Time Frame for Tylenol to Relieve Fever in Children
When a child spikes a fever, parents want to help ease the pain and also help the fever go down. Many times a fever is a sign of infection or illness and is the body's normal response. Giving a child Tylenol for fever reduction is acceptable and often suggested by doctors.
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Fever
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A normal temperature reading is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, a rectal or ear temperature reading over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, an oral temperature reading of over 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, an armpit temperature reading over 99.0 degrees Fahrenheit or a pacifier temperature reading over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. This means the body's temperature is above normal and having an internal reaction to something.
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Causes
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The main cause of a fever is the body reacting to an infection. According to pediatrichealthcarebrockton.com, when the body's temperature raises it turns on the immune system, which helps fight off the offending bacteria and viruses. This is a normal bodily response and most childhood fevers are not harmful.
Administering Tylenol
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Tylenol makes a children's formula, which is safe for children ages 2 to 11 and an infant formula, which is safe for babies with pediatrician's suggestion. For children under the age of 2, dosage is determined by weight and age. Make sure to discuss administering infant Tylenol before using.
Time Frame
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According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, most fever reducers will begin working within 30 minutes of administration. Within two hours of dosage, the fever should reduce 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Repeated dosage may be necessary during the course of the illness to keep a fever down. Making sure to check Tylenol's dosage chart will ensure overdosing a child with fever reducer.
Considerations
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A fever is the body's way of dealing with infection. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, fevers only need to be treated with medication if they are causing discomfort or above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Pediatrichealthcarebrockton.com does not recommend administering aspirin or medications containing aspirin to children suffering from a fever as it is connected to Reye's syndrome. A fever may take 2 to 3 days before dissipating. If a fever persists for longer, contact a physician.
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References
- Photo Credit "daughter - 15 months" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: macrophile (John D.) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
