A fever is the body's natural response to remove harmful invaders. The heat is intended to kill the microbes. However, the rise in temperature can cause a child to feel not-so-hot, and sometimes, it can lead to dehydration, seizures, and delirium when it's too high. And your child's body isn't fighting off the threat if the other symptoms continue despite the immune system's best attempts. Whenever you're concerned about a child's fever, you can contact Dr. Baqir Malik at Canton Center Pediatrics in Canton, MI, for care. Here's what you should know about pediatric fevers, though:

Temperature Varies Based on Age

We'd like to note that anything over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is a fever. This number is for an oral thermometer only. The readings for under the armpits, in the ear, or in the rectum are different. If you use a standard thermometer rectally or under the armpit, you must adjust accordingly or know the average temperature for those areas.

When to Be Concerned 

Anything over 104 degrees Fahrenheit that doesn't respond to fever-reducing medications is cause for concern, regardless of age. 

We recommend bringing your child to us if they have a fever over 100.4 and are under three months old. Keep in mind that you shouldn't give acetaminophen to a child who's 12 weeks or younger. Ask us first so we can explain the dosing.

If your child is between three and six months old, be concerned if they have a fever higher than 102 degrees that won't respond to fever reducers. 

For children six months or older, 104 degrees is a temperature to be concerned about, particularly if acetaminophen isn't bringing it down.

When and How We Can Help 

For continuous pediatric fevers, our Canton, MI, pediatrician may need to target the underlying cause to reduce the fever, which may include an antibiotic. 

Incredibly high fevers that are causing dehydration or other symptoms may require us to provide medical attention to correct the symptoms. 

We can also advise you on how to keep your child comfortable as they ward off the infection. 

Though it's not as common, your child could have a chronic condition leading to that fever. Based on your little one's symptoms, we can determine the problem and the right treatment approach to manage it.

Know when a child has a fever and when it's a reason to bring them to see Dr. Malik of Canton Center Pediatrics, serving Canton, MI, and the general vicinity. Sometimes, treatment is necessary to target the underlying reason, such as by treating an infection.

Call us today at (734) 254-1900 or (734) 254-9187.