Does your little one feel a little hot? Or did the doctor tell you to check his temperature? Sometimes, even if he has a slight cold or feels unwell, the first thing we check is whether he has a fever. So, if you have a little problem with how to check his temperature, especially taking his temperature in the mouth, and what to be careful about, this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.
What is fever? Why do we need to check fever?
Simply put, fever is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease . When an infection, such as a germ, enters our body, our immune system starts to fight it. That's when the body's temperature rises above normal. That's when a fever develops. So by looking at the fever, we can get a clue as to whether there is something wrong with our body.
The average body temperature of a healthy person is between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius (36.5°C - 37.5°C). However, this can vary slightly depending on the time of day and what you are doing. For example, your body temperature may be slightly higher in the evening than in the morning. This is normal.
Important: A fever is a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (38°C) or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (100.4°F). This is what doctors usually consider a fever.
So, when a child feels unwell, by checking their fever, we can understand whether they need medical advice or whether they can recover with simple treatments at home.
You should also think about these things before checking for fever through your mouth.
Taking an oral temperature is usually something that a child over 4-5 years old, who understands a little, and can listen to what we say, can do. Because it is difficult to make a young child understand things like how to hold the thermometer in their mouth and not to talk at the time.
Before checking for fever in the mouth, do these things:
- After eating or drinking: If the child has finished eating or drinking something, it is best to wait at least 20-30 minutes before taking the temperature . If the child has drunk something hot, the heat can cause the temperature in the mouth to rise. Similarly, if the child has eaten something cold, such as ice cream, the temperature in the mouth may drop. In that case, we cannot measure the temperature accurately.
- Check for anything in the mouth: It's not a good idea to check the temperature while you have something in your mouth, like chewing gum or toffee. Remove it, leave it in your mouth for a while, and then check the temperature.
- Keep your child calm: Taking a temperature when your child is fussing or crying may not give an accurate reading. Calm your child down as much as possible and explain the situation in a way that they can understand. You can say something like, "Son/daughter, can we take a temperature? All you have to do is hold this in your mouth for a while."
What kind of thermometer should we use?
This is a very important point. The device we use to check the temperature, that is, the thermometer, must be accurate.
Digital Thermometers - These are the best!
The best and safest method currently available is to use a digital thermometer . These have several advantages:
- Safe: These contain no glass, so there's nothing to worry about breaking. And they don't contain harmful substances like mercury.
- Easy to read: The temperature is displayed on the screen in single digits, making it easy for anyone to read.
- Fast: The temperature is measured in a few seconds. Some of them even beep to let us know that the temperature measurement is complete.
- Accuracy: These are generally very accurate.
Glass Thermometers - Why don't we use these anymore?
You may remember that in the past, there were glass thermometers filled with mercury. These are also called mercury thermometers . But now, doctors do not advise using these. The main reason for this is the safety concerns they pose.
- Can break: Since these are glass, if they break accidentally, the glass shards can be a hazard.
- Mercury is toxic: The most important thing is that the metal mercury inside these bamboo skewers is very toxic. If the bamboo skewer breaks and the mercury comes out, it can be harmful to your health, whether it comes into contact with your skin or if you inhale the vapors. That is why these are not recommended now.
If you still have an old glass bamboo skewer in your home, it's a good idea to safely dispose of it. It's wise to use a digital bamboo skewer instead.
Okay, so let's check the temperature by mouth? Here's how to do it properly!
Now we come to the most important part. This is the most accurate way to take a temperature through the mouth, using a digital thermometer.
1. Wash your hands first: Before checking your temperature, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Clean the pacifier: Wash the tip of the pacifier (the part that goes in the baby's mouth) with lukewarm soapy water, rinse with clean water, and wipe it dry. Or you can wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. It is very important to clean it this way before and after each use.
3. Turn on the heater: Press the on/off button on the heater to turn it on.
4. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue: Place the silver tip of the thermometer (where the sensor is) under the child's tongue, slightly inward to one side of the mouth. It is best if you can place it directly under the tongue, in one of the small pockets on either side.
5. Tell your child to close their lips: Tell them to close their lips tightly around the bamboo skewer. Important: If they are chewing with their teeth, they should say no. The bamboo skewer should just be inside their mouth.
6. Tell your child to breathe through their nose: It is impossible to breathe through their mouth while holding the fever blister in their mouth. So tell them to breathe calmly and through their nose .
7. Tell them not to talk: If you try to talk while holding the thermometer in your mouth, the thermometer may move around and you may not get the correct reading. So tell them not to talk for a while.
