Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Fever In A Child
Question: My son of 15 months and weight 10 Kg has fever since last 7 days. No cold or cough. He was given MMR vaccine on the 2nd day of his fever after consultation with one GP. We have been giving him P-125 Oral drops @ 1.2ml twice daily along with one zinc-Vitamin syrup given by the GP. But its been seven days now and his fever is returning every day. He becomes irritable and fussy at times and at times he seems OK. He has lost apetite and seems too have lost some weight also. we are very scared since his fever is not going away even after 7 days. Today my wife and myself decided to stop the paracetamol drop b'cos it has been seven days. should we continue paracetamol drops? Please help us and give us some advice. we have a medical attendant in our village health centre who suggested antibiotic cefadroxil oral suspeneion. But we are skeptical of his advice. there is no doctor nearby. Do we need to give him an antibiotic? is it pnuemonia? Please advice us.
Brief Answer:
Your baby needs some lab investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concerns but don't worry. Most likely reason for fever spikes in this age group is a self limiting viral illness. But most kids improve within 3-5 days if they have it.
Fever lasting for more than 5 days along with loss of appetite and poor activity can be due to underlying bacterial or protozoal infection which needs proper investigation and treatment accordingly.
I would recommend you to get the following lab investigations done. You may upload the reports for my reference so that I can advise you the best possible management plan.
-Hemogram (CBC with peripheral smear)
-CRP, ESR
- Blood culture and sensitivity
- urine routine and microscopic
- WIDAL
- Chest X Ray
For the time being, continue with Paracetamol drops (1.4 ml). Give it only when fever is more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You may repeat the same dose after 6-8 hours if fever persists. Start antibiotics only after lab investigation and consultation.
Ensure regular feeds and plenty of fluids.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Your baby needs some lab investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concerns but don't worry. Most likely reason for fever spikes in this age group is a self limiting viral illness. But most kids improve within 3-5 days if they have it.
Fever lasting for more than 5 days along with loss of appetite and poor activity can be due to underlying bacterial or protozoal infection which needs proper investigation and treatment accordingly.
I would recommend you to get the following lab investigations done. You may upload the reports for my reference so that I can advise you the best possible management plan.
-Hemogram (CBC with peripheral smear)
-CRP, ESR
- Blood culture and sensitivity
- urine routine and microscopic
- WIDAL
- Chest X Ray
For the time being, continue with Paracetamol drops (1.4 ml). Give it only when fever is more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You may repeat the same dose after 6-8 hours if fever persists. Start antibiotics only after lab investigation and consultation.
Ensure regular feeds and plenty of fluids.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
today we observed slight reddish inflammation at the foreskin opening of his genital. Is he suffering from Urinary Infection due to prolonged use of diapers? We cant see any other reason for his fever till now. today we have not given him P-125. Is it essential to do lab test for diagonising Urinary infection bcos we have to ,move to another town for laboratory tests. please advice.
Brief Answer:
You may give Cefixime
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Urinary tract infection can be the likely cause of these symptoms. We do not recommend antibiotics without a proper urine examination (routine, microscopic and culture-sensitivity). So, if possible kindly go for it.
Else, you may start him on Syp. Cefixime (100 mg/5ml) at 4 ml twice daily for 7 days.
Hopefully it will be of helpful.
Take care
You may give Cefixime
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Urinary tract infection can be the likely cause of these symptoms. We do not recommend antibiotics without a proper urine examination (routine, microscopic and culture-sensitivity). So, if possible kindly go for it.
Else, you may start him on Syp. Cefixime (100 mg/5ml) at 4 ml twice daily for 7 days.
Hopefully it will be of helpful.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
army doctor said that the child is very active of 102 deg fever and no need of tests. he gave paracetamol & ampicillin. but i insisted my wife on not giving any medicine for 1 full day bcos my son hates medicine and it seems to worsen his mood. we called up all our family members at itanagar & ziro & all over A.P. for prayers. surprisingly he is completely well since yesterday night. no fever. Thank God. But i still wonder what could have caused fever for 8 days to my son and suddenly disappear?? please suggest.. was it viral? was I right in not giving any antibiotic inspite of suggestion from our local medical attendant. In future how long should i wait to start antibiotics or specialist advice? please advice. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Most likely viral in origin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to hear about his improved health. The most likely reason for such self limiting fever episodes is viral infection. Most cases improve usually within a week. But there are always exception.
But it's always safe to get a clinical examination and laboratory evaluation if high grade fever spikes last for more than 5 days. Antibiotics should always be started on a specialist advice.
Take care
Most likely viral in origin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to hear about his improved health. The most likely reason for such self limiting fever episodes is viral infection. Most cases improve usually within a week. But there are always exception.
But it's always safe to get a clinical examination and laboratory evaluation if high grade fever spikes last for more than 5 days. Antibiotics should always be started on a specialist advice.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
