Fever of 104 (40.1 Celsius) in toddler.

Danielle - posted on 01/12/2010

Hey ladies!
I just want to say thanks for all the advice. We took him into the doctor again when his little body broke into a horrible rash after his fever ebbed. It has been confirmed that he has/had Roseola "baby measles".
Yay!! Im so relieved that in a couple days my little monkey will be back swinging on trees.
Thank you all for your kindness and advice.

Micah - posted on 01/12/2010

My kids have all been "fever runners". My oldest 2 suffered from febrile seizures beginning when they were 18 months old. The oldest's fever would rise rapidly after having been sick with 99/100 for a day or two and she'd have a seizure. My 2nd daughter would spike a fever, though not necessarily high, at the onset of an illness and have a seizure. They did outgrow them. What the doctors told me: alternate between appropriate doses of Tylenol and Motrin and be sure they're drinking plenty of fluids as well to facilitate the effectiveness of the fever-reducers. They told me that we could do a lukewarm bath to try to help bring down the core temperature or to place cool, wet washcloths at the back of their neck, under their arms, and at their groin to help bring fever down. However, they said to do that only if they were comfortable because if they cried or started to shiver it could actually make the fever go up since it's the body's natural response to get warm. If your child continues to run a fever that high and your instincts tell you it's been too long, take him to the ER. If they run high fever and aren't taking in enough fluids, they can dehydrate VERY fast. That, in turn, makes it difficult for nurses to get IV fluids going because it makes their veins almost rubbery.

(And for what it's worth, I'm right there with you--fevers are sometimes scary. My 11-month-old ran a 104 fever the other night and has had the flu, which, like your doctor told you, is a virus. It would not come down with both Tylenol and Motrin and lots of water and Pedialyte.)

Danielle - posted on 01/12/2010

about 11days ago my 6year old had a spike in her temperature and we had a rough 48hours because she was also dehydrated and i hadn't realized it. i alternated tylenol and ibuprofen, gave her lots of fluids and she was ok after that time was up. my 4year old 4days later had the same fever spike with a sore throat and congestion and it took 4days for her fever to break. i chose not to take her to the doctor because of the first experience and she was fine. your child is younger.IF AT ANYTIME YOU AS THE MOTHER DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE DOCTORS ADVICE, GETTING A SECOND OPINION IS THE WAY TO GO. you can always call scottish rights for nurse advice. but whatever decision u make u have to live with the consequences. so don't think your being overly cautious if your opinion differs from anyone else and don't feel you don't care enough if you take the non cautious way. do what helps u sleep at night. as your child gets older they can handle illness better but always be cautious with toddlers and infants.

Amelia - posted on 01/12/2010

My son recently had fever for 4 days. The last day it went up to 105. I ended up taking him to Urgent care and all they did is give him more tylenol. They thought it was just a viral infection and they told me to try to put hydrogen peroxide in his ears to loosen up the earwax because they couldn't take a look in his ears to see if it was an ear infection. So if he kept having a fever the next day I would have to take him back. That was the last day he had a fever. I have been told that 105 is the max it should go up and it shouldn't go more than 4 days. I know that seems like a really high fever and a long time, but if it's viral, the infection is going to fight itself. The best thing to do is keep checking their temp, alternationg Motrin and Tylenol, and cool baths. Good luck!

Nichola - posted on 01/11/2010

My son had a 104 temp one time after taking tylenol so I called the doctor and they didnt even want to see him....he told me to give him more tylenol try giving him and warmish bath and just let him cool himself down and then if the temp didnt go down or get worse over the next day or two to bring him in so i would just watch it and see what happens

Stacey - posted on 01/11/2010

Here is a link from Dr. Mercola about fevers. Hope this helps.


http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl...

Rosie - posted on 01/11/2010

my middle child for some reason always had a rash as soon as his fever went down, it was like his body's way of releasing the ickiness. hope he feels better :)

Danielle - posted on 01/11/2010

Well he slept well last night, and didn't need any medication. This morning when he woke he still had a low fever.
I have noticed that he has started to produce a rash. We will be taking him back to the doctor to get re-assessed. I figure it may be just a heat/ sweat rash from the fever, but it has shown up on places I wouldn't suspect.. like his cheeks and nose.
He still isn't eating.. he showed interest a peanut butter cookie so I gave him half and then tried to sneak him his breakfast. He has a couple bites and then refused to eat anymore.
He was starting to show signs of coming around yesterday. Unfortunately this morning he still seems to be a little grouch.

