Fever, commonly defined as a temperature of 99.5degF (37.5degC) or greater (axillary) or 100.4degF (38.0degC) or greater (core), is a common pediatric sign that has many causes (eg, bacterial or viral infection). Some of the causes are self-limiting and do not require treatment; others are serious underlying conditions requiring treatment. In children (particularly infants), seeking medical attention for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the underlying cause of fever is standard care. (1) Some families seek to alleviate fever and its associated symptoms (eg, discomfort, irritability, crying) through easily accessible, adjunctive self-care techniques and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.
展开▼
