What temperature constitutes a fever. How long does a typical fever last. When should you seek emergency care for a fever. What causes fevers in adults and children. How are high fevers treated in the ER. What symptoms accompanying a fever require immediate medical attention.

Understanding Fever: Definition, Causes, and Duration

A fever occurs when body temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C), indicating the body’s immune response to infection or illness. Normal body temperature for adults typically ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C).

Common causes of fever include:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Common cold or flu
• Gastroenteritis
• Recent vaccinations
• Heat exhaustion

Fever duration varies based on the underlying cause, overall health, and treatment. Most fevers associated with common illnesses like the flu typically last 2-4 days. However, some may persist for several weeks in certain cases.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms

Fever often manifests with the following symptoms:

• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Is a 103°F Fever Dangerous?

A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered high-grade and potentially dangerous. Such elevated temperatures warrant immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

For infants and young children, even lower-grade fevers can be significant. Parents should be particularly vigilant with babies, as their immune systems are still developing.

Temperature Thresholds for Concern

While fever severity can vary, these general guidelines can help determine when to seek medical care:

• Infants under 3 months: Any fever
• Children 3-36 months: Fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• Adults: Fever above 103°F (39.4°C)

When to Visit the Emergency Room for a Fever

While low-grade fevers in otherwise healthy individuals may not require emergency care, certain situations demand immediate medical attention. Visit the ER if you or your child experience any of the following with a fever:

• Confusion or altered mental state
• Severe pain (abdominal, head, or muscle)
• Light sensitivity
• Skin rashes or unusual discoloration
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to eat or drink
• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Extreme lethargy or inability to stay awake
• Fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• Fever lasting more than 3-4 days in children

Fever Treatment in the Emergency Room

When you visit the ER for a fever, medical professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. The process typically involves:

1. Comprehensive physical examination
2. Detailed medical history review
3. Vital sign measurements
4. Laboratory tests (if necessary)

Based on the findings, treatment may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
• Intravenous fluids for dehydration
• Fever-reducing medications
• Rest and monitoring

Managing Fevers in Children: A Parent’s Guide

Fevers in children can be particularly concerning for parents. Understanding how to manage and when to seek help is crucial for your child’s well-being.

Age-Specific Fever Guidelines

Different age groups require different approaches to fever management:

• Newborns (0-3 months): Any fever requires immediate medical attention
• Infants (3-6 months): Fevers above 102°F (38.9°C) warrant a doctor’s evaluation
• Older children: Fevers up to 102°F (38.9°C) can often be managed at home, but persistent or higher fevers need medical assessment

Home Care for Fevers

For manageable fevers, these home care strategies can help:

• Ensure adequate hydration
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature
• Use fever-reducing medications as directed by a healthcare provider
• Monitor symptoms and temperature regularly

Distinguishing Between Viral and Bacterial Fevers

Fevers can result from both viral and bacterial infections, but determining the cause is crucial for proper treatment. While only a healthcare professional can definitively diagnose the underlying cause, certain characteristics may provide clues:

Viral Fever Characteristics

• Gradual onset
• Often accompanied by respiratory symptoms
• May include body aches and fatigue
• Usually resolves within a few days

Bacterial Fever Characteristics

• Often has a sudden onset
• May be higher in temperature
• Can be accompanied by specific symptoms (e.g., sore throat in strep infections)
• May persist longer without treatment

Understanding these differences can help in communicating symptoms to healthcare providers, but professional diagnosis is always necessary for proper treatment.

The Role of Fever in Immune Response

While fevers can be uncomfortable, they play a crucial role in the body’s defense against pathogens. Elevated body temperature can:

• Enhance immune cell function
• Inhibit the growth of some bacteria and viruses
• Increase the production of protective proteins
• Accelerate the body’s metabolic processes

This natural defense mechanism explains why not all fevers require immediate medical intervention. However, monitoring fever progression and accompanying symptoms remains essential for determining when professional care is needed.

