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Fever is a healthy sign that indicates a child’s body is fighting an infection or the underlying cause of illness. However, it should also be treated—not only by addressing the underlying illness but also by using a fever-reducing medicine for children according to a doctor’s instructions. So, what is the best fever reducer for children available at the pharmacy? And when does a child’s elevated temperature require a visit to the doctor?

When is a Child Considered to Have a Fever?

Fever is defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, although the measured temperature may vary slightly depending on the site of measurement (armpit, rectum, or mouth).

A child is considered to have a fever if their temperature is at or above one of the following readings:

• 38°C in the rectum.
• 37.8°C in the mouth.
• 37.2°C in the armpit.

The Role of Fever in Fighting Illness

Fever is not a disease itself; rather, it is a symptom or a sign indicating that the body is fighting an illness or infection. Fever stimulates the body’s defenses, sending white blood cells and other fighting cells to combat and eliminate the cause of the infection.

Causes of Elevated Temperature in Children

Temperature usually rises in children due to infections, but some diseases can also cause the same issue. The most common causes of fever in children include:

• Upper respiratory infections, such as sore throat, tonsillitis, and middle ear infection.
• Influenza (flu).
• Roseola, a virus that causes fever and skin rash.
• Kidney or urinary tract infections.
• Common childhood illnesses such as chickenpox and whooping cough.

Other Causes of High Temperature in Children

Children’s temperatures may also rise for reasons other than infections and illnesses, such as:

• Overdressing the child: Especially in newborns; if they wear too many clothes or are wrapped in heavy blankets or are in a hot environment, because their bodies do not regulate temperature as effectively as older children.
• Vaccinations: Sometimes children develop a mild fever for about a day after receiving a vaccine.
• Teething: Some children may experience a slight increase in body temperature during teething, but teething is unlikely to be the cause if the fever exceeds 37.8°C.

Symptoms Accompanying Fever in Children

Some symptoms may accompany fever in children, including:

• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Ear pain
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Red or pale skin
• Increased heart rate
• Poor appetite or fluid intake
• Intense thirst
• Reduced urination
• High-pitched crying

Fast-Acting Fever Reducers for Children

Here is a list of the most important fever-reducing medications for children:

1. Panadol Children's Syrup

Panadol syrup for children from two months old contains the active ingredient paracetamol, which reduces fever and relieves pain, with a concentration of 120 mg. It also has a strawberry flavor that children like.

2. Tylenol 100 mg Suppositories (10 pieces)

Tylenol 100 Mg 10 Suppositories suppositories reduce fever and relieve pain. They contain paracetamol but are not recommended for children younger than three months.

3. Pediamol Oral Drops 15 ml

Pediamol Drops 15 Ml drops also contain paracetamol. They relieve pain and reduce fever in infants and can help alleviate mild to moderate pain, such as teething pain.

4. Vivadol Syrup for Pain Relief 160 mg/5 ml, 145 ml

Fevadol syrup 160MG 5ML for pain 145ML is a fever reducer for children, containing 160 mg of paracetamol per 5 ml, and it has a fruity flavor.

Home Treatment for Fever in Children

In addition to giving fever-reducing medication according to the doctor’s instructions, here are some tips to help reduce a child’s temperature:

1. Cooling and Light Clothing

Reduce your child’s clothing to a single layer and make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. This is one of the best and most comfortable ways to lower your child’s temperature.

It is better not to give your child a full shower to cool down; instead, you can use cold compresses on the face.

2. Rest and Fluid Intake

Encourage your child to rest during periods of fever and to drink plenty of fluids—not all at once, but in small amounts several times throughout the day.

Even if your child is not eager to eat, there is no need to worry; their appetite will return as they start to improve.

When to Visit the Doctor?

A child’s fever may require a doctor’s visit, especially in the following cases:

1. Infants Younger Than 3 Months

Fever may be the only sign of a serious illness at this age, especially in newborns. Therefore, the doctor should be consulted immediately if the temperature rises—or even if it drops below 36.5°C (rectally).

2. Children Older Than 3 Months

Consult the doctor if the child has a high fever exceeding 40°C or if fever-reducing medications fail in children older than three months.

3. Fever Lasting More Than 5 Days

It is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the fever and treat it before the situation worsens.

4. Failure of Fever-Reducing Medications

Medications should work quickly to reduce the child’s fever. If fever-reducing medicines are used according to the doctor’s instructions but do not take effect, consult the doctor without delay.