can fever cause an increase in pulse rate-3 year old/?

[kbrownhh]

My daughter has a cold virus that is causing her to have a fever around 101.5.  Took her to the doctor yesterday to rule out ear infection and strep and he did say it was probably just viral.

Last night in bed her medicine wore off and fever returned and she was ver uncomfortable.  I put my hand on her chest and her heart was beating so fast...I took her pulse and it was around 140.  Is it normal for a fever to make your pulse higher?  I know cold medication can increase pulse as well, but I was very alarmed that it was 140.

Thanks

[GNicole]

Fever can cause an increased pulse but so can dehydration. Make sure she is drinking enough. I hope she is feeling better soon! :)

[happymom3]

My doctor told me that an increase in heart rate is normal with a fever. Their bodies are fighting off infection. He also said not to try to break EVERY fever they get so they can build up immunities. (low fevers only) Hard to do I know but they say it's better for their little immune systems in the long run. Good luck:)

[kbrownhh]

Thanks for your replies!

[drfozz]

I am a pediatrician, and I have never heard of building up immunity to fever. To my knowledge there is no scientific basis for that comment. Fever is the body's natural response to infection. As the immune system ramps up to fight off infection, the white blood cells (responsible for immunity and fighting infection) make inflammatory proteins which cause the body to reset the thermostat a bit higher, so to speak. Our white blood cells work better at a few degrees higher as do the proteins they make to fight infection. Tylenol and motrin are given to Children to make them more comfortable, and that is why we treat them. I have never heard of building immunity to fevers. There may be a belief that you are "toughening up" your children by not giving Tylenol, but I have not personally heard of any such "immunity to fevers, nor have I heard of any delay in healing time for infections or illnesses with Tylenol or Motrin. There is no chemical or biologic mechanism for tylenol or motrin decreasing the body's development of immunity. That being said, you don't have to treat every fever with Tylenol or Motrin. Fevers are not dangerous. They do not cause brain damage. They are a sign that there is an infection, and that should be investigated if your child appears or is acting unwell to you. They should be treated if they make your child uncomfortable. But a happy, smiling toddler with a temperature of 101 doesn't necessarily need any Tylenol or Motrin.