| Headache | Headache | Headache | H | English | Neurology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Head | Brain | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Headache | | 2019-07-22T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 57.6000000000000 | 847.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Your child may have a headache for a number of different reasons. Find out what these are and what you can do to help alleviate the pain.</p> | <h2>What is a headache?</h2>
<p>A headache is a pain, ache or throbbing sensation in any area of the head. Headaches are common in school-aged children and teenagers.</p>
| | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Headaches in children are uncomfortable and may cause you to worry. They are rarely associated with a more serious medical condition.</li><li>Care for simple headaches by making your child feel comfortable. Give over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.</li><li>A doctor can help identify the cause of a recurrent or persistent headache and assess if there is a more serious medical condition.</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of headache</h2><p>A headache can feel like a sharp pain, throbbing sensation, or a dull ache. The pain may occur on one or both sides of the head.</p><p>Observe your child and ask about any associated symptoms, such as:</p><ul><li>changes in concentration, memory, or speech</li><li>weakness of an arm or leg</li><li>any vision or hearing changes</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a></li><li>congestion, runny nose or muscle aches</li><li>nausea or
<a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> (throwing up)</li><li>trauma or accidents</li><li>pain at the back of the head</li></ul><p>Make note of possible triggers relating to the headaches, such as:</p><ul><li>lack of sleep</li><li>skipping meals</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=776&language=English">dehydration</a></li><li>stress</li><li>using video games or watching TV for a prolonged period of time</li><li>menstruation in girls</li></ul> | <h2>Causes of headache</h2>
<p>Headaches can be primary or secondary. Primary headaches do not have a serious underlying medical cause. This category includes tension-type headaches and migraines.</p>
<h3>Tension-type headaches</h3>
<p>A tension-type headache feels like there is a tight band around the head. They are usually mild to moderate in intensity and last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. They are not associated with nausea or vomiting. Treatment involves emotional support and pain medication.</p>
<h3>Migraines</h3>
<p>Children can suffer from migraine headaches. Children who develop migraines are likely to have one or more relatives with migraines. Migraine headaches are usually recurrent. This means they come back repeatedly. They can last from two to 72 hours and are often described as feeling pulsatile.</p>
<p>Migraine headaches are associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sensitivity to noise and light. They are severe in intensity and often interfere with regular activities. Symptoms get worse with activity and improve with rest.</p>
<p>There are medications that can be used to prevent migraine headaches from recurring and medications to treat a migraine once it starts. Speak to your doctor for more details of these medications.</p>
<h3>Secondary causes of headache</h3>
<p>A secondary headache is caused by another medical condition that your child already has. There are many possible causes which include:</p>
<ul>
<li>minor illness (such as a cold) or major infection (such as meningitis)</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=804&language=English">allergies</a></li>
<li>effects of medications</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=766&language=English">head injury or trauma</a></li>
<li>sinus infection</li>
<li>elevated blood pressure</li>
<li>dental or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems</li>
<li>exposure to drugs or toxins</li>
<li>brain tumour</li>
<li>bleeding in the brain</li>
</ul> | | | | | <h2>Taking care of your child with a headache at home</h2><p>Your child may have a headache because they feel hungry. Offer your child some food to eat. A nap or resting in a calm and peaceful setting may also help your child feel better.</p><p>If the headache is very strong, you can offer your child pain medications such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=62&language=English">acetaminophen</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=153&language=English">ibuprofen</a>. If your child has been diagnosed with migraine or recurrent headaches, give pain relief as soon as your child feels the headache coming on. This will help stop the headache early.