Fever in Children: When to See a Child Specialist in Silchar

Fever is the body's way of fighting infection, and most fevers in children settle within a few days. Still, children can become unwell quickly, so it helps to know when to see a child specialist in Silchar (pediatrician) and when home care is enough.

See a child specialist the same day if your child…

• is under three months old and has any fever,
• has fever for more than two to three days,
• is unusually sleepy, irritable or difficult to wake,
• refuses to drink or has passed very little urine,
• has fast or difficult breathing,
• has a rash, ear pain, or repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.

Go to a hospital emergency immediately if…

your child has a fit (convulsion), blue lips, great difficulty breathing, a rash that does not fade when pressed, a stiff neck, or is floppy and unresponsive. Call 108 if needed.

Caring for a feverish child at home

• Give plenty of fluids: breast milk, water, ORS, soups.
• Dress the child lightly; do not wrap them in heavy blankets.
• Sponge with lukewarm water if uncomfortable, not cold water.
• Give fever medicine only in the dose your doctor advises for your child's weight.
• Do not give adult medicines or antibiotics on your own.

Fevers common in Barak Valley

Besides common viral infections, children in the region can get dengue, malaria and typhoid, particularly in the rainy season. A child specialist decides which tests are needed.

Child specialists in Silchar you can book online:

Don't forget vaccinations

Regular check-ups with your pediatrician also keep your child's vaccinations up to date. Bring the vaccination card to every visit.

Measuring temperature correctly

Touching the forehead is not reliable. Use a digital thermometer: under the arm for young children (hold the arm against the side until it beeps). A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above is usually counted as fever. Note the reading and the time; your doctor will want to know.

Dehydration: the hidden danger

Children with fever, vomiting or loose motions can lose fluid quickly. Watch for:

• fewer wet nappies or very little urine,
• a dry mouth and no tears when crying,
• sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot on a baby's head,
• unusual sleepiness.

Give ORS in small, frequent sips, continue breastfeeding, and see a child specialist quickly if these signs appear.

Febrile fits

Some young children, usually between six months and five years, have a fit when their temperature rises quickly. It is frightening but often brief. Lay the child on their side on a safe surface, do not put anything in the mouth, and time the fit. Take the child to a hospital, and call 108 if the fit lasts more than five minutes or repeats. Any first fit needs a doctor's assessment.

Fever and school

Keep your child at home until the fever has settled and they are eating and playing normally. This helps them recover and protects other children, especially during outbreaks of flu, conjunctivitis or chickenpox.

What to tell the pediatrician

• How many days the fever has lasted and the highest reading.
• Other symptoms: cough, rash, ear pain, vomiting, loose motions, burning urine.
• How much the child is eating, drinking and passing urine.
• All medicines given, with doses and times.
• The vaccination card.

Questions parents in Silchar often ask

Should I wake my child to give fever medicine?

Usually not. If your child is sleeping comfortably, let them rest. Fever medicine is for comfort, not to reach a "normal" number.

Is teething a cause of high fever?

Teething may cause fussiness and a slight rise in temperature, but not high fever. Look for another cause and see a doctor if the fever is high.

Can I bathe my child during fever?

Yes, a quick lukewarm bath or sponging is fine if the child is comfortable. Dry and dress them lightly afterwards.

Should my child have antibiotics for a cold with fever?

Most colds are viral and antibiotics do not help. Your child specialist will prescribe them only if a bacterial infection is found.

How do I know my child is recovering?

A child who starts playing, eating and drinking again is usually on the mend, even if a mild fever lingers for a day. Tell your doctor if the child seems worse again after improving.

Which vaccinations help prevent serious fevers?

Routine vaccines protect against several serious infections, including measles and some types of pneumonia and meningitis. Keep the vaccination card up to date.

Key takeaways

• Any fever in a baby under three months needs a child specialist the same day.
• Fits, breathing difficulty, a rash that does not fade or a floppy child need emergency care.
• Use a thermometer rather than touching the forehead.
• Watch for dehydration: little urine, a dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes.
• Give fluids and only the fever medicine dose your doctor advises for your child’s weight.
• Keep the vaccination card up to date and bring it to every visit.

See every child specialist in Silchar with chambers and fees.