I really hope this passes soon! My stress levels seem to be bouncing off his erratic mood changes. I feel completely out of control, and am starting to get frustrated with the doctors previous diagnosis.
Any research I've done indicates that he has baby measles (now with the occurrence of his rash). I just hope after we get a second opinion that we can re-evaluate and hopefully properly medicate (if required) my son.

Thank you all again for the advice.
I'll keep the forum posted with updates.

Tamara - posted on 01/10/2010

our son has gotten ear infection for the last year the doctor says just keep an eye on it also he migthy be teething if he is not eating good our doctor told us to give him pediatric drink and also give him drinks with electrolyte like powerade wont hurt him.

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010

I hope it doesn't rise too! Good luck, pleae keep us posted! :) I'm quite curious now....

Danielle - posted on 01/10/2010

Thanks again for the advice.

I must agree, that I'm a little baffled by the chiropractor recommendation. In any case, my son hadn't shown any signs of illness until he woke with a fever in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, if I had a chiropractor, I don't think he would be accustom to a midnight adjustment on my 16 month old.
I do only administer tylenol when his fever is in the high 39, 40 range.

Today he's been doing alot better. His temperature has dropped around the high 38- low 39. He still isn't eating as much as I would like, and I've noticed that he has been especially whiny and short tempered. I suspect he is starting to feel a little better, but just needs a really solid nights sleep to brush away his grumpy-ness. (At least I hope)
Tonight we put him to bed without any Tylenol, so we'll see if he wakes up. I hope it doesn't rise again.
Im crossing my fingers!
Thanks again everyone!

Stefania - posted on 01/10/2010

If your toddler has a fever of 104 defiantly take him to the ER. High fevers can cause seizures but it is not that uncommon. My son runs high fevers sometimes wit no other symptoms for a couple of days. just keep them hydrated, cool and switch between Motrin and Tylenol. It is so hard to watch your baby get sick

Erin - posted on 01/10/2010

how is your little one doing tonight?

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010

Stacey, I'm well aware what a chiropractor does, as I said, I go to one. I still maintain that it's dangerous advice to even *imply* that someone should forgo medicine to reduce a high fever.

Charlie - posted on 01/10/2010

QUOTE :

Cristy Wright

8:39 pm

As a paediatric nurse I see a lot of kids with fevers. Viral infection is the # 1 cause. Current best practice advice is to treat fevers with medications like acetominophen or Ibuprofen, and not aspirin. Fevers in themselves are not dangerous they are the sign of a strong immune system and is the bodies natural way of fighting infectionl. However that being said fever should be treated if it is making the child miserable. Also, becaue body temperature is controlled in the hypothalamus which is like a thermostat that needs to be reset before temperature can be lowered, trying to cool a baby down by evironmental means without resetting the thermostat with drugs will make the babies body fight the environment and make them uncomfortable. Also, febrile convulsions although scary are self limiting and parents shouldn't freak out.

Stacey - posted on 01/10/2010

It's very safe, especially for little ones. The chiro doesn't "Do" anything for the fever or illness, the chiro adjusts the spine to allow the body to function the way it is suppose to and heal it self. The body is self healing and self regulating. Chiropractic is not about back and neck pain, it's about health. The nervous system is protected by bones, the spine. If there is any interference then the nerves that go to that part of the body will not function properly. An adjustment helps the body heal itself the way it is supposed to............on a cellular level. http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Pa...

Cristy - posted on 01/10/2010

As a paediatric nurse I see a lot of kids with fevers. Viral infection is the # 1 cause. Current best practice advice is to treat fevers with medications like acetominophen or Ibuprofen, and not aspirin. Fevers in themselves are not dangerous they are the sign of a strong immune system and is the bodies natural way of fighting infectionl. However that being said fever should be treated if it is making the child miserable. Also, becaue body temperature is controlled in the hypothalamus which is like a thermostat that needs to be reset before temperature can be lowered, trying to cool a baby down by evironmental means without resetting the thermostat with drugs will make the babies body fight the environment and make them uncomfortable. Also, febrile convulsions although scary are self limiting and parents shouldn't freak out.

Charlie - posted on 01/10/2010

The chiropractor ??

What does a chiro have to do with viral infection ?

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010

Well I would hope you aren't because that's really dangerous advice. What exactly would a chiropractor do for a fever or illness? I go to the chiropractor but I don't see how they can do anything to help a virus.

