Hay Que Dejar Dormir A Un Niño Con Fiebre

Should a Child with Fever Be Allowed to Sleep?

Understanding the Risks and Benefits

When a child develops a fever, parents often face a dilemma: should they wake the child to give them medication or let them sleep? This decision involves weighing the risks and benefits of both options.

Benefits of Letting a Child Sleep

Sleep is crucial for the immune system's response to infection. During sleep, the body releases cytokines, proteins that fight infection and inflammation. Additionally, sleep helps regulate body temperature, which can aid in reducing fever.

Furthermore, waking a child to administer medication can disrupt their sleep cycle and make them more irritable and uncomfortable. This can hinder their recovery process.

Risks of Not Treating Fever

While sleep can benefit a child with fever, it's important to be aware of the potential risks of not treating the fever, especially in young children.

High fever can lead to febrile seizures, which are convulsions that can develop when body temperature rises too rapidly. While these seizures are usually not harmful, they can be frightening for parents and may require medical attention.

Untreated fever can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in infants and toddlers who may not be able to communicate their thirst effectively.

When to Wake a Child with Fever

As a general rule, it is best to let a child with fever sleep unless they show signs of discomfort or the fever is high.

Parents should wake a child with fever if:

• The child is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• The fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
li> The fever persists for more than 24 hours in children under 2, or 3 days in older children.

Conclusion

The decision of whether or not to wake a child with fever should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the child's age, symptoms, and fever duration.

If you are unsure about whether to wake your child, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.