CORRECT WAY of Sponging Kids in FEVER | TEPID SPONGING Tips-Dr. Netravati P Shirur | Doctors' Circle

Summary

Dr. Netravati P Shirur, a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, explains the importance of tepid sponging for children with high-grade fever. She recommends using lukewarm tap water between 32°C to 35°C for 20 to 30 minutes, covering the entire body, not just the forehead or tummy. Tepid sponging helps lower fever more effectively when combined with antipyretic medications, especially for children aged 6 months to 6 years, who are at higher risk of febrile convulsions. This method relies on the principles of conduction and evaporation to bring down body temperature safely.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tepid sponging is essential and safe for children with high-grade fever.
• 😀 The recommended water temperature for tepid sponging is between 32°C to 35°C.
• 😀 Parents should use running tap water or lukewarm water for tepid sponging, not boiling or warm water.
• 😀 Tepid sponging should be done for 20 to 30 minutes, but stop if the child starts shivering.
• 😀 The entire body, from the forehead to the soles, should be sponged, not just the forehead or tummy.
• 😀 Tepid sponging is more effective in lowering fever when combined with antipyretic medication.
• 😀 Tepid sponging works based on the principles of conduction and evaporation.
• 😀 Tepid sponging is especially helpful for children aged 6 months to 6 years, who are at risk of febrile convulsions.
• 😀 Febrile convulsions can occur in children due to high-grade fever, and tepid sponging can help prevent this.
• 😀 Efficient tepid sponging can significantly lower a child's temperature compared to medication alone.

Q & A

What is tepid sponging, and why is it recommended for children with high fever?

Tepid sponging involves using lukewarm water to sponge the child’s body, which helps lower fever. It is recommended because it effectively reduces body temperature through the principles of conduction and evaporation, and is safer compared to other methods, especially in young children.

What kind of water should be used for tepid sponging?

Tepid sponging should be done with running tap water or lukewarm water, with a temperature range of 32°C to 35°C. Boiling water or very warm water should be avoided.

How long should tepid sponging be done?

Tepid sponging should be done for about 20 to 30 minutes. If the child starts shivering, the process should be stopped immediately.

What is the procedure for effective tepid sponging?

The child should be sponged completely from the forehead to the soles of the feet, not just a small area like the forehead or tummy. This continuous process should last for 20 to 30 minutes.

When should tepid sponging be stopped during the procedure?

Tepid sponging should be stopped if the child begins to shiver, as this indicates the body is reacting to the temperature change.

How does tepid sponging compare to medication in managing fever in children?

Tepid sponging, when combined with antipyretic medications, is more effective in reducing fever than using medication alone.

Why is tepid sponging particularly important for children between 6 months to 6 years of age?

Children in this age group are at a higher risk of febrile convulsions due to high-grade fever, making tepid sponging an essential measure to help manage their body temperature safely.

What happens if tepid sponging is done for too long?

If tepid sponging is prolonged beyond 30 minutes, it may lead to excessive cooling, causing discomfort or shivering, which is why the process should be timed carefully.

How can parents monitor the effectiveness of tepid sponging?

After performing tepid sponging for 20 to 30 minutes, parents should recheck the child’s temperature. A successful sponging should result in a noticeable reduction in fever.

Are there any safety precautions to follow during tepid sponging?

Yes, parents should ensure the water temperature is within the safe range (32°C to 35°C), avoid using hot or boiling water, and stop the procedure immediately if the child begins shivering or seems uncomfortable.