As a new mom, or even an experienced mom, we can sometimes find ourselves in a panic when our children are sick. The following are a few things I have learned along the way. Please feel free to add your comments (by clicking the comment button at the bottom) to add what you have learned that you did not know before.
~ When a fever spikes the best thing you can give your child is Tylenol (acetaminophen). If the fever is spiking before you can administer Tylenol again, try “piggy backing” it with Motrin (ibuprofen). This means if you give them Tylenol and it cannot be given again for 4 hours, but the fever is spiking again after 3 hours, then give them Motrin. The Motrin will more than likely be an 8-hour dosage, but you will be able to give the Tylenol again before the Motrin. If their fever is this bad however, you need to call the doctor; this is not a teething fever. This treatment is only to keep them comfortable.
~ While I am typically conservative with medicines, I do not mess around with fevers. The reason: febrile seizures. These occur in children ages o – 5 years. It only occurs in about 5% of children. However, when it happened to Emily I decided to not take a risk. Febrile seizures are not a result of how high the fever is, but how fast it spikes. If this occurs,treat like any other seizure: roll them on their side so they do not choke, and do not put your fingers in their mouth. It will pass within a minute, however you still need to let them see the doctor. After the first time they will tell you to monitor their fevers closely, and they may not necessarily need to go to the doctor every time. So don’t freak out, just be cautious.
~ Headaches. Of course most headaches are easily taken care of with Tylenol or Motrin. However, my girls inherited my sinus headaches, which if left untreated, can cause migraines and vomiting. The solution: nasal spray. For most children, a simple saline spray is suitable, especially if used as a prevention. (For example, if you know it is a high pollen day, or high pollution day, you can go ahead and give them some nasal spray.) It simply helps to thin the mucus in their sinuses and allows it to drain easily, thus preventing headaches. My girls are actually on a nasal spray prescription, so if your child’s headaches are this severe, you may want to see a doctor. (The saline nasal spray is homeopathic, and is safe on infants. The prescription is a medication, but the spray is the best solution.)
~ Of course, a humidifier is also great to help with sinus drainage, and congestion. At the first signs of runny nose, or congestion we start the cool mist humidifier. You can avoid a serious congestion problem by running the humidifier at the onset.
If you know of any other helpful remedies or have some tips to share, please leave your comments!