Fever: it gets dangerous above 41 degrees celsius - wellness and health guide

40 degrees Celsius fever. In young children, the body temperature often rises to this mark and higher. Dr. Paediatrist explains why this is the case and whether the parents have to take action against it. med. Gunhild Kilian-Kornell. She is the Federal Press Officer of the Professional Association of Pediatricians..

Young children quickly develop a high fever. Why is that?

We come with a immune system to the world that is equipped with everything you need. He just lacks training. It starts right after birth. Everything is running at full speed and the system is reacting vehemently to attacks. One of the defense mechanisms is to raise the body temperature in order to "cook" foreign proteins from invading pathogens. Therefore, the temperature rises higher than normal body temperature and more violently in infants and toddlers than in adults.

At what temperature does it become dangerous for the child?

It goes up to 41 degrees Celsius. From 41.5 degrees Celsius upwards and at the latest from 42 degrees Celsius, the body’s own protein suffers. It is really dangerous. Of course weaken elevated temperatures the body in general: the metabolism starts up and this affects the general condition.

At what temperature is it advisable to visit a doctor?

There is no rule of thumb for this. Consider that fever not isolated. The general condition of the child is important. It can be seriously ill with pneumonia at a slightly elevated temperature. Or it has a harmless but highly febrile viral infection in comparison, but it doesn’t make a bad impression.

At the latest on the fourth day of fever, I advise you to see the pediatrician in any case. The exception is young babies. If you have a fever, go to the doctor immediately. It is in the first three months of life fever response typically not as pronounced. For example, 38.3 degrees Celsius are an alarm sign.

What is the best way to reduce fever?

Suppositories or juices with paracetamol or ibuprofen are available for children. There should always be at least six hours between the same active ingredient! The best thing is a fever suppository together with calf wraps to lower the temperature. Try it Wadenwickel initially without medication.

Provided, the child is doing reasonably well. That means it is responsive, and has not vomited. For Wadenwickel the calves and the water must be warm, with the you soak the wraps, lukewarm: the younger the child, the warmer the water.

It is wrong to lower the fever?

Fever is a normal and important defense mechanism of the body. You don’t have to and shouldn’t drastically reduce fever permanently. It is important to watch the child. If the child is feverish and if you really have an eye on it, it must fever not be lowered. If the child is prone to febrile seizures, it is better not to take any risks!