My child has had a fever for days, what should I do?
January 20, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Jakob Gallenberg and I am very concerned about my child. For several days now, my child has been having a recurring fever that just won't go away. It is very distressing for me as a parent to see my child suffering and not knowing exactly what to do.
My child is 3 years old and is normally very active and cheerful. But since the fever started, they have been weak, tired, and complaining of headaches and body aches. I have tried treating the fever with fever-reducing medications, but it keeps coming back. I feel helpless and unsure whether I should take my child to the doctor or if it is a harmless illness that will go away on its own.
I am especially worried because my child has had infections in the past and I fear that this time it could be something serious. I want to help my child and provide them with the best possible treatment, but I am unsure of what the right step is.
Can you please advise me on what to do if my child has had a fever for several days? Should I seek medical attention and if so, what tests might be necessary? Are there any specific measures I can take at home to help my child? I would be very grateful for your help and support in this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Jakob Gallenberg
Dear Mr. Gallenberg,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your concerns. It is understandable that it is very distressing for parents to see their child suffering and not know exactly how to help them. Fever is a common symptom in children and can have various causes. It is important to take your child's fever seriously, and in some cases, it may indeed be necessary to see a doctor.
If your child has had a fever for days and it is not improving with fever-reducing medications, it is advisable to see a pediatrician. The doctor can conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the fever. Additional tests such as blood tests or urine tests may also be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is good that you have already tried to reduce the fever with medications. You can also help your child by giving them plenty of fluids to compensate for the fluid loss. You can also ensure that your child rests and gets enough sleep to support the body in its recovery.
It is important to watch out for any warning signs that could indicate a more serious illness. These may include difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck, or changes in consciousness. If your child exhibits such symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
I understand that this is a difficult situation for you as a parent, but I recommend trusting your instincts and seeking medical help if in doubt. Your child's health comes first, and it is important that they receive the best possible treatment.
I hope that my response has been helpful to you and wish your child a speedy recovery. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Kind regards,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