</p><h2>Before going to the doctor <br></h2><p>If your child complains of repeated or recurring headaches, take them to the doctor. Before the appointment, take notes on the details of the headache, such as:</p><ul><li>the type of pain</li><li>the location of the pain (where it is)</li><li>how long the pain lasts (minutes or hours)</li><li>the time of day when your child feels the pain (morning, afternoon or evening)</li><li>triggers (Is there a bright light? Is it during a certain class at school?)</li><li>any treatment that helps lessen the pain</li></ul><p>If your child has recurrent headaches, record the timing of the headaches in a "headache diary." This helps the doctor find a pattern. </p> | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p>Make an appointment with your child’s regular doctor if:</p>
<ul>
<li>headaches last longer than two days</li>
<li>headaches do not improve, or get worse, despite using acetaminophen or ibuprofen or other headache medicines<br></li>
<li>headaches affect your child’s usual habits or routines such as play, school, eating, drinking or sleeping</li>
<li>recurrent headaches happen more often or are worse than usual</li>
<li>recurrent headaches are not improving with recommended treatments and medications</li>
<li>the headaches are waking your child at night or are associated with vomiting</li>
</ul>
<p>Go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if your child has a headache with the following symptoms:</p>
<ul>
<li>sudden severe pain in the head</li>
<li>a headache that gets worse or continues to come back following a head injury</li>
<li>dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness</li>
<li>fever</li>
<li>stiff neck</li>
<li>nausea or vomiting (throwing up)</li>
<li>slurred or altered speech</li>
<li>weakness of a part of the body</li>
<li>difficulty sleeping</li>
<li>changes in vision</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Virtual care services for children<br></h2><p>Boomerang Health was opened by SickKids to provide communities in Ontario with greater access to community-based services for children and adolescents. For more information on virtual care services in Ontario to support massage therapy, visit <a href="http://www.boomeranghealth.com/services/neurology/">Boomerang Health</a> powered by SickKids.<br></p> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/headache.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | headache | headache | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/headache.jpg | Headache | Your child may have a headache for a number of different reasons. Find out what these are and what you can do to help alleviate the pain. | Main | | |
| Substance use and substance use disorder | Substance use and substance use disorder | Substance use and substance use disorder | S | English | Adolescent;Psychiatry | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Conditions and diseases | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Substance_use_disorder-How_to_help_your_teen_at_home.jpg | 2019-11-04T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 53.3000000000000 | 11.2000000000000 | 1150.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | | <h2>What is substance use?</h2><p>Substance use is the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) for pleasure or enjoyment. You and other teens you know may choose, or may have already chosen, to experiment with or try some kind of substance. Some teens may be using substances often, while other teens make a choice not to use any substances, or may try something and then decide that they do not want to use it again.</p><p>A smaller number of teens experience problems as a result of their substance use. It’s important to know about the risk factors that increase the risk of developing a problem with drugs or alcohol. </p> | | | <h2>What does it mean to have a substance use disorder?</h2><p>A substance use disorder is the term used when someone is: </p><ul><li>using substances (including alcohol) in ways that are dangerous to themselves or others</li><li>experiencing relationship problems with family, friends or romantic partners as a result of their substance use</li><li>having difficulty at school or work as a result of their substance use</li><li>showing signs of physical dependence on the substance </li></ul><p>A person with a substance use disorder may have tried to stop using a substance but can’t. They may spend a lot of their time using or trying to get a substance, and have stopped many of the other activities they might have done before they started to use.</p><h2>Factors that may increase your risk of developing a substance use disorder</h2><p>A substance use disorder is more likely to develop if a person:</p><ul><li>has depression,
