the DRs earlier his temp (on forehead strip) was 38.5. I took his temp with in ear thermometer at 6 and it was 39.3. There has been no increase or reduction yet (took it again half an hour ago).

OP posts:

Report

Taylormama · 21/05/2007 19:51

how old is he?

Are you alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol
Frequently changed cool face cloth on back of neck and face - round his wrists as well
sstrip him and sponge him frequently - doesn't have to be freezing cold

belgo · 21/05/2007 19:53

What other symptoms does he have? How old is he?

foxinsocks · 21/05/2007 19:53

you need to sponge with lukewarm water rather than cold

you can also give calpol

LizaRose · 21/05/2007 19:55

Sponging with lukewarm water is best as freezing will cause the peripheral circulation to shut down. I have asked dr.s about this- my kids aural temps have been up to 40 before- and they say look at the childs condition as a whole- the highest temp does not necessarily indicate the most severe disease.

LaDiDaDi · 21/05/2007 19:55

He can have a maximum of 10mg/kg of paracetamol four times per day and a maximum of 5mg/kg ibuprofen three times per day. If this doesn't shift his temp and he has other symtoms of illness then consider attending A+E/out of hours GP.

LaDiDaDi · 21/05/2007 19:56

Do not use cold water for sponging, it increases the risk of a febrile convulsion, just use warm water and let it evaporate off him.

foxinsocks · 21/05/2007 19:57

this is a good guide to temperatures in children from netdoctor

MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 19:57

i had forgotten i can alternate calpol and ibuprofen, will do that.

According to NHS direct lukewarm water is no longer advised for cooling temps, hence me using cold (it didn't say to)

He is 4, very lethargic, sounds bunged up altho no signs of cold, has a dry cough,ear ache, no appetite. he also has a rash BUT before everyone panics like i did, its a viral rash which disappears when you press it

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Skyler · 21/05/2007 19:57

I was told to worry particularly if the temp was over 40.
You can give Neurofen and Calpol at the same time up to the max doses.
We had very worrying time with dd2 last year (when she was 11.5 mths) who we could not get below 40.3 .
I had her stripped off and windows open, fan blowing (but not on her, just to cool the air) and luke warm showers.
We gave meds every two hours Calpol then Nurofen up to the max doses and eventually it came down to 39. It is scary. Good Luck.

foxinsocks · 21/05/2007 19:59

he's been to the doctor to get the ABs though has he?

dd had a temperature of 41C when she was tiny - I was crapping myself but it was just some weird virus - but then again, you can have meningitis and have a temp of 38C so it's really more how they are behaving I think (as long as you don't have to worry about febrile convulsions).

Skyler · 21/05/2007 20:00

When I say worry particularly I mean be more concerned. Couldn't think of the words and was trying to post quickly for you.

belgo · 21/05/2007 20:00

That reminds me of when dd2 was in hospital, on intravenous paracetamol alternating with ibruprofen, they stripped her completely and made her lie between two ice blocks and wouldn't let me hold her. Even so they still couldn't get her temp below 40°. She needed to be in hospital. She's fine now though.

MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:02

belgo, if it goes any higher i will be running to hosp (quicker than an ambulance as we live nearer the hosp)

yes, ABs from DR this afternoon. Had his forst does only at 6 ish

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MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:03

the window is open but i can't have the fan on in there because DS1 and 2 share a room.

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belgo · 21/05/2007 20:04

paracetamol suppositoris work very fast (they are widely used in Belgium, but I don't think they are used so much in the UK).

foxinsocks · 21/05/2007 20:04

I think some children genuinely get higher temps than others. If dd gets a temp, it always goes to 40C whereas ds hardly ever gets anything that high.

Keep an eye on him - make sure he's not too hot and hopefully the ABs and nurofen will kick in soon. Poor lad.

seamonster · 21/05/2007 20:06

I'd say lukewarm bath until it has cooled right own, open windows take all clothes off. Good luck and seek medical help if you think so, don't worry about feeling like a pain.

MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:06

ty for the netdoctor link btw

DS1 is never ill so i don't know what his "resting" temp is. Will give him calpol in about half an hour. I want him to sleep for a bit

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seamonster · 21/05/2007 20:07

Ooops, by 'it' I mean the bath!

MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:12

thats what i thought you meant seamonster, don't worry

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MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:30

just checked him and its 38.7. HUGE difference and hooray for ABs. can relax a little now i know its coming down. ty for advice

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foxinsocks · 21/05/2007 20:31

thank goodness!

write down when you gave him the nurofen and/or calpol so you don't have to worry when you need to give it again!

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MerlinsBeard · 21/05/2007 20:33

i have done FIS!

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MerlinsBeard · 22/05/2007 10:39

Just a quick post to say that i love antibiotics!

I woke every few hours on the night (well was kind of awake anyway) to give DS1 calpol/ibuprofen. Then this nmorning he had only his 2nd dose of ABs and he is well enough to be fighting with his brother and his temp has lowered enough for me to not bother with the thermometer

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