Stacey - posted on 01/10/2010

I would take him to the chiropractor before it got to 104. My kids have NEVER had tylenol especially for a fever. (they are 26 and 16 now) I took them directly for an adjustment at the first sign of any illness. And then of course for "well" check ups on a regular basis.

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010

Stacey are you saying she shouldn't give a baby medicine who has a fever of 104?

Stacey - posted on 01/10/2010

A fever is the bodies natural defense to fight infection. Giving drugs will prolong because it will reduce the fever but not get rid of the infection. Once the drugs wear off, the temperature will go back up to kill the infection. The body can heal itself, drugs will not heal the body. Make sure that the master controller is working at optimum.........have the nervous system checked, the nervous system controls EVERYTHING! Take him to a chiropractor. if you need a referral, let me know what area code you are in. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl...

Jeanne - posted on 01/10/2010

not sure if a toddler fever of 104 is serious or notbut try some tylenol and a cool/slightly warm bath, both at the same time helped mine most of the time..

Dana - posted on 01/10/2010

You should be alternating Tylenol and Motrin every four hours not giving them together as some people have said. For some reason the combination of the two work quite well in bringing a temperature down. My son just went through this during the holidays. I only had Tylenol in the house but once I got the Motrin and alternated as my doctor told me, it went right away. Good luck.

Megan - posted on 01/10/2010

I would take him to the doctor......especially now that it is affecting his appetite......Let us know how he is doing! :( Poor little guy!

Joan - posted on 01/10/2010

A toddler fever of 104 is VERY serious! My daughter had a high fever for 2 days and when it peaked at 103.6, I bolted to the ER. Nurses feared that she had meningitis, which was negative. She was given fever reducers which helped and fever disappeared within a few days. What did the doctor prescribe? Have you been giving your son a fever reducer, applying cold cloths?

Danielle - posted on 01/10/2010

Thanks everyone for the advice.
Of course, I have been giving him Tylenol every four hours! I take his temperature before administering his medications incase something more severe happens, and I'd need that reference.
The doctor did check his throat and his ears because I initially thought it was an ear infection when he was banging on it. The doctor said that there were no bacteria found, and it must be the pressure from the congestion building up behind his ear.

It is affecting his sleeping. He hasn't consistently slept through the night because after the medications wear off the temperature spikes back to 40. That being said we are up at 1-2, giving him medication, and again at 5-6.
The temperature is now also starting to affect his appetite. Yesterday he ate very little! We made him soup, tried to give him noodles, cottage cheese, anything that would be soft for his throat because since the fever he's starting to gag on his meals. He pushed almost everything away after a couple bites.

Pam - posted on 01/10/2010

Three days seems ok. My concerns would be, his fluid intake, his bowel movements-are they normal? Is he sleeping ok? By the way, you may know this, but you can get a bowl of cool water, lay the baby on the bed covered with a towel, take one arm, dip you hand in the water and rub it on his arm, do the same with the other arm, legs, torso front and back. This usually will lower a fever. Be sure to cover each part right back up.

I think a toddler with a fever of 104 is pretty high. One of my children ran a 106 and my husband who was a doctor, took immediate action. I hope he feels beter soon.

Ariel - posted on 01/10/2010

A toddler with a fever of 104 is accually not as high as you think but don't let it get over that. Give tylenol and motrin as many have suggested. And a luke warm bath is NOT harmful as someone suggested all the books and doctors will TELL you to do it!!! It is a passive way to cool the body. (GIVING A POPCICLE OR USING ICE IS AN ACTIVE WAY TO COOL THE BODY AND CAN BE VERY HARMFUL BECAUSE IT WILL DROP THE TEMP TO FAST!!!!!!) If you are really conserned and everything you do to lower the temp does not work go to the ER and they will give you a second opion but most likely they will say the same thing that it is viral let it run it's course. But do take your baby if it goes any higher!

Mandy - posted on 01/10/2010

My daughter ran a fever for about 4-5 days. the last 2 days were what the doctors consider high (103.7- 104) We gave her a lukewarm bath and rotated motrin and tylonel every 3 hours. turned out she had an ear infection so the antibotics worked on the 6 days. I agree you need to watch a fever very close if it goes un attended then there could be severe brain damage. Take your child to the ER immediately if you see it spiking up more.

Shelly - posted on 01/09/2010

Please tell me you are giving this child tylenol & motrin. You need to give the baby the proper dose of tylenol to bring the fever down, also keep the child in just a diaper. Yes, you can give tylenol & motrin at the same time, it is totally safe at the correct dose. If your child has a change in behavior, stops playing, or becomes lethargic you need to take him back to the doctor. If you take him to the ER I'd bet 98% they might run a CBC, but they are going to give him tylenol & motrin & send you home. If you give him tylenol give him the motrin 4 hours later so he always has meds on board to keep the fever at bay.