<a href="/Article?contentid=3810&language=English&hub=mentalhealthAZ#mentalhealth">anxiety</a> or another mental health condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)</li><li>has a family history of substance use problems (addictions)</li><li>has experienced abuse or
<a href="/Article?contentid=3781&language=English&hub=mentalhealthAZ#mentalhealth">trauma</a> </li><li>identifies as LGBTQ2+</li><li>is street-involved or experiences insecure housing</li><li>has a
<a href="/Article?contentid=3780&language=English&hub=mentalhealthAZ#mentalhealth">chronic health condition</a></li><li>has friends who use alcohol or other drugs </li></ul><p>Even without having any of these risk factors, regular use of alcohol or other drugs can cause your brain and body to become dependent on these substances. Dependence (sometimes also referred to as "addiction") can negatively affect your health and wellbeing.</p><h2>When is substance use something that I should worry about?</h2><p>The more regularly you use a substance, the more likely you are to experience problematic signs and symptoms because of this use. </p><p>Regular substance use can be associated with a range of health problems (both physical and mental), difficulties at school and at home, and trouble with the law. The health risks of substance use increase when a person uses more than one substance at the same time, in particular, combining one or more substances with alcohol.</p><p>Substance use can lead to dependence. The level of dependence varies with the substance, the amount you use and how frequently you use it. If you are physically dependent on a substance, you build up a tolerance to it, which means that over time, you must use more of the substance to get the same effect.</p><p>When you stop using or try to use less of the substance, you may experience physical symptoms (also known as withdrawal symptoms). Depending on what the substance or drug is, these symptoms might include: </p><ul><li>trouble sleeping</li><li>agitation</li><li>tremors/shakiness</li><li>seizures (only in some cases)</li></ul><h2>Do issues with substance use occur with other mental health conditions?</h2><p>Someone who has a mental health condition is at a higher risk for developing a substance use disorder, just like someone with a substance use disorder is at a higher risk for developing a mental health condition. </p><p>About one-third to half of young people with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or ADHD will also develop a substance use disorder. This is called a concurrent disorder. Of teens with a substance use disorder, one third to half will develop a concurrent mental health condition. </p><p>Other things to think about if you have mental health or physical health conditions and are using or thinking about using alcohol or other substances:</p><p>If you are taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication(s) for a mental or physical health condition, there can be interactions between the medication, and alcohol or other substances. Depending on the medication, this interaction could result in lower or higher amounts of the medication in your system; this can have a negative impact on your health. </p><p>Alcohol and other drugs affect different organs and systems in your body, including your brain, heart, lungs, liver, intestines, kidneys, muscles and nerves. This can sometimes make the symptoms of your condition worse, or make it difficult for your health-care team to know if the treatments they are prescribing are helping or not. </p><p>To learn more about how alcohol and drug use can interact with your prescriptions, you can ask the pharmacist questions when you pick up your prescriptions. You can also check out a website called
<a href="http://www.drugcocktails.ca/">drugcocktails.ca</a>. Developed by health-care experts from across Canada, the website provides information about the combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and alcohol, cannabis and other drugs. </p><h2>When to see a doctor or health-care professional for specific help</h2><p>If you have any questions or concerns about your substance use (or someone else’s), arranging an appointment with a health-care professional or another helping professional, such as a guidance counselor, is a good first step.</p><p>If you have a family doctor or paediatrician you see for regular check-ups or when you are sick, you can use these visits as a time to ask questions and get information about the substances you are using and any mental or physical health issues you might be experiencing. </p><div class="callout2"><p>As with any health care visit, the health-care professional will keep your information private and will not share it with anyone else without your permission (unless you share that someone is harming you and you are under 16 years of age, or you share that you are planning to harm yourself or someone else).</p></div> What if my doctor thinks I might have a substance use disorder?
