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Children's health

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Original poster

Ds age 3 with temp of 39.8 but won't take calpol

41 replies

EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 20:24

Any advice, he is miserable and keeps falling asleep but then shortly wakes again crying however can't get him to take any medicine or even take his pjs off

OP posts:
pudseypie · 27/09/2013 21:04

Can you syringe it in like a baby?

bundaberg · 27/09/2013 21:09

syringe in a teeny tiny bit at a time.
sponge him with tepid water.

bundaberg · 27/09/2013 21:09

i'm going to be honest and say i'd just take his pj's off myself tbh! try it really gently while he's asleep!

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 27/09/2013 21:10

He is 3
You are in charge

You take his PJs off and if you can't persuade him to take the calpol, you syringe it in.

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 27/09/2013 21:11

I would be miserable with a temp of 39.8 too - he doesn't know what he is saying no to and you need to make the decision for him I am afraid.

ShowOfHands · 27/09/2013 21:16

If he is uncomfortable and/or in pain, he needs the meds. If you can't hide them in a drink or a yoghurt or similar and he won't be coaxed, you might have to use a syringe. It's a judgement call you have to make. If you wanted to- and you were sure he wasn't in pain or discomfort- you could try making him more comfortable by getting his pyjamas from him. Perhaps persuade him into some loose cotton clothing if you can if he doesn't want to be naked. A sheet will give the illusion of snuggling too if that's what he needs, without the overheating of a duvet or blanket. Is he drinking? Have you some air circulating in the room?

Please don't tepid sponge him. This is counterproductive. You need to lower his temperature gently, using gentle methods. And then calpol if he's unwell/unhappy/in pain (which it sounds like he is tbh). Tepid sponging isn't recommended as it will cause shivering and ultimately increase his temperature.

Original poster
EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 21:18

Managed to get him to take 3/4 of his dose and he is asleep now, thanks for all the advice

OP posts:
FacebookWanker · 27/09/2013 21:19

I hope your DS is ok. I would speak to a doctor for reassurance. When DD had a temp the doctor told me a constant high temp isn't harmful, it's just if it shoots up quickly that it can be cause for concern. He said the main thing is to ensure plenty of fluids. DD's temp was around 38, so obviously lower, and I'm no doctor, but I would seek medical advice to put your mind at rest. X

Rooners · 27/09/2013 21:19

Ok well hope you know what you're doing, shan't ask any more q's then.

Good luck and I hope it goes down.

FacebookWanker · 27/09/2013 21:20

Pleased he took the Calpol...I'm a very slow typer...

bundaberg · 27/09/2013 21:29

oops sorry! i thought tepid sponging was recommended rather than cold?

eatyourveg · 27/09/2013 21:34

Glad you managed to get some in him. I have paracetamol suppository in the cupboard for the dc for when they are uncooperative. Would laways recommend.

Original poster
EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 21:55

Normally my cupboards are better stocked and have at least brufen as well but we have only just moved to a new house in a new area so still a bit disorganised- I was amazed I knew where the thermometer was!

OP posts:
MikeOxard · 27/09/2013 22:00

Ibuprofen is more effective for fevers, and the dose is less to get them to take, for next time. Glad he is asleep now. Get well soon EnglishDS. X

cestlavielife · 27/09/2013 22:11

U sit him on your knee with your left arm over his body and arms close to him so that you keeping his head still under your arm. You can also restrict his legs with one of your legs .
With your right hand you syringe in the medicine.

It can be done one person but if you have another to help then good.

Or wrap him in a blanket like swaddling.

He is three and you are in charge.

(sixteen years experience with autistic medicine hating child)

cestlavielife · 27/09/2013 22:12

Just leave him In his pjs . Don't understand why you need to take them off if it is night ?

AlwaysWashing · 27/09/2013 22:18

Op wants to get her DS out of his pyjamas in order to help lower his temperature cestlavielife and is asking for advice as to what else she can do. Yes?

Original poster
EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 22:20

I have always been told to strip off layers if a child has a temperature.

OP posts:
Original poster
EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 22:22

Yes, I have got them off now and he has just got the cover from his duvet rather than the actual duvet. Was thinking about opening the window a little bit but don't want him to shiver

OP posts:
AlwaysWashing · 27/09/2013 22:28

The "Yes?" was a slightly snarky one not aimed at you EnglishRose! Annoys me when requests for advice are met with something pointless and unhelpful.
If you can get DS to have sips of water/juice through the night that helps, only if he's awake obviously!
Hope he feels much better soon x

tulipflowers · 27/09/2013 22:31

I have a ds who will not take any liquid med.. They will be thirsty, put med into there fav drink, it might take longer but they will consume it all.
Don't worry if they don't get it all, they will have got enough

GladbagsGold · 27/09/2013 22:36

My DS used to refuse medicine. Awful isn't it. I remember on one occasion putting calpol on his toothbrush and scrubbing it into his gums! (Not recommended I'm sure)

cestlavielife · 27/09/2013 22:42

Single layer of lightweight pyjamas is fine if child has a temperature .

Of course if it is a fleecy onesie or thick fleece pyjama then yes needs to c come off change to a cotton tee shirt. Sorry I assumed pyjamas meant cotton top and bottom, which you don't need to worry about too much just take off blanket or duvet

Getting regular calpol syringed in will help .

Original poster
EnglishRose1320 · 27/09/2013 22:44

Hadn't thought of trying a toothbrush- if it works I don't think it matters how you get them to take it. I would put it in his drink but he is only drinking water atm and I think he would be able to tell. The syringe worked for getting most of it down, hopefully he will sleep it off now, he woke up briefly a minute ago to tell me his brain was hurting- I'm guessing he has a headache, so have turned his night light off and he has gone back to sleep.

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 27/09/2013 22:47

O if stripped off completely he may end up v cold when he kicks off sheet in night. A single pyjama layer will keep him neither too hot not too cold.

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