My daughter had a fever of 104 for over a week, that was 104 treated with tylenol & motrin with a horrid cough, she got over it. Please, please, please give that baby the correct dose of tylenol & motrin to bring the fever down. We get so ticked when a mom brings a baby into the ER who is just baking hot & never attempted to give the baby tylenol because they want us to know how hot the baby really is.

Good luck, hang in there, go to the ER if you are scared, better safe than sorry & if anything it will let you sleep better at night even if all they do is give him some more tylenol and send you home you know you did your best for him.

Rebecca - posted on 01/09/2010

While a toddler fever of 104 is high, take a breath and realize that you are still several degrees away from fevers that cause brain damage and other lasting problems. A toddler with a 104 fever is still normal. I've been there with my son (he's got a 103 tonight with his cold). There is nothing to be done for viral infections, except to treat the symptoms and make the child comfortable. Now, having said this, I assume that your doctor did check your child's ears, throat, etc to check to noticeable signs of bacterial infections and that your child isn't showing any other symptoms that could lead you to believe that it is something more serious. If you feel that your doctor isn't taking your concerns seriously or isn't doing a thorough job, then definitely seek a second opinion.



And in the end, if you're not going to be able to sleep or relax because you're worried there may be something wrong, then it may be worth it to get that second opinion either way!

Adrienne - posted on 01/09/2010

Hi Danielle, I was asking myself the same question last weekend when my 2 1/2 year old had a mild to moderate fever. So I took him to the clinic and the doctor said that it was a viral infection and I was doing everything right and that it would run it's course. Yes, I was scared that it was something more serious. It started last friday night and was done monday morning. Then this past thursday night my 1 1/2 year old got a mild to moderate fever. The doctor said that anyone in the family could get it from my older child. His fever was really bad during the night last night. But today his fever was down a lot so I'm hoping it'll be gone by tomorrow morning or on monday morning. All I know is that if it were to go on more then 5 days I would be taking my kids in for a second opinion.

Rosie - posted on 01/09/2010

i would definitely take him to the er. it might be a secondary infection, like an ear infection caused from runny nose from his virus. my son had influenza in march and his fever all of a sudden went up high to 104 and he ended up having an ear infection, and dehydration so he had to spend a week in the hospital. at least you'll feel better knowing that you got a second opinion, and you might find out that something else is going on as well.hope your bubby feels better!

Rachelle - posted on 01/08/2010

my daughter had a fever last week for 3 days and it kept rising and rising and finally she went from 99.9 to 103.5 in 25 minutes. This is a normal thing it is a sign to let us mom's know that our child is sick or that they may have an infection. A fever that high in children can be a number of things. If he is sick and teething at the same time that can be a reason as to one. He may just have a viral infection.. Is this normal for your son to reach temperatures that high? When my daughter spikes fever's that high for a long period of time it is usually an infection in her body and she needs an antibiotic...all children are different. If his temp is also still 104 when u give him a bath i would suggest not to do that as this may cause him to go into febrile seizures because it is cooling the outside of the body but not the inside. popsicles and tylenol and advil. i did that once with my daughter to try to break it was a last option and she went into convoltions on the way to the hospital. as most doctors would say not to put them in a bath when a fever is that high. she was 15 months when that happened. All the best and hope he gets better!

Teresa - posted on 01/08/2010

Sometimes Babies run fevers for differant reasons.I would try all the regular things to bring the fever down. I was always told that if you can bring a fever down with medicine and a warm bath then its not sewrious. But to ease your mind you may want to get a second opinion.

User - posted on 01/08/2010

104 is not a normal temperature and your child in my opinion needs to go to the ER, demand to speak with a doctor because if the fever climbs any higher your child is at risk for serious brain damage, in the mean time, try to give baby tylenol to reduce the fever, if it doesnt help at all definitely get a second opinion, thats not normal and it really could be something more serious. good luck ♥

Aicha - posted on 01/08/2010

take 1 tablespoon baking soda and add to warm bath water about luke warm temp and bath child it will help fever also call doctor if your child is not acting like himself

Stephanie - posted on 01/08/2010

go to the doctors and have them do a ua and the see if it grows anything this happened to me son and we found out that he has kidney reflux

Abida - posted on 01/08/2010

hi there

regarding the toddler fever of 104 if dr says it is viral it will definately take time and will persist on its own this is true that the prolong fevers are bcz of infections as the infection gone the fever also subsided

ur right that fever rises for max 3-4 days and will start decreasing after that if not than the problem is serious but u should keep him medicated and sponge him dont let the fever to go up soo high take good care of him and he will be fine soon

dont worry this is part of life moms always have to sacrifice a lot for there kids

take good care of u and ur child

abida

Megan - posted on 01/08/2010

I would go ahead and take him to the ER with that high of a temp. Can be really dangerous.

