A fever is the body fighting back. Let's find out what it is fighting, and how to keep your child comfortable
A child with a fever can worry even the calmest parent. A pediatric fever consultation works out the likely cause, checks how unwell your child really is, and gives you clear steps for the hours and days ahead.
Is it a routine check, not a fever? For a general health review while your child is well, see Child Health Consultation.
See Child Health Consultation →Most fevers are caused by common infections and settle on their own
A fever is a sign the immune system is working. What matters most is how your child looks and behaves, not the number on the thermometer. The visit is about spotting the few fevers that need more attention, and reassuring you about the many that don't.
What a fever consultation covers
The questions we ask are about the child as a whole, not the temperature alone.
Pattern of the fever
How high, how long, and whether it comes and goes, along with how your child has been in between.
How unwell your child looks
Alertness, activity, feeding and hydration tell us more than the reading on the thermometer.
Looking for the source
Throat, ears, chest, tummy, skin and urine are examined for the cause of the infection.
Hydration
Checking that your child is drinking enough and passing urine as usual.
Vaccination and exposure
Recent vaccines, illness at home or school, and any travel are taken into account.
Comfort and home care
Practical, age-appropriate advice on keeping your child comfortable at home.
Get urgent help if a child with fever
Don't wait for a routine appointment.
- Is younger than three months, with any fever
- Is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- Has fast or difficult breathing
- Has a stiff neck, severe headache, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed
- Has a seizure
- Shows signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, very little urine
- Has cold, pale or mottled skin
- Cries inconsolably or seems in severe pain
A clear plan, from first look to follow-up
Every fever visit follows the same sensible path.
Assess
How unwell is your child right now?
Find the cause
Examination, and tests only if needed.
Treat and advise
Care at home, or treatment if required.
Plan ahead
What to watch for, and when to come back.
What your child's visit includes
A conversation about the illness so far
When it started, the highest readings, feeding, urine, sleep and any other symptoms.
A careful examination
A gentle head-to-toe check, including throat, ears, chest, abdomen and skin.
Tests, only when needed
Many fevers need no tests. If one is advised, the reason is explained first.
Diagnosis in plain words
What is most likely going on, and whether it needs treatment.
Home-care plan and warning signs
Fluids, rest, comfort measures and a clear list of signs that mean you should return or seek urgent care.
What to bring
Helping the doctor see the full picture
Temperature readings, if you've been recording them
Time, reading and the type of thermometer used.
Medicines already given
Bring the packet or the name, and the times given.
The vaccination card
Recent vaccines can explain a short fever.
Notes on feeding and urine
Roughly how much your child has been drinking, and how often they pass urine.
Dr. K. Sushma
Dr. Sushma helps parents tell the fevers that can safely be managed at home from the ones that need more, and explains the reasoning every time.
Questions parents often ask
Any fever in a baby younger than three months needs urgent attention. For older children, come in if the fever lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or if your child is unusually sleepy, not drinking, or you are worried.
Most childhood fevers are caused by viruses, which antibiotics don't treat. They are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is likely, and the reason is explained.
No. Many fevers are diagnosed from the history and examination alone. Tests are suggested only when they will change the care.
The fevers caused by common infections do not damage the brain. Some young children have a brief seizure with a fever, which is frightening but usually harmless. It should still be assessed.
Worried about your child's fever? Let's look together
Book a fever consultation with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
