Taking temperature in kids
If putting thermometer in the arm, are we supposed to add 0.5 to 1 degree to it to calculate final temperature. Is there a better way. Kids 6 or younger. more
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thanks, perhaps all branded Indian ones are fine, same can't be said for imported economical variety. One may need to add 0.5*F at 4-5 yrs, if child is thin built ,no need to add & 1* if child has more fatty tissue. more
Sep 10
I always thought the mercury ones were the most accurate. Good to know the digital ones are better. Any particular one you recommend? Also, for 4-5 year olds does one need to add a degree...Useful post Dr. Bhatnagar. more
Sep 10
Dear Ms Anshu: First of all you should know that doctors are satisfied by approximate temp. ie Mild(up-to 100), Moderate (100-102) or high >102*F; you need not tell us exact decimal points at exact time!( baby had temp of 101.6 degrees at 2.37 pm) We have Skin forehead temp strips, no touch laser thermometers & Ear ones. Due to environmental reasons Mercury thermometers are getting phased out. One digital thermometer at home is OK. Fever in Newborns & Young Infants: To measure temperature- remove all clothes, expose & wipe armpit with wet towel & wait to get the area dried by it-self. Use thermometer kept vertically for three minutes. Digital thermometers are more accurate & safer than glass ones. Wait for the beep. Normal range for the temperature at this age is 97 to 99.5 * F. No need to add 1* as the skin in small babies is thin & more vascular. Blood flow further increases during fever & difference of oral & armpit temp is not significant. If baby is active, playful & feeding well, fever is unlikely till 100* F. In case of fever, remove all woolens & extra clothing, use light cotton clothes and provide extra fluids to your baby. In case of high fever, use fresh tap water in summer & lukewarm water in winters for sponging, ice or chilled water is not needed. Make whole skin wet & wait to get dried by evaporation. Repeat the process for 10- 20 minutes. Use only Paracetamol in prescribed doses. No other medication to be given till examined by Pediatrician. Regards, Sunil (Dr Sunil Bhatnagar, MD) more
Sep 09