8. Wait for the beep: Most digital thermometers make a "beep...beep..." sound when they are finished measuring the temperature. You need to wait for that beep. It usually takes about 30 seconds.
9. Read the temperature: After the beep, carefully remove the thermometer from your mouth and read the temperature displayed on the screen. It's best to write it down somewhere, along with the time.
10. Clean and store the bamboo skewer again: After you've finished watching the bamboo, clean the bamboo skewer as before and store it in its protective case.
Imagine, your daughter Sandamali comes home from school and says, "Mom, I feel really sick, and my head hurts." When you touch her forehead, it feels a little hot. Then you can check her temperature with a digital thermometer like this. Once you explain the reason to her, she will help you.
What do you do after taking your temperature? If the temperature is high?
We need to decide what to do next based on the value we get after taking the temperature.
- Record your temperature: Write down the temperature you get, along with the time you took it. This information will be very important if you go to see a doctor.
- Normal temperature: If the temperature is below 37.5°C (99.5°F), it is usually not considered a fever. However, if your child is still feeling unwell, keep an eye on them.
- If you have a fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher):
- Make the baby comfortable: Dress the baby in light clothing. Don't overdress. Keep the room temperature comfortable.
- Give fluids to drink: Give fluids like water, fruit juice, and porridge to drink frequently. When you have a fever, your body can lose a lot of fluids.
- Let him rest: Let the child rest well.
- Medical advice: If you have the following symptoms along with a fever, be sure to see a doctor:
- If the child is under 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- If the fever is very high (e.g., over 39°C / 102.2°F).
- If the fever lasts more than two or three days.
- If the child is very lethargic and sleepy.
- If you have difficulty breathing.
- If you have a rash.
- If they refuse to eat or drink, or if they vomit.
- If a seizure-like condition occurs.
- If you feel great doubt or fear about the child.
Remember: Fever-reducing medications (e.g. paracetamol) should be given only as directed by a doctor. It is important to know the exact dosage, especially when giving it to young children.
How can you make it easier for a child to check their fever?
Some children may be a little reluctant to hold the feverfew in their mouths. This may be because it is a new experience for them.
- Explain the situation simply: Say something like, "Let's play a little game. When you hold this in your mouth, it will beep after a while. Let's not talk until then, okay?"
- Show me how to do it (with your own fever): If you have your own fever, you can just show me how to do it first (without actually seeing the fever).
- Distract your child: While he's having a fever, show him a cartoon he likes, or tell him a short story.
- Don't force it: If your child is very reluctant or crying, don't try to force them to take a fever. Wait a while and try again. If that doesn't work, ask your doctor about another method.
What if it's hard for little ones to check their temperature through their mouth?
As we've talked about before, there are other methods for younger children under 4-5 years old, or those who don't want to check their temperature by mouth. For example:
- Axillary temperature: This is a commonly used method, but may be less accurate than oral temperature.
- Rectal temperature: This is the most accurate way to check a baby's temperature. However, this is usually done by a doctor or a trained nurse. If you are doing it at home, you need to know the exact method.
- Tympanic temperature: A special thermometer is required.
- Forehead temperature: This also has special thermometers.
However, if the child is a little older and cooperative, taking an oral temperature is a much easier, quicker, and more accurate method.
## A few other important things to remember
- Accuracy of the thermometer: When buying a new thermometer, read the instruction manual that comes with it carefully. Sometimes, even if the battery is weak, it may not give an accurate reading.
- Don't check your child's temperature right after coming from a hot environment: If you check your child's temperature right after they've been playing and sweating, after they've been well-wrapped and have just woken up, or after taking a hot bath, their body temperature may be slightly elevated. Wait for a while before checking their temperature at normal ambient temperature.
- If the same bamboo skewer is used by the whole family: It is essential to clean it thoroughly before and after each use.
## Finally, things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, taking a temperature from the mouth isn't that difficult, right? If done correctly, we can get an important clue about the child's health.
Remember:
* A digital thermometer is the safest and most convenient.
* Wait 20-30 minutes after the child has finished eating and drinking before checking the temperature.
* Place the tip of the bamboo skewer directly under the tongue , close your lips, and tell them to breathe through their nose.
* If the fever is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, and the child has other symptoms, seek medical advice immediately .
* If in doubt, always don't be afraid to seek advice from your family doctor or a pediatrician.
Wishing your child a speedy recovery! I hope this information was helpful to you.
` Oral Temperature, Digital Thermometer, Child's Fever, Fever Measurement, Fever Symptoms, Fever Treatment
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