When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Toddler Fever
As parents it can be near impossible not to worry about our children whenever they shows signs of ill health, but sometimes a trip to the emergency room can be more stressful for them overall than keeping them at home and managing their symptoms. When it comes to dealing with a fever, it can be particularly difficult to know what’s best for your toddler and when to seek emergency medical support.
The definition of a fever in toddlers
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a normal temperature for a child should range somewhere between 97 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If your toddler’s temperature reaches or exceeds 103 degrees, it is possible that they have a fever, but it isn’t always necessary to rush them to a doctor.
It’s important to note that for children under the age of three years, it can be difficult to achieve an accurate temperature reading by using a thermometer under the arm or in the ear; oral or rectal temperature readings tend to be more efficient, so we recommend using these methods to determine your child’s temperature accurately before rushing to the ER.
It’s also essential that you account for activity when taking a temperature reading. If your toddler has been very active and energetic during play, it’s not unusual to for them to become warmer than 97-100 degrees. Be sure to take their temperature when they have been sedentary for a significant period of time, preferably just after they’ve woken from a nap.
Interestingly, the body’s natural thermostat is also something that should be considered when taking your child’s temperature. Our temperatures naturally rise in the late afternoon and early evening, so bear this in mind if you find your child has a high temperature – could it simply be their natural thermostat at play?
Symptoms to look out for
Fevers usually occur when the body is fighting an infection due to the production of certain chemicals produced in an attempt to destroy the infection. If your toddler has an infection of some kind, they will usually show other symptoms alongside the fever, such as a cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, aches and pains, headache, chills and diarrhea.
If your child is running around playing and does not report feeling unwell with any of the symptoms listed above, there’s usually no need to visit the ER or contact your doctor. However, if their temperature exceeds 103 degrees and they are showing two or more of these symptoms, it could be time to see a doctor. These flu symptoms often occur within 24 hours of the fever occurring, so keep an eye out for the development of symptoms once you notice your child’s temperature running high.
If you’re in need of emergency care for your toddler’s fever, visit Physicians Premier ER in Cibolo for rapid treatment of your child’s condition, or browse our other locations to find your local Physician Premier emergency facilities.
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