Child Fever: Dosage & Temperature Chart

Childhood fever is one of the most concerning situations for parents. Serious risks can arise when temperature is measured incorrectly or medication dosage is miscalculated. This article provides practical information about children, fever, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and thermometer use.

Normal Temperature Ranges in Children

The location of temperature measurement is crucial. Different methods yield different results:

Ear measurement is suitable for children over 3 months. Rectal method is the most accurate but can be distressing for young children.

Fever Treatment: Medication Dosages

Paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol)

• Dosage: 10-15 mg/kg (every 4 hours)

• Maximum: 60 mg/kg per day

• Forms: Syrup, suppository (rectal), tablet

Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Ibufen)

• Dosage: 5-10 mg/kg (every 6-8 hours)

• Maximum: 40 mg/kg per day

• Forms: Syrup, suppository

Note: Calculate Buster dosage based on child weight! For a 10 kg child, paracetamol dosage is 100-150 mg.

Temperature Measurement Methods

1. Rectal Measurement (0-3 years)

• Most accurate method

• Suitable for Neo rectal suppositories

• Child may become distressed

How to do it: Apply lubricant to thermometer tip and insert 2-3 cm into rectum. Wait 30 seconds.

2. Ear Measurement (3+ months)

• Fast (1 second)

• Comfortable for children with ear pain

• Alternative to rectal suppository

Caution: Inaccurate if ear is dirty or ear drops have been used.

3. Axillary (Underarm) Measurement

• Easiest method

• Least accurate

• Affected by sweat, clothing

Recommendation: Keep armpit pressed for 5 minutes, ensure skin is dry.

First Aid During Fever

When child has fever:

• Plenty of fluids (milk, water, juice)

• Cold compress (forehead, neck)

• Light clothing

• Room temperature 20-22°C

Avoid:

• Rubbing with cooked alcohol

• Antibiotics (for viral fevers)

• Excessive covering

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

Seek doctor immediately:

• Rectal temperature >38°C in infant under 3 months

• 39°C+ lasting 2 hours

• Convulsions, vomiting, lethargy

• Pale skin, rash

• Breathing difficulty

• Altered consciousness

Thermometer Selection

Pharmacy recommendation: Digital thermometer + ear thermometer combination is most practical.

Types of Fever and Infection

Childhood fever has 2 main types:

1. Viral infection (90%): Mild, prolonged (3-5 days)

2. Bacterial infection: High temperature, rapidly worsens

Fever spreads quickly in children with weak immunity. Vitamins and immunity boosters are helpful for prevention.

Advice for Parents

1. Measure temperature daily – early infection detection

2. Keep rectal suppositories and ear drops in home medicine cabinet

3. Know child's weight for dosage calculation

4. Ear pain + fever = possible middle ear infection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 37.5°C mean in a child?

37.5°C under armpit is fever. Rectal measurement threshold is 38°C+.

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How often can paracetamol be given?

Every 4–6 hours, maximum 4 times daily. Dosage 10–15 mg/kg.

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Is ear temperature measurement accurate?

Excellent method for children over 3 months. Accuracy decreases with ear pain.

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When to use rectal suppositories?

When child refuses syrup, is vomiting, or immediate effect is needed.

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Fever hasn't gone down for 3 days, what to do?

See a doctor! Viral fever lasting 3–5 days is normal, but infection should be ruled out.

Conclusion

Childhood fever is not something to fear, as long as temperature is measured correctly, dosage is calculated properly, and infection warning signs are recognized in time. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and rectal suppositories should be in every home medicine cabinet. Seek immediate medical help for ear pain, convulsions, or prolonged fever.

Pharmacy advice: When purchasing thermometer, paracetamol syrup, and ear drops, get dosage and usage information from the pharmacist!