Pediatric Specialty Clinic

Poli Anak

Pediatric Specialty Clinic

The Pediatric Specialty Clinic is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Contact Information

Phone: (+62 21) 87711968 – 87711969

Understanding Fever

Fever is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying illness and part of the body's natural defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria that cause infections.

A high body temperature does not always indicate a severe illness. Fever is generally defined as:

  • Axillary (underarm) temperature > 37.5°C
  • Oral temperature > 37.8°C
  • Rectal temperature > 38.0°C

A fever is considered high when the body temperature exceeds 39.5°C, while temperatures above 41.1°C are classified as hyperpyrexia.

Managing Fever

  1. Keep the child in a room with a comfortable temperature. In tropical countries, the recommended room temperature is approximately 23–25°C.
  2. Encourage adequate fluid intake. Offer fluids the child prefers, such as water, juice, or milk.
  3. Dress the child in light and comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy clothing or blankets during a fever.
  4. Apply a warm compress to the armpits and groin area for 10–15 minutes. This helps lower body temperature through evaporation from the skin.
  5. Monitor the child's temperature regularly using a thermometer.

What Should Not Be Done

  1. Do not use mercury glass thermometers, as they may break and release toxic mercury.
  2. Do not use aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) as a fever-reducing medication in children, as it may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition affecting the liver and brain.
  3. Do not use cold water for bathing or compresses. Cold temperatures may trigger shivering and increase the body's temperature regulation set point, potentially causing body temperature to rise further.
  4. Do not use alcohol compresses. They are ineffective for reducing fever and may cause alcohol inhalation, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and, in severe cases, coma.

Fever-Reducing Medications (Antipyretics)

The primary purpose of fever-reducing medication is to improve the child's comfort and reduce parental anxiety, rather than simply lowering body temperature.

Antipyretic medication is generally recommended for children with a body temperature of 38°C or higher (measured in the armpit).

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is the first-line medication for reducing fever and relieving pain.

Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen is generally not recommended because it may increase the risk of dosing errors, incorrect administration intervals, and accidental overdose.

Possible Complications of Fever

  • Dehydration
  • Febrile Seizures
  • Hallucinations

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if:

  1. The child is younger than six months and develops a fever.
  2. The fever persists for more than three days.
  3. Additional symptoms occur, such as skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, painful urination, ear pain, or any symptoms that concern the family.
  4. The child becomes extremely irritable, unusually fussy, excessively sleepy, or difficult to wake up.
  5. The child experiences difficulty breathing.
  6. Signs of dehydration appear, including reduced urination, crying without tears, or minimal sweating despite hot weather.
  7. Vomiting is accompanied by severe headache or neck stiffness.
  8. The inside of the lips or skin appears pale or bluish.
  9. The child experiences a seizure.