Fever Complications and Long-Term Effects

While most fevers resolve without complications, prolonged or extremely high fevers can lead to various issues:

Potential Complications

• Dehydration
• Febrile seizures (in children)
• Hallucinations
• Cognitive impairment

Long-Term Effects

Chronic or recurrent fevers may indicate underlying health conditions such as:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic infections
• Certain cancers

Persistent or unexplained fevers should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions and prevent potential long-term health effects.

Fever Prevention and Immune System Support

While not all fevers are preventable, supporting overall health and immunity can reduce the frequency and severity of infections that cause fevers. Consider these strategies:

Lifestyle Habits for Immune Support

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated
• Get regular exercise
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

Hygiene Practices

Reducing exposure to pathogens can lower the risk of infections:

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations

By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can bolster their immune systems and potentially reduce the occurrence of fevers and associated illnesses.

Understanding fever management, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial aspects of health literacy. While fevers can be concerning, they are often a sign that the body is effectively fighting off infections. However, high-grade fevers, especially those reaching 103°F (39.4°C) or accompanied by severe symptoms, require prompt medical evaluation. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can ensure timely and appropriate care for themselves and their loved ones when faced with fever-related health concerns.

How To Know If You Should Go To The ER For A Fever

If you are otherwise healthy and alert, having a low-grade fever may not necessarily be cause for concern. However, an elevated temperature can be indicative of another process or illness that needs to be treated. A severe or prolonged fever can even cause complications on its own. Because there are a number of possible causes of fever, many of which trigger a similar set of symptoms, it can be challenging to self-diagnose your condition. The expert team of board-certified physicians at both of iCare ER & Urgent Care’s convenient locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX provides prompt and reliable evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for patients presenting with fever. Find out more about the possible causes of fever here, and learn what situations may warrant a visit to the ER for fever.

What is a fever?

For most adults, a normal body temperature is between 97°F and 99°F, though 98.6°F is generally accepted as the standard of normal. When a patient’s body temperature becomes elevated to 100.4°F or higher, he or she is considered to have a fever. Oftentimes, a fever indicates that the body is fighting off a virus, infection, or another pathogen. Common symptoms of a fever include:

• Sweating
• Chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

What causes a fever?

There are a variety of potential reasons why a person’s body temperature may become elevated, either temporarily or for several days or weeks. Some of the most common causes of a fever include:

• Virus
• Infection
• Cold and/or flu
• Stomach bug
• Recent vaccination
• Heat exhaustion

How long does a fever last?

Depending on the cause of the fever, the patient’s overall health, what treatments are given, and other factors, a fever can last anywhere from several hours to several weeks. For some of the most common illnesses, such as the flu, most people demonstrate an elevated temperature for about 2 – 4 days.

How high is too high for a fever?

Fever of 103°F or above is considered high grade and should be treated immediately. However, even a low-grade fever may be a sign of a dangerous problem for infants and babies. If you are concerned about fever in your infant, your child, or yourself, visit your nearest Fort Worth or Frisco emergency room within iCare ER & Urgent Care’s unique dual-hybrid facility.

When should you go to the ER for a fever?

For patients who are otherwise healthy, alert, and have an obvious explanation for their low-grade fever – such as a cold – at-home remedies and monitoring may be sufficient. However, any fever above 103°F should be treated immediately in the ER. In addition, if you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms in conjunction with a fever, a trip to the ER is warranted:

• Confusion
• Severe pain (abdominal pain, headache, muscle pain, etc. )
• Sensitivity to light
• Skin rash or irritation
• Protracted nausea or vomiting
• Inability to eat or drink
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Seizure
• Inability to stay awake
• Fever of 103°F or higher
• Fever lasting longer than 3 – 4 days (children)
• Any fever (infants)

How is a fever treated in the ER?

To determine the cause of your fever, one of our board-certified ER physicians in Frisco or Fort Worth will perform a thorough examination, take a detailed health history, measure certain vital signs, and possibly draw laboratory studies. Depending on the severity of your condition, the cause of your fever, and other factors, your physician will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, which may include antibiotics, other medications, fluids, and rest.

