Is a Normal Ear Temperature of 37-37.5°C Safe for My Child?

Q: Is a Normal Ear Temperature of 37-37.5°C Safe for My Child?

Hello： An ear temperature below 37.8 degrees Celsius is considered normal. <br>There have been two instances of febrile seizures, so an EEG should be arranged. <br>If the temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius, antipyretics can be administered, but be cautious not to exceed the

Is a normal ear temperature between 37 to 37.5 degrees Celsius?

A 2-year and 7-month-old girl typically has an ear temperature (measured with an electronic ear thermometer) ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, and higher during fever episodes (between 37.5 and over 39 degrees).
At 2 years and 5 months, she contracted enterovirus after attending preschool for three days, resulting in a fever of 40 degrees Celsius and her first episode of febrile seizures, leading to a five-day hospitalization.
One week after the first episode, she experienced a second febrile seizure and was hospitalized for six days.
Since then, she has frequently visited the doctor for minor illnesses.

I would like to ask:
1.
Is it normal for her ear temperature to be between 37.0 and 37.5 degrees when she is not sick?
2.
Given her history of two febrile seizures, she is now given rectal suppositories and ibuprofen whenever her ear temperature reaches 38 degrees.
Could this have any adverse effects on her? However, it seems that whenever her temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees, it takes almost three to five days for her to recover from the high fever.
We are concerned that without using suppositories and ibuprofen, she might experience another febrile seizure.
What would be the best approach in this situation? Thank you, doctor!

Ying, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/08

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: An ear temperature below 37.8 degrees Celsius is considered normal.
There have been two instances of febrile seizures, so an EEG should be arranged.
If the temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius, antipyretics can be administered, but be cautious not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Generally, oral antipyretics can be taken every 4 hours at most.
If, after taking oral antipyretics, the fever remains above 38.5 degrees Celsius after 1 hour, a rectal suppository can be used.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Ren Sheng.

Reply Date: 2016/03/08

More Info

When it comes to the normal ear temperature for children, a range of 37.0°C to 37.5°C is generally considered normal. In fact, ear temperatures below 37.8°C are not classified as fever in children under the age of 3. Therefore, your child's ear temperature of 37.0°C to 37.5°C is within the normal range and should not be a cause for concern when they are not exhibiting any other symptoms of illness.

Regarding your child's history of febrile seizures, it is understandable to be cautious. Febrile seizures can occur in children when they experience a rapid increase in body temperature, usually above 38°C. Given that your child has experienced two episodes of febrile seizures in the past, it is prudent to monitor their temperature closely.
1. Normal Temperature Range: As mentioned, an ear temperature of 37.0°C to 37.5°C is normal. If your child consistently maintains this temperature range without any other symptoms, it is not indicative of illness. However, if you notice any changes in behavior, lethargy, or other signs of illness, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Management of Fever: Since your child has a history of febrile seizures, it is reasonable to be proactive in managing their fever. Administering fever-reducing medications like Ibuprofen when the temperature reaches 38°C is a common practice. However, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosages and intervals for these medications. Generally, Ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours, but it should not exceed the maximum daily dosage for your child's age and weight.

Using rectal or ear thermometers can yield different readings due to the method of measurement and the location of the thermometer. If your child’s temperature is consistently above 37.5°C, it is advisable to take action to reduce the fever, especially considering their history of seizures.
If your child experiences a fever that lasts for more than three days or if their temperature exceeds 39°C, it is essential to seek medical advice. Continuous high fever can lead to dehydration and other complications, so monitoring fluid intake is also important.

In summary, maintaining a normal ear temperature of 37.0°C to 37.5°C is safe for your child. However, due to their history of febrile seizures, it is wise to be vigilant and manage any fever promptly. If you have any concerns or if your child exhibits unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician can also help in managing your child's health effectively, especially considering their previous medical history.

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