Question
Is it dangerous if a 7-month-old baby maintains a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius for more than 7 hours?
Answer
Fever in children can be caused by various factors, including infectious and non-infectious reasons. In the pediatric emergency department, the most common cause of fever is infectious, such as upper respiratory tract infection. In this case, if a baby maintains a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius for more than 7 hours, further evaluation and treatment may be necessary. If the baby exhibits other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of energy, immediate medical attention should be sought. At home, physical cooling methods can be employed, such as removing clothing, using fever-reducing patches, or taking a warm bath, while monitoring the baby’s temperature changes. If the baby’s temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius or if symptoms such as seizures or difficulty breathing occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. Do not administer fever-reducing medication to the baby without medical guidance.