Megan - posted on 01/08/2010

Call the doctor right away and tell them that it is 104. Try running a mild bath (on the colder side) and soaking him in it. Give him Tylenol and motrin in between! 104 is pretty high! Or maybe just take him into the ER to be safe and then you will get a second opinion! Good Luck. If the fever stays at 104 you need to take him into the doc tonight! I know this is scarey and I know how much us mothers worry when our child is sick and has fevers. You probably haven't gotten much sleep. Hang in there!

Stefania - posted on 01/10/2010

If your toddler has a fever of 104 defiantly take him to the ER. High fevers can cause seizures but it is not that uncommon. My son runs high fevers sometimes wit no other symptoms for a couple of days. just keep them hydrated, cool and switch between Motrin and Tylenol. It is so hard to watch your baby get sick

Jeanne - posted on 01/10/2010

not sure if a toddler fever of 104 is serious or notbut try some tylenol and a cool/slightly warm bath, both at the same time helped mine most of the time..

Joan - posted on 01/10/2010

A toddler fever of 104 is VERY serious! My daughter had a high fever for 2 days and when it peaked at 103.6, I bolted to the ER. Nurses feared that she had meningitis, which was negative. She was given fever reducers which helped and fever disappeared within a few days. What did the doctor prescribe? Have you been giving your son a fever reducer, applying cold cloths?

Pam - posted on 01/10/2010

Three days seems ok. My concerns would be, his fluid intake, his bowel movements-are they normal? Is he sleeping ok? By the way, you may know this, but you can get a bowl of cool water, lay the baby on the bed covered with a towel, take one arm, dip you hand in the water and rub it on his arm, do the same with the other arm, legs, torso front and back. This usually will lower a fever. Be sure to cover each part right back up.

I think a toddler with a fever of 104 is pretty high. One of my children ran a 106 and my husband who was a doctor, took immediate action. I hope he feels beter soon.

Ariel - posted on 01/10/2010

A toddler with a fever of 104 is accually not as high as you think but don't let it get over that. Give tylenol and motrin as many have suggested. And a luke warm bath is NOT harmful as someone suggested all the books and doctors will TELL you to do it!!! It is a passive way to cool the body. (GIVING A POPCICLE OR USING ICE IS AN ACTIVE WAY TO COOL THE BODY AND CAN BE VERY HARMFUL BECAUSE IT WILL DROP THE TEMP TO FAST!!!!!!) If you are really conserned and everything you do to lower the temp does not work go to the ER and they will give you a second opion but most likely they will say the same thing that it is viral let it run it's course. But do take your baby if it goes any higher!

Rebecca - posted on 01/09/2010

While a toddler fever of 104 is high, take a breath and realize that you are still several degrees away from fevers that cause brain damage and other lasting problems. A toddler with a 104 fever is still normal. I've been there with my son (he's got a 103 tonight with his cold). There is nothing to be done for viral infections, except to treat the symptoms and make the child comfortable. Now, having said this, I assume that your doctor did check your child's ears, throat, etc to check to noticeable signs of bacterial infections and that your child isn't showing any other symptoms that could lead you to believe that it is something more serious. If you feel that your doctor isn't taking your concerns seriously or isn't doing a thorough job, then definitely seek a second opinion.



And in the end, if you're not going to be able to sleep or relax because you're worried there may be something wrong, then it may be worth it to get that second opinion either way!

Abida - posted on 01/08/2010

hi there

regarding the toddler fever of 104 if dr says it is viral it will definately take time and will persist on its own this is true that the prolong fevers are bcz of infections as the infection gone the fever also subsided

ur right that fever rises for max 3-4 days and will start decreasing after that if not than the problem is serious but u should keep him medicated and sponge him dont let the fever to go up soo high take good care of him and he will be fine soon

dont worry this is part of life moms always have to sacrifice a lot for there kids

take good care of u and ur child

abida