Get prompt treatment and rapid relief for your fever by visiting your nearest emergency room in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX

Although some fevers can be treated at home, many cases of fever may indicate a serious problem and should be evaluated immediately. If you are concerned about a high-grade fever or any fever that is accompanied by abnormal or protracted symptoms, visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care center in either Fort Worth or Frisco, TX to be evaluated by one of our professional board-certified physicians for your acute illness and to get the effective treatment and rapid relief you deserve.

How High is Too High? A Guide to Kids’ Fevers (2021 Update)

Throughout your child’s life, one of the most common and worrisome issues that can come up is a fever. You know how the signs begin: chills, a warmer body, and flushed cheeks; but what does your child’s fever mean?

No matter how well or badly your child is feeling, a fever can be a sign that something isn’t quite right. When a fever comes around, that means your child’s body is reacting to an infection or virus; a fever is a sign that your child’s body is fighting back! Even though fevers are a sign of healthy bodies reacting to illness, they definitely can make your child feel lousy.

READ MORE: Guide to Setting Sleep Schedules for Kids

Especially for our youngest patients, who can’t easily say what hurts or that they feel sick, a fever is a clear indicator that they are experiencing sickness or pain. Even as children age, fevers, combined with other symptoms, can be dangerous and must be met with quick medical attention.

But the question remains: what do I do about my child’s fever? With our easy guide below, we help you navigate the highs and lows of fevers, and how to react along the way. As always, contact your pediatrician for specific medical advice for your child. For a general guide to cold and flu season, follow along below:

Best Way to Check a Child’s Temperature

Depending on your child’s age, their temperature can be taken differently, using different thermometers. The fastest and most accurate of all the different kinds of thermometers is the digital thermometer. Most doctors recommend using digital thermometers versus other kinds.

For infants under 3 months of age, the most effective and accurate way to check temperature is rectally, using a digital thermometer. There are two ways to easily take a rectal temperature. With the face down method, place a blanket on your lap, and then lay your baby across your lap, facing downwards. Take your baby’s temperature by using petroleum jelly to insert the thermometer; hold it for 3 minutes to allow the temperature to register. You can also take your baby’s temperature by laying them face up on a firm surface and holding their legs up, with their knees towards their chest. Then proceed to insert the thermometer and get a reading.

You can also take your baby’s temperature under the armpit with a digital thermometer. While not as accurate, this will allow you to get a general idea of if your child has a fever or not. Most daycares and schools will use this method as a general guide if your child has symptoms of being sick.

Fever strips and pacifier thermometers are not usually recommended, as they tend to not be as accurate. We also discourage parents from using glass thermometers, as the mercury inside can poison your child if they are exposed to it.

READ MORE: Guide to Cough Season – What Kind of Cough Does My Child Have?

For older children, you can use a variety of thermometers. The most popular is the digital thermometer, but there are also ones that get a reading by being inserted into the ear or pressed against the forehead. The most accurate way of taking the temperature of an older child is by using a digital thermometer under the tongue. This should be used after your child is 4 years old.

Be aware of what your child has just eaten or had a warm or cold drink when you take their temperature. For example, if your child has a sore throat and just had some soup to ease the pain, wait about 20 minutes for your child to reach his or her resting temperature for the most accurate temperature reading.

Have a Fever? When to Call Your Pediatrician

Depending on your child’s age, there can be different degrees of worry when it comes to fevers. Here is a quick guide for when it is time to call Pediatrics East:

• If your child is under three months old, any fever should be addressed. If his or her temperature is above 100.4 degrees, it is time to call us.
• For children ages three months to three years, call us if there is a fever of 102 degrees or higher.
• For all kids three years and older, a fever of 103 degrees or higher means it is time to call Pediatrics East.
• If a fever of 102 degrees or higher lasts for more than two days, please give us a call, too.