<p>Depending on their assessment, a health-care professional will make some suggestions to you about what might be helpful. </p><p>Some options include seeing a counsellor who can help you look at areas where you might want to make some changes. </p><p>Other types of treatment include: </p><ul><li>Day treatment, where you attend a group based program Monday to Friday to get treatment and obtain school credits.</li><li>Hospital based treatment, which may be helpful if you need to withdraw or "detox" in a safe way, or would benefit from further assessment over a few days or weeks.</li><li>Residential treatment, where you stay at a treatment centre and receive support and schooling every day. </li></ul><p>These different treatments usually include some kind of family and/or parent treatment and support. In most provinces, these treatment programs require a teen to agree to take part. Some provinces have laws that allow parents to make this decision instead if the teen is younger than 16 years of age.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Substance use & substance use disorder | Share this resource with your teen to help them learn about the risks of substance use and what it means to have a substance use disorder. | Teens | | |
| Babbling with your child | Babbling with your child | Babbling with your child | B | English | Developmental | Baby (1-12 months);Toddler (13-24 months) | NA | NA | NA | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2020-11-03T05:00:00Z | | | | | | | | | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how you can communicate with your child who is babbling and how to respond to them.</p> | <p>When your child is babbling, they are often trying to tell you something. Even if you don’t know what your child wants to say, there are ways to respond so they feel their communication is meaningful. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>A child who is babbilng may be trying to say something or they may be praticing making sounds.</li><li>When your child babbles, you can copy their sounds to show you are listening and interested.</li><li>If you think your child is trying to tell you something, you can respond by putting their babbles into words.</li></ul> | <p>Here are some tips to help you notice your child’s babble and know how to respond:</p><p>
<strong>Pause and wait for your child to babble</strong> – When your child hasn’t started to use real words to communicate, parents often feel the need to 'fill in' the word or respond to their speech with answers. However, sometimes it’s okay to just say nothing and to wait for your child to say something when they are ready.</p><p>
<strong>Observe your child</strong> – If your child is looking at or pointing to something while they babble, or trying to get your attention, they are likely trying to tell you something. If you observe your child babbling while they are busy playing or sitting on the floor and not trying to get your attention, maybe your child is just practicing making sounds.</p><p>
<strong>Imitate your child’s babble</strong> – When you copy your child’s sounds, it shows them that you are paying attention to them and are interested in what they are saying. This in turn motivates them to babble again and then you imitate them again. Thus, reciprocal communication begins.</p><p>
<strong>Be your child’s interpreter</strong> – If you think your child is trying to tell you something specific when they babble, respond by putting their sounds or syllables into words. For example, if your child looks at a car out the window and says "bababa", you could interpret this by saying, "Car! There's a car outside," while you point to the car. When you interpret your child’s message in this way, you provide labels for the things they are trying to communicate about. This will eventually build their vocabulary. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Babbling_with_your_child.jpg | Family Literacy Day, January 27 | Mark Family Literacy Day by learning how to respond to your child who is babbling to help develop their vocabulary and communication skills. | Main | | |
| Temperature taking | Temperature taking | Temperature taking | T | English | NA | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Fever | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_oral_EN.jpg | 2016-04-27T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 6.20000000000000 | 69.1000000000000 | 1488.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how to correctly take your child's temperature when they have a fever.</p> | <p>Children often feel warm to the touch when they have a
<a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a>, but putting your hand to your child's forehead is not enough to find out if your child has a fever. To confirm that your child has a fever, use a thermometer to measure your child's body temperature.</p><p>
<strong>A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a fever</strong></p> | <h2>Converting Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C)</h2>
<p>Temperatures are measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). The table below shows equivalent Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures.</p>
<table class="akh-table">
<thead>
<tr><th>°C</th><th>°F</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>37°C</td>
<td>98.6°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37.2°C </td>
<td>99°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37.5°C </td>
<td>99.5°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37.8°C </td>
<td>100°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>38°C </td>
