Fever is a natural response of the body to fight against infection and illness. Especially in young children, fever occurs quite frequently, and the use of fever-reducing medications is something that parents need to understand. However, sometimes the situation of “What should be done if fever-reducing medication does not reduce fever?” causes a lot of worry. This article will provide useful information to address this issue safely and effectively.
Why Fever-Reducing Medication Might Not Work
“Taking fever-reducing medication but not reducing fever” – There can be several reasons:
- Incorrect dosage: Taking too low a dose or not adhering to the recommended dosing intervals can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
- Wrong type of medication: Some fever-reducing medications only affect fever due to common causes and may not be highly effective during infections (such as sore throat, pneumonia, etc.).
- “Taking fever-reducing medication but not reducing fever” – Fever due to severe infection: Severe infection cases need to be treated with antibiotics or specialized medical interventions, not just regular fever-reducing medication.
- Other medical conditions: Some diseases like dengue fever, prolonged viral fever, etc., require close monitoring and appropriate treatment plans by a doctor.
What to Do When Fever-Reducing Medication Doesn’t Work
Monitor closely: Record the body temperature of the child after taking fever-reducing medication but not reducing fever.
- “Taking fever-reducing medication but not reducing fever” – Watch out for dangerous symptoms: Take the child for medical evaluation immediately if you notice: Fever remains high despite medication (above 39.5 degrees Celsius)
“If you take fever-reducing medicine but it doesn’t help, what should you do?” – If you have a fever over 39.5 degrees Celsius, you need to go see a doctor
- Seizures due to fever. Difficulty breathing, abnormally rapid breathing.
- Appearance of hemorrhagic rash (in dengue fever) Is it necessary to give fever medicine to a child with mild fever? – This depends on the temperature and the condition of the child (consult a doctor).
Reducing fever at home:
Properly sponge the child with lukewarm water on the forehead, armpits, and groin area.
“What to do if you take fever-reducing medicine but it doesn’t help” – apply warm compresses to children to reduce fever at home
“Taking fever-reducing medication but not reducing fever” – sponge the child to reduce fever at home Hydrate with water, oral rehydration solution (ORS) to compensate for the fluid loss due to fever.
When to Take the Child to the Doctor?
- High fever in children after taking fever-reducing medication without improvement.
- Children under 3 months old with fever.
- Children with severe symptoms as described above.
- Fever persists for several days without a clear cause.
- Quick and Safe Fever Reduction
What fever medication to take for fast fever reduction?
- Common and effective medications containing paracetamol, ibuprofen are popular choices.
- Ensure compliance with dosage based on weight and guidance from a doctor/pharmacist.
Effective fever reduction methods at home:
- Cooling with lukewarm water.
- Keep the environment cool, dress the child in light clothing.
- Do not mix multiple fever-reducing medications.
- Be vigilant for medication side effects (allergic reactions, nausea, etc.)
Fever reduction quickly and safely at home for children
Some frequently asked questions related to “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists”
Here are 5 common questions related to the topic of “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists” along with detailed answers:
How long does it take for fever-reducing medication to take effect?
The time for fever-reducing medication to take effect is usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. However, this time may vary depending on several factors such as:
Type of medication: Tablet forms of medication typically take longer to take effect compared to liquid formulations or effervescent tablets. Body weight: Children with lower body weight usually experience faster onset of action compared to adults. Body metabolism: Each individual has a different rate of medication metabolism, affecting the time it takes for the medication to take effect. It is important not to administer fever-reducing medication continuously over a short period. There should be at least 4 hours between doses to ensure safety.
When should a child take fever-reducing medication?
According to recommendations, fever-reducing medication should only be given to a child when:
The child’s body temperature is above 38.5 degrees Celsius (measured by a thermometer). The child feels uncomfortable or restless due to high fever. Avoid overusing fever-reducing medication when the child has only mild fever, as it may cause unwanted side effects.
Is it dangerous if fever-reducing medication is ineffective?
Taking fever-reducing medication without effect may be due to several reasons such as:
Incorrect dosage: Using too little or too much medication. Wrong type of medication: Using medication that is not suitable for the underlying cause of fever. Serious underlying infections: Require specialized treatment by a doctor. If the child still has fever after taking medication for 2 hours, further monitoring and consultation with a doctor are needed to determine the cause and appropriate management.
What are some effective home remedies for reducing fever?
Apart from using fever-reducing medication, you can apply some effective home remedies for fever reduction, such as:
Warm sponging: Use a soft cloth soaked in warm water (around 38-40 degrees Celsius) and sponge the forehead, armpits, and groin of the child. Ensure the child drinks plenty of water: Supplement fluids and electrolytes to compensate for fluid loss due to fever. Dress the child in lightweight, breathable clothing. Create a well-ventilated, comfortable environment for the child.
When should a child be taken to see a doctor?
A child should be taken to see a doctor immediately if:
The child has a high fever above 39.5 degrees Celsius after taking fever-reducing medication. The child exhibits dangerous symptoms: seizures, difficulty breathing, pallor, lethargy, confusion. Fever persists for more than 3 days. The child shows signs of serious illnesses such as dengue fever, pneumonia, etc. Some scientific evidence related to “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists”
Scientific evidence on “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists”:
- Dosage of fever-reducing medication:
Paracetamol: Recommended dosage: 10-15mg/kg/dose, maximum 60mg/kg/day. Do not exceed 4 doses/day. Ibuprofen: Recommended dosage: 5-10mg/kg/dose, maximum 40mg/kg/day. Do not exceed 4 doses/day.
- Causes of “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists”:
Incorrect dosage: Using too little or too much medication. Wrong type of medication: Using medication that is not suitable for the underlying cause of fever. Serious underlying infections: Require specialized treatment by a doctor.
- Management when “taking fever-reducing medication but fever persists”:
Close monitoring: Record the child’s body temperature after taking medication. Home fever reduction: Warm sponging, fluid and electrolyte supplementation. Seek medical attention: High fever above 39.5 degrees Celsius, seizures, difficulty breathing, pallor, lethargy, confusion, fever persists for more than 3 days. Conclusion
Fever is a condition that requires close monitoring. Do not worry too much if the child “takes fever-reducing medication but fever persists”; instead, take the initial steps and seek timely medical attention when necessary. The combination of proper fever-reducing measures and treatment from a doctor will help the child overcome fever safely.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breaking-a-fever
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=not-all-fevers-need-treatment-88-p11048
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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