Along with these guidelines, it is important to call Pediatrics East if your baby has not received immunizations and has a fever. Also, please call your pediatrician if your child experiences excessive vomiting or diarrhea, if your child seems dehydrated, or if a serious rash is present with the fever.

READ MORE: Does My Child Have Allergies or a Cold?

If your child is experiencing more severe symptoms with their fever, it does make sense to skip calling Pediatrics East and head to the emergency room. Go to the emergency room in the following circumstances:

• Your child is not breathing or has trouble breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Your child has a seizure
• Your child has any other apparent problems, such as swelling or trouble swallowing

Low-grade Fever? What to Do Now

If your child (age six months and older) has a fever that registers above 100.4 degrees and below 102 degrees, you are in a bit of an in-between zone for the first couple of days. While it isn’t necessary to bring your child to Pediatrics East, you will need to keep your child home from daycare or school.

If there are other symptoms in addition to their fever, such as a sore throat, bad cough, or other issues, be sure to monitor the temperature every few hours. If his or her fever begins to rise, it can be a sign of an infection or virus that might need immediate attention. As mentioned above, if a fever persists for several days, give us a call.

Here are the steps you can take to help lower a fever:

• Give Tylenol (infant or kid variety, depending on their age).
• Take a lukewarm bath (not a cold or ice water bath) or a sponge bath.
• Give plenty of fluids, such as water and juices.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

No Fever, but Still Sick?

Does your child not have a fever, but still appears sick? Monitor his or her symptoms and temperature to determine whether the sickness is getting worse. The best thing you can do for your child is to keep fluids going, feed comforting foods, give lots of love, and call us if symptoms persist or worsen.  To get a better idea of what may be bothering your child, check our Child Illnesses pages to learn more about what your child could be experiencing. Of course, you can always call our office to talk through any concerns or worries you have. 

More Resources

• Guide to Cough Season
• Guide to Ear Infections and Ear Aches
• Tips for Soothing a Fussy Baby
• Bath Time Safety for Kids
• Flu vs. COVID-19

Herpes (colds on the lips)

Herpes on the lips has several names: “cold” on the lips, fever on the lips, herpes of the lips, herpes labialis, labial or labial herpes.

“Cold” on the lips, mainly caused by herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I) . 95% of people have this virus in their body. In rare cases, the cause of herpes lips is the herpes simplex virus type 2, (transmitted through oral sex).

The herpes simplex virus, which causes a “cold” on the lips, remains inside the human body for life. At the moment, no medicines and treatments have been developed that would completely destroy the herpes simplex virus in the human body.

Up to 10,000,000 Russians annually suffer from “colds” on the lips. Approximately every 5 Russians get herpes of the lips from 2 to 10 times a year. And only about 5% of the human race has immunity to HSV-I, the reasons for which are still unclear.

The virus enters the body in early childhood: at 3-4 years old, when the antibodies against the herpes virus transmitted to the baby by the mother are depleted. Most often, infection occurs if the child is kissed by carriers of the infection. For example, parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives. In addition to a kiss, the virus can enter the body along with the biological fluids of others, for example, with saliva.

Having come to visit us, it penetrates into the mucous membranes, reaches the nerve endings. Through them, with a current of fluid that feeds the nerves, it rises into the cranial cavity, where it “hides” in the nerve plexus, called the trigeminal ganglion , and “sleeps” there until the moment of reactivation.

Reactivation of the virus is possible at the moment when immunity “decreases”. “Decrease” in immunity can occur under the influence of: colds, flu, menstruation, emotional distress and stress, strong ultraviolet radiation, excessive alcohol consumption, indigestion and fatigue.

Causes of recurrence of herpes on the lips:

– Stress or emotional disorder;

– Various somatic diseases, in particular colds, flu, diabetes, HIV;

– Poisoning or intoxication;

– Alcohol, caffeine and smoking;

– Excessive ultraviolet exposure;

– Hypothermia or overheating;

– Coming of menstruation;

– Overwork and exhaustion;

– Malnutrition/diet or indigestion;

– Other individual factors;

After “awakening” the virus is sent to the nerves (like a train on rails) from the trigeminal ganglion back to the skin. It is important to know that branches that innervate the lips, oral mucosa, gums, skin on the earlobe and part of the cheek depart from the trigeminal plexus. In accordance with the outgoing nerves, lesions on the skin will also be located. As it passes through the nerve, the virus causes inflammation of the nerve tissue, which causes pain along the course of the nerve fiber.

