Medical expert of the article
New publications
How to bring down the temperature of a child and whether it is worth it?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Every mother worries about her child's health and the presence of a high temperature is, of course, a significant reason for concern. Each of us has heard a huge amount of information about what to do if the thermometer shows a figure different from 36.6, but do we really understand this issue? Let's find out when and how to bring down a child's temperature, and when this should not be done?
One of the most common opinions is that a high temperature is a clear sign that a child's strong body is fighting an infection and should not be disturbed. In fact, the cause of a high temperature is not always so easy to explain. And how, without being a specialist, can you not miss the moment when it is time to help the body with some medicine?
An expert in pediatric medicine, the famous doctor Komarovsky, believes that there can be no universal solution in this case. Each child is unique, each organism reacts to infectious diseases differently, which means that each case should be considered separately. First of all, pay attention to the child's reaction when the temperature rises. While some children easily tolerate 39 degrees and behave as usual, others can choke and lose consciousness at 37-37.5.
Also, you should take into account chronic diseases, nervous system disorders, if any. In such cases, elevated temperature can cause spasms and cramps of the limbs.
If the temperature does not drop below 39 degrees for a long time, you can bring down the child's temperature with the help of antipyretic drugs: you cannot allow the child to "burn".
From all of the above, we can conclude that in three cases it is better to bring down the temperature with medication.
- too high a body temperature for a long period of time (more than one hour)
- presence of nervous system disorders
- feeling unwell even with a low temperature
If you have determined that you need to bring down your child's temperature, do not rush to use medications: first, try using "grandfather's" methods. The task is to provide the child with the opportunity to lose heat. The best remedy is to make the body evaporate sweat.
To ensure abundant evaporation of sweat, you only need to create two simple conditions: plenty of warm liquid to drink and cool air in the room.
Among all the drinks available for home preparation, the best will be compote of dried fruits or fresh berries. Make sure that the drink is not too hot or cold, warm liquid is absorbed faster by the child's body.
Be sure to ventilate the room when the child is not there. Cool and fresh air will be good for him even in winter.
Do not try to cool the child's body from the outside! Avoid cold wraps, enemas, contact with cold surfaces. The contrast between the heated blood, internal organs and artificially cooled skin will be too great and spasms will inevitably occur. If you have seen such procedures performed by a doctor, do not try to repeat them at home. If, for example, a cold water enema is used in a hospital, the patient first takes medications that prevent spasms.
Now you know how to bring down a child's temperature. We hope that these tips will help you. Be healthy!
[ 1 ]