Good afternoon all. My nine month old gs has gotten his first cold. Let me tell you he is just miserable. My dil has a digital themometer that she is using to take his temp under his armpit. We just took the temp and it said 100.4, does anyone know if that is a temp that we should take him in to be seen? She took him to the doctor today and I was surprised when they came back that the doctor said to not give him baby tylenol that the fever needs to come out. By doing it this way he can get over being sick quicker. In the meantime he has gagged some I'm not sure if he wants to throw up or not. The doctor said only pedialite which we've tried giving him but I'm not sure if he even took a few tablespoons, he did a small ammount of baby food. If he's not taking liquids we're going to need to take him in to be seen. The doctor won't answer the phone I guess it's too late in the day. How long would you wait and what would you do?? My concern is him getting too dehydrated....

By Vicki on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 05:49 pm:

I am sot sure, but I believe you are supposed to add one degree when taking it under he arm?? It has been years since I have taken a temp that way! Anyway, I do agree with not always giving tylenol to bring down a mild temp. It is your bodies natural way of fighting off what you have. However, if the fever is high enough that it is causing the baby discomfort, I would likely give a dose. You are right to be concerned about dehydration and to keep a close eye on it. Is he still having wet diapers? I am very surprised that the dr doesn't have an answering service! To me, that is not acceptable at all!!

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 06:29 pm:

100.4 is not a high fever, but if the baby is uncomfortable, why not give Tylenol. "The fever needs to come out" ??? Why?? That doesn't, as far as I know, make medical sense, and I'd love to know what the doctor's medical reasoning is. If your doctor doesn't answer the phone and doesn't have an answering service, I would also be concerned.

Yes, dehydration is a big concern. Do check the diapers, and pay careful attention.

I agree with Vicki - not having an answering service or a voicemail message that gives you a number to call in emergencies is not acceptable in my book. Especially for a pediatrician. If it were me, I'd be looking for a new pediatrician.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 06:32 pm:

Here is a web page that discusses fever in children from infants on up, levels of fever, othr symptoms, and what do to and when to call the doctor. Check it out:

http://familydoctor.org/x2575.xml

By Crystal915 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 07:10 pm:

I never could remember what to take off or add depending on the method of temping, but I do know they always told me rectal is most accurate. I still stuck with armpit, but always had a nurseline to call. I'll agree with Vicki and Ginny, you need to find a doc who has an answering service, or a nurseline available. Have you checked with your insurance? Many ins companies have them, and they will talk you through the chain of treatment, then advise you what your next action should be. For example, if you need to be seen within 4 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, etc. Also, there is a book called "Taking Care of Your Child" that our insurance sent us, but I'll see if I can find an amazon link. It does the same "tree of concern" the nurse line does, using your yes or no answers to advise on the next step you should take. I hope your DS is feeling better soon, remember a fever is the body's natural reaction to a problem, so just treating the fever isn't always a good idea, unless it is dangerously high. Hugs!!

By Reds9298 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 07:43 pm:

These are out of What to Expect which I have used religiously!

Normal oral temp: 98.6
Normal rectal temp: 99.6
Normal armpit temp: 97.6

Hope that helps!

By Breann on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 08:24 pm:

Temperatures are not a bad thing. They are actually good. The body makes the temperature rise when there is something negative in the body that needs to be killed off. We don't give tylenol until 102 degrees, unless the child is uncomfortable.
We go to the doctor at 104.

By Mom2three1968 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 09:08 pm:

They took him into the ER, he threw up alittle and then after that he just wanted to gag like he was going to throw up again. I don't think he's had much to drink today, his mom was home with him and I was at work. But after he threw up she and I both thought that he should go in to get checked. I'm not sure if he was having many if any wet diapers today Ginny, I know I'm not much help at all! I'm just worried about him staying hydrated (sp). I'm going to check into the doctor alittle bit more, maybe we will need to change peds. I will let you all know what happened.

By Imamommyx4 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:38 am:

Most of our docs at my hospital write for Tylenol every 4 hours for temp > 100.5 orally or Motrin for temps > 102.

Watch the diapers. Also watch for changes in elasticity of the skin. Normally, it falls right back into place when pinched or pulled up. When a person/baby gets dehydrated it stays kind of pinched up for a sec.

Keep offering the Pedialyte or Kool-aid or Sprite or little bites of Jello or popsicles. These are not my first choices. But I'll give mine anything just to get them to drinking. Just like when they've been sick and ask for a donut. I don't really care about nutrition at that point. I just want something in their tummies.

By Vicki on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 06:42 am:

Poor thing...let us know what they find out and how he is doing! Hope he is feeling better soon!!