Stages of development of a “cold” on the lips

In its development, the disease goes through stages IV:

Stage I – tingling.

At this time, most people feel that they are getting sick. Before a “cold” appears, the skin at the corners of the mouth or the inside of the lips, or on the tongue, or even all over the face begins to itch.
In a place where a recurrence of herpes will soon develop, the harbingers of the disease appear: pain, tingling, tingling, itching. The skin over the site of the future relapse turns red.

The development of the disease can be prevented if drugs based on acyclovir (Zovirax ointment) are used at this stage. If you suffer from severe itching, you can take an aspirin or paracetamol tablet.

Stage II – the stage of inflammation, begins with a small painful vesicle, which gradually increases in size. The bubble is tense and filled with a clear liquid, which later becomes cloudy.

Stage III – stage of ulceration. The bubble bursts, and a colorless liquid flows out of it, stuffed with billions of viral particles. In its place, an ulcer is formed.

At this point, the sick person is highly contagious, as they release a huge amount of viral particles into the environment. Because of the soreness and sores on the face, people are most annoyed by this stage.

IV stage eschar formation. A crust forms over the sores, if damaged, pain and bleeding can occur.

Herpes rashes are most often located on the red border of the lips, but can also be on the nose, on the cheeks, in the ears, on the forehead, in the oral cavity: on the gums, the inner surface of the lips and cheeks.

Complications of the “cold” on the lips

If personal hygiene rules are not followed, the virus can affect other parts of the body: if you rub your eyes with your hands after touching the blisters or sores, you can provoke ophthalmic herpes 9 0006 or herpes eye – severe eye damage, sometimes leading to decreased vision and even blindness. Herpetic eczema may develop – a virus infection of the skin of the fingers.

If you kiss someone with ulcerated lips, you can pass the infection to the child or loved ones.

Oral sex with a partner with an active “cold” on the lips can lead to “ genital herpes “. Those. during an outbreak of a “cold” on the lips, herpes can be mechanically transferred from the lips of an “active” sexual partner in oral sex to the genitals of the recipient of oral caresses.

This is how patient M. describes the severe course of herpetic infection on the lips: He is very worried about headaches and intoxication, as a rule, for no apparent reason, symptoms of severe poisoning appear. Tablets from the “head” help with difficulty, more or less saves an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine. Not a single doctor even wanted to talk about a headache and listen .”

In people with reduced immunity (immunosuppression, HIV infection), necrotic forms of the course with the formation of scars on the skin are possible. 6.” Colds are contagious! Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching cold sores, including after applying antiviral cream.

– Don’t touch your eyes! Especially women during make-up;

– Do not use saliva to wet contact lenses.

– Despite itching and pain, do not touch rashes, kiss, especially with children, use someone else’s lipstick or borrow your own, smoke one cigarette with a friend (girlfriend).

– Do not attempt to remove blisters or crusts to avoid transmission of infection to other parts of the body or bacterial infection.

– Stop oral sex! Oral sex during a “cold” on the lips of an “active” partner can cause genital herpes in a partner who is passively participating in oral sex. In this case, herpes from the lips of the “active” partner can be transferred to the genitals of the partner receiving caresses.
– If you have a cold on your lips, use individual dishes or towels, do not drink from other people’s glasses. ..

Newborn care. To avoid contracting herpes in the newborn, women who have cold sores on the lips should thoroughly wash their hands before touching their baby. If there are blisters or sores on the lips, a disposable surgical mask or gauze bandage should be used while caring for the child until the sores dry out. During a cold on the lips, do not kiss or sniff the child. If there is herpes on any other part of the body, then it must be carefully closed and in no case should it come into contact with the skin of the child.

