FEVER( CHILDREN) 77
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child could have a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia.
• Give liquid acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Is your child’ s breathing abnormally noisy or rapid( see p. 71)?
Abnormally rapid
Noisy
Neither
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW This may be croup, in which a viral infection inflames the airways.
• Sit with your child in a steamy bathroom to ease the breathing.
Does either of the following apply?
Your child has been pulling at one ear
Your child has complained of earache
Neither
Does your child have either of the following?
Cough
Runny nose
Neither
Does your child have a sore throat?
Sore throat
No sore throat
Does your child have either of the following?
Painful urination
Diarrhea with or without vomiting
Neither
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your child’ s fever from this chart.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Your child probably has a viral illness, such as a severe cold or flu.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your child’ s condition worsens, if he or she is no better within 2 days, or if he or she develops other symptoms.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Your child may have a throat infection, such as tonsillitis.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Follow the advice for soothing a sore throat( p. 164).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your child is no better in 24 hours or if other symptoms develop.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Your child may have a urinary tract infection.
• Give plenty of fluids to drink.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW if your child is under 1 year. He or she may have gastroenteritis.
• Give older children plenty of clear fluids to drink.