My 3.5 yr old son developed a runny nose 3 days ago. the day it started, he also developed a fever in the late afternoon. The fevers have been very manageable during the day, but seem to peak in afternoon and evening. yesterday he was fever free in the morning and very peppy, but crashed in the afternoon, at which point, the fever returned (though very low). fever returned at night, but was gone by this morning. does he need to be examined by a doctor? is there something else i should be doing other than administering ibuprofen for fever?
Fever with runny nose is often caused due to certain viral infections. It is usually self limiting and not a cause of concern. Giving steam inhalation and some antiallergic like cetirizine should provide relief. Giving ibuprofen or paracetamol to bring down the temperature is the right thing to do. If the child is active and playful, you need not worry. However, if the child starts wheezing or becomes lethargic, if the temperature is beyond control, or if the condition lasts more than 7-10 days - you would need to visit a doctor without delay.