Pediatric Fever Treatment Specialist in Scottsdale, and Glendale AZ
Is your child suffering from fever? At KidsHealth Pediatrics, our dedicated pediatric specialists are always here to help your child feel better. Some common symptoms of fever in children include sweating, shivering, loss of appetite, chills, and fussiness. We Have 2 Clinics in Scottsdale, AZ and Glendale, AZ. Please Call or Request an Appointment Online.
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MYTH #1: If my child’s temperature is above 98.6°F, they have a fever.
MYTH #2: Having a fever is a bad thing.
MYTH #3: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness.
At KidsHealth Pediatrics in Scottsdale and Glendale, Arizona, we receive calls from concerned parents all the time regarding their child’s temperature. Dr. Maria Nabong is here to address a few of the common myths about pediatric fever by providing the facts about increased body temperature and what it actually means.
FACT: Although 98.6°F is the often thought of as the baseline for body temperature, normal body temperatures can range between 97-100.4°F. Where the thermometer is placed while taking the child’s temperature will also vary. Rectal or ear thermometers that register above 100.4°F indicate a fever, while oral thermometers will show a fever is present at 100°F or higher. When the temperature is taken under the armpit, 99°F is the cutoff. If you contact your child’s health care provider in Scottsdale about a fever, make sure you indicate the location of the thermometer’s placement.
FACT: Fevers activate the body’s immune system, signaling it to begin clearing infection out of the body. Running a normal fever (between 100°F and 104°F) means that your child’s body is doing its job properly. Temperatures over 102° can cause your child to be uncomfortable, so you can administer an appropriate dosage of acetaminophen (or ibuprofen if the child is over 6 months of age) to offer some relief.
Any child under the age 3 months who has a fever, however, should be taken to a Scottsdale health care facility immediately.
FACT: Your child’s health care provider in Scottsdale is more concerned about how a child is acting during an illness rather than the numbers on the thermometer. Children that are in considerable pain, dehydrated, having difficulty breathing, or incoherent need immediate attention regardless of the temperature reading. When mild to moderate discomfort, lethargy, and loss of appetite accompany a fever, this is usually a normal viral illness that simply needs to run its course.
If you have further questions about your child’s health care, please contact our pediatric office right away to speak to one of the friendly and helpful staff members. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have 2 pediatric clinics in Scottsdale, and Glendale, AZ. We serve patients from Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Tempe AZ, Mesa AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, and Phoenix AZ.
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