Pain And Fever




HELPING CHILDREN IN PAIN

Children under the age of 4 can usually let us know if they are in pain, but we usually need to guess at how much pan they feel. Once children reach 4 years of age, they are better at explaining their level of pain. We can help by giving them choices such as "a little", "more than a little", "a lot" or "more than I have ever hurt before".

If pain relief medication seems necessary, use ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are the best choices for infants and children. Never use ASA because it can cause a serious condition called Reye's Syndrome in a small number of children.


WHAT TEMPERATURE IS "A FEVER"?

A normal temperature is 37 Celcius (98.6 Fahrenheit). A child is said to have a fever when the temperature rises to 38 Celcius (100.4 Fahrenheit). If a newborn less than 3 months old has a fever of 37.8 Celcius (100.1 Fahrenheit) or more, a doctor should be contacted, as children this age are more prone to infection and dehydration.


TAKING CARE OF A FEVER

If your child is suffering from a fever, placing a cool washcloth on the child's head can help. A sponge bath with lukewarm (30 to 32 Celcius or 85 to 90 Fahrenheit) water might also help to comfort the child and bring the fever down. The child's room should be kept comfortably cool.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the best choices for reducing fever. They both help the body get rid of extra heat to lower temperatures. If your doctor has not told you what dose of medicine to give your child, make sure you read the package directions closely. Ask your doctor or Pharmassist pharmacist if you are unsure of what to do.


WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR

A doctor should be called if your child is:

- fewer than 3 months old with a rectal temperature above 37.8 Celcius or 100.1 Fahrenheit
- 3-6 months old with a rectal temperature above 38.3 Celcius or 101 Fahrenheit
- 6-12 months old with a rectal temperature above 39.5 Celcius or 103 Fahrenheit
- any age when the fever lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by additional signs of illness

If your child is older than 1 year and is eating and playing normally, there is no need to call the doctor unless the fever lasts more than 24 hours.

CHILDREN'S DOSES OF IBUPROFEN

(every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 4 doses per day)

Age Weight - kg/lbs Dose
6-11 mths 6-7.9 kg/12-17.5 lbs 50 mg
12-23 mths 8-10.9 kg/17.5-24 lbs 75 mg
2-3 yrs 11-15.9 kg/24.2-35 lbs 100 mg
4-5 yrs 16-21.9 kg/35.2-48 lbs 150 mg
6-8 yrs 22-26.9 kg/48.5-59 lbs 200 mg
9-10 yrs 27-31.9 kg/59.5-70 lbs 250 mg
11-12 yrs 32-43.9 kg/70.5-96.5 lbs 300 mg

Check the dosage on the package carefully!

Your Pharmassist pharmacist can help you make sure you provide your child with the correct amount of medicine.