Even though fever has recently been proven to be a symptom of our body\’s fighting infection and are not as dangerous as was once assumed, they can be dangerous for children. A young child may not be able to tell you what is wrong or what they are feeling. We often have to rely on the signs to tell that our child has a fever. Children are susceptible to febrile seizures, also called convulsions. This is a very frightening thing to witness for a parent. If you have an infant, watch for these telltale signs of fever.

– Hot to the touch
– High pitched crying that is uncharacteristic of your child
– Your child will not be consoled
– Child wakes up with difficulty
– Bluish or very pale skin
– Any symptoms of dehydration
– Diminished activity
– Lethargy
– Blotches on skin
– Loss of appetite

More Frightening Than Dangerous

Watching your child go through a febrile seizure is a very frightening scene but it is relatively common and usually poses no long-term problems or complications. If your child has a fever and experiences anything like this, do not panic. A febrile convulsion usually only lasts for about five minutes or less and while it is scary; the child should be fine once the fever breaks. A febrile fever occurs when a child\’s temperature rises or falls rapidly and is associated with activity in the nerve cells of the brain that are abnormal. The child will lose consciousness; the arms and legs will go rigid and then begin to twitch rhythmically after a few seconds.

If Your Child Has A Febrile Seizure,

– Do not restrain or move the child during the seizure
– Record the amount of time the child seizes
– While breathing may cease momentarily, the child should start breathing on their own within 30 to 60 seconds
– Keep objects like your fingers out of the child\’s mouth. The child might bite its tongue but it will not swallow it.
– If the child begins to vomit during the convulsion, turn the child on its side or stomach. If the child vomits while on its back, it could drown.
– If the breathing seems labored or if the child struggles to draw breath, lift the chin outward gently by placing two fingers behind each corner of the jaw.
– Call your doctor immediately after the convulsion
– A warm or tepid bath may help bring down a high temperature. Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub, even for a few seconds. If you feel you must leave the child for any reason, wrap the baby in a towel and take him or her with you. It only takes a few seconds for something to go wrong.

Call Your Doctor Or Go To Hospital

Do not try to cool the child off quickly during a febrile convulsion. Monitor the child to make sure that the respiratory system is still functioning properly. When the convulsion is over, wipe your child with a warm washcloth. Never use cold water or alcohol to cool a fever. Call your pediatrician for advice on what to give your child for fever or take your child to the emergency room. If your doctor cannot be contacted, HIPAA Security Rule allows for transfer of the child\’s pertinent medical information without releasing other personal information. Call emergency services or take your child to the hospital if you cannot reach your pediatrician.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our HIPAA Security Rule website.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: HIPAA Security Rule,pediatrician,high temperature,brain,nerve cells ,infection,Febrile Seizures