<td>100.4°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>38.3°C </td>
<td>101°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>38.9°C </td>
<td>102°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39.5°C </td>
<td>103°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>40°C </td>
<td>104°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>40.6°C </td>
<td>105°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41.1°C </td>
<td>106°F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41.7°C </td>
<td>107°F</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table><br> | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Use a thermometer to find out if a child has a temperature.</li>
<li>The best way to take a temperature depends on a child’s age.</li>
<li>Always wash thermometers before and after taking a temperature.</li>
<li>See your doctor right away if your child has a temperature that last three days or if your child has a temperature and is less than three months old.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<h3>See your child's regular doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away if your child has a fever and:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your child is less than three months old.</li>
<li>You have recently returned from travelling abroad.</li>
<li>Your child develops a rash that looks like small purple dots that do not go away when you apply pressure with your fingers (blanching).</li>
<li>Your child is not able to keep down any fluids, is not peeing and appears dehydrated.</li>
<li>Your child's skin looks very pale or grey, or is cool or mottled.</li>
<li>Your child is in constant pain.</li>
<li>Your child is lethargic (very weak) or difficult to wake up.</li>
<li>Your child has a stiff neck.</li>
<li>Your child has a seizure associated with fever for the first time or a long seizure associated with fever.</li>
<li>Your child is looking or acting very sick.</li>
<li>Your child seems confused or delirious.</li>
<li>Your child does not use their arm or leg normally or refuses to stand up.</li>
<li>Your child has problems breathing.</li>
<li>Your child cries constantly and cannot be settled.</li>
</ul>
<h3>See a doctor within 24 hours if your child has a fever and:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your child is between three and six months old.</li>
<li>Your child has specific pain, such as ear or throat pain that may require evaluation.</li>
<li>Your child has had a fever for more than three days.</li>
<li>The fever went away for over 24 hours and then came back.</li>
<li>Your child has a bacterial infection that is being treated with an antibiotic, but the fever is not going away after two to three days of starting the antibiotic.</li>
<li>Your child cries when going to the bathroom.</li>
<li>You have other concerns or questions.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you are unsure, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (toll-free number) if you live in Ontario.</p> | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Use a thermometer to measure a temperature</h2>
<p>The easiest way to measure your child’s temperature is with a digital thermometer. These are available at most drug stores. </p>
<p>You can also use a glass thermometer. Never use glass thermometers that contain mercury because mercury is toxic. If you only have access to a glass thermometer, take very special care. If the thermometer is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it. Even an undamaged glass thermometer can be a risk for your child. If you believe your child may bite down on the thermometer, do not use it to take a temperature in the mouth.</p>
<h3>Four places to take a child’s temperature</h3>
<ul>
<li>in the mouth</li>
<li>in the anus (or rectum)</li>
<li>under the armpit</li>
<li>in the ear</li>
</ul>
<p>Do not use a rectal thermometer in the mouth or an oral thermometer in the rectum. Always wash any thermometer with soap and warm water before and after use.</p>
<h3>The best way to take a temperature depends on your child’s age</h3>
<table class="akh-table">
<thead>
<tr><th rowspan="2" colspan="1">Age</th><th rowspan="1" colspan="2">Where to take the temperature</th></tr>
<tr><th><em>Most accurate</em></th><th><em>Alternative method</em></th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Newborns to 3 years</td>
<td>Rectal temperature (anus)</td>
<td>Axial temperature (armpit)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Children over 3 years</td>
<td>Oral temperature (mouth)</td>
<td>Ear or axial temperature</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> | <h2>How to take an oral (in the mouth) temperature</h2>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an oral temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_oral_EN.jpg" alt="Girl lying under a blanket while her temperature is taken by mouth" />
</figure>
<p>Taking a temperature in the mouth works with children who are old enough to hold the thermometer under their tongue and who will not bite the thermometer. A mouth thermometer is the most accurate way of measuring the temperature of an older child. Make sure your child has not had cold or hot drinks in the 30 minutes before taking their temperature.</p><ul><li>To get an accurate reading, carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue.</li><li>Ask your child to keep the thermometer in place by forming a seal with their lips. Make sure they do not bite down on the thermometer. If they cannot breathe through their nose, use one of the other methods to measure their temperature.</li><li>If you are using a digital thermometer, leave it in the mouth until you hear it beep.</li><li>Carefully read the temperature on the thermometer.</li><li>Turn off the digital thermometer, wash the tip with soap and warm (not hot) water, and wipe it off with alcohol. Dry well.</li></ul><h2>How to take a rectal (in the anus) temperature</h2>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure a rectal temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_rectal_EN.jpg" alt="Baby lying on tummy across a lap with thermometer inserted in the baby’s rectum" />
