The survey showed that a third of parents give their children antipyretics in vain
A third of parents tend to give their children antipyretics without medical indications. This is reported by the doctors of the University of Michigan.
A high temperature is the most noticeable symptom of a cold, and so many parents regularly monitor its appearance, including by touching their children’s foreheads. To investigate parental responses to rising temperatures, the researchers surveyed 1,376 families with children aged 12 and under.
Two out of three parents said they always know for sure if their child needs an antipyretic. About half of the respondents are aware that temperatures can vary greatly depending on the method used. Parents interviewed most often take their child’s temperature by placing a thermometer in their mouth or forehead, while less than a sixth use ear, axillary or rectal methods. It is worth noting that the study was conducted in the USA , where it is really customary to keep a thermometer in the mouth.
Two-thirds of parents also prefer to try methods such as a cool towel before using antipyretic drugs. Most parents also say that they always or often write down the time of each dose and take the child’s temperature again before giving another dose.
In addition, every third parent said they were ready to give their child an antipyretic at temperatures below 38 degrees. According to doctors, this is not recommended without a serious reason, since a moderately elevated temperature is the body’s natural way of fighting the reproduction of viruses and bacteria. If the high temperature brings discomfort, it is recommended to use alternative methods of dealing with it – to provide the child with peace, drink plenty of water, and also ventilate the room.
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