</figure>
<p>Using the rectal method works best on babies and young children. Older children may resist having something put in their bum.</p><ul><li>Before taking your child’s temperature, make sure they are relaxed. Place your child on their stomach on a comfortable surface if they can hold their head and do
<a href="/Article?contentid=296&language=English">tummy time</a>. Place your child on their back if they are still unable to safely lie on their stomach.</li><li>Before inserting the thermometer, make sure it is clean. Coat the end of it with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). This will make the insertion easier.</li><li>Insert the thermometer gently into your child’s rectum about 2 cm (1 inch). If there is any resistance, pull the thermometer back a little. Never try to force the thermometer past any resistance. You could injure your child by damaging the wall of the bowel.</li><li>Hold your child still while the thermometer is in.</li><li>If you are using a digital thermometer, take it out when you hear the signal (usually a beep or a series of beeps).</li><li>Read the temperature.</li><li>Turn off the digital thermometer, wash the tip with soap and warm (not hot) water. Dry well.</li></ul><h2>How to take an armpit (axillary) temperature</h2>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an armpit (axillary) temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_armpit_EN.jpg" alt="Baby lying on their back with a thermometer held under the armpit" />
</figure>
<p>Taking the temperature under the armpit may be less accurate than in the rectum or the mouth but easier in some babies or children. To take a temperature in the armpit, your child must be able to hold their arm to the body and not move it for up to two minutes.</p><ul><li>If you are using a digital thermometer, turn it on.</li><li>Put thermometer under your child’s dry armpit. The silver tip must touch the skin.</li><li>Hold the top of thermometer with one hand and hold down your child’s arm with the other hand.</li><li>If using a digital thermometer, wait until you hear the signal (usually a beep or a series of beeps).</li><li>Turn off the thermometer, wash the tip with soap and warm (not hot) water. Dry well.</li></ul><h2>How to take an ear (tympanic) temperature</h2>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an ear (tympanic) temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/IMD_temperature_ear_EN.jpg" alt="Child having temperature taken by ear with one hand pulling the ear up and the other holding the thermometer in the ear" />
</figure>
<p>Tympanic thermometers may be less accurate than oral or rectal thermometers. Tympanic thermometers are unsuitable for children under two years of age because their ear canal may be too small to allow for a temperature reading. Always clean the thermometer tip before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.</p><ul><li>Gently tug on the ear, pulling it up and back. This will help straighten the ear canal and make a clear path inside the ear to the eardrum.</li><li>Gently insert the thermometer until the ear canal is fully sealed off.</li><li>Squeeze and hold down the button for one second.</li><li>Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.</li></ul> | <h2>Temperature checking methods to avoid</h2>
<p>Digital electronic pacifier thermometers and temperature strips (which measure temperature on the forehead) are inaccurate and unreliable. Do not use these methods to take your child's temperature. </p>
<p>Touching your child's forehead or neck may give you a hint that your child has a fever, but this is not a reliable way to check for fever. Confirm your suspicion of a fever by taking a true measurement using the methods explained above.</p> | | | | | | <h2>References:</h2><p>Richardson M, Purssell E. (2015). Who's afraid of fever?
<em>Arch Dis Child</em>. 100(9):818-20. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2015-309491. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf">https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf</a></p><p>Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. (2011). Fever and antipyretic use in children.
<em>Pediatrics</em>. 127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852. Retrieved February 10th, 2016. <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf">https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf</a><br></p><p>Mistry N, Hudak A. (2014). Combined and alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen therapy for febrile children.
<em>Paediatrics & child health</em>. 19(10):531-2. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276386/pdf/pch-19-531.pdf">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276386/pdf/pch-19-531.pdf</a> and Corrigendum. (2015).
<em>Paediatrics & Child Health</em>, 20(8), 466–467. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699537/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699537/</a> </p> | | | | | | | | | | | Learn how to correctly take your child's temperature when they have a fever, depending on their age, and which methods to avoid. | Main | | |