REMEMBER:

– By the time you feel the tingling, the virus has already started, which means it’s time to start using an antiviral cream or other antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor without delay;

– Use your medicine!

Medicines can help stop a relapse or speed up recovery.

Use aciclovir creams and ointments to help heal blisters and ulcers quickly, supplements containing either zinc or L-LYSINE. Remember that the use of corticosteroids (hydrocortisone ointment) reduces itching, but dramatically increases the area and severity of the lesions and the duration of the painful period.

– Apply antiviral ointments with cosmetic sticks.

To apply antiviral ointments (Acyclovir, Zovirax) to herpetic eruptions, use special cosmetic sticks, as shown in this picture.

Applying ointments to the lesion directly with the fingers can cause the virus to be transferred from the lips to the skin of the fingers.

– If you have frequent relapses, then make sure that you always have the medicine at hand. Like a passport or money, keep it with you at all times;

– Aciclovir creams and ointments must be used at least 4 times a day for 5 days.

– Valaciclovir may be prescribed for one-day treatment of lip herpes by a physician. If you take two tablets of valaciclovir 500 mg, first in the morning and then in the evening, within 24 hours from the onset of the disease, then a cold on the lips will not develop or the healing of herpetic lesions will occur faster.

– If a “cold” does not go away within 10 days, be sure to consult a dermatologist, as a “cold” on the lips can be a symptom of other serious diseases that require specialized treatment.

– Prolonged course of a cold on the lips (more than 30 days) may be a sign of a sharp decrease in immunity, benign tumors and oncological diseases, HIV infection, lymphoproliferative diseases.

Growing pains in children. Causes of occurrence

What it is?

Often, growth pains in the legs include manifestations of discomfort in the absence of organic pathology.

Other names: “recurrent nocturnal limb pain” and “benign limb pain in children” emphasize the features of the condition: nocturnal symptoms that recur and a favorable prognosis.

Meanwhile, the disease disrupts the full sleep of a small person and causes concern for moms and dads.

How often do they meet?

The disorder occurs in different countries: from 10 to 50% of boys and girls turn to a pediatrician, orthopedist, rheumatologist with characteristic complaints.

What are the causes of the condition?

Today there is no consensus why it appears. Meanwhile, it was established that “growth pains” actually have nothing to do with the process of growth.

Importance is given to a combination of factors:

• Excessive mobility and physical activity of children in this age period.
• Increased excitability of the nervous system and impressionability of babies. The immature nervous system does not have time to process and interpret the increased number of incoming impulses. At night, at rest, the brain perceives signals of irritation, stretching, pressure as pain.
• Scientists have found that babies who wake up at night crying and complaining of leg twisting have a lower pain threshold. Patients are also hypersensitive to other stimuli.
• A number of studies have found vitamin D deficiency in patients. The problem of this hypovitaminosis is relevant for boys and girls of any age.

In some patients, episodes of headaches and abdominal pain are recorded, the cause of which cannot be determined.

The theory that was popular in recent years about the occurrence of bone pain during growth has not been confirmed. Symptoms do not depend on changes in the musculoskeletal system, jumps and rates of increase in body length.

How does the disease manifest itself?

Symptoms of growing pains scare parents. A typical picture is as follows: the child suddenly wakes up a few hours after falling asleep, crying, with complaints of throbbing, pulling pain in the knees, shins, ankles, calf muscles on both sides.

Pain in the arms is less common, in addition to signs of abnormalities in the knees and lower legs.

For preschoolers, dull arching pain is characteristic, for schoolchildren – a feeling of crawling, a desire to move limbs.

Headache and abdominal discomfort are sometimes noted.

The episode lasts 10-20 minutes, intuitively parents try to improve their well-being by massaging, kneading and rubbing their legs until the child calms down and falls asleep. In the morning, the baby wakes up healthy and often does not remember what happened. During the day, the joints do not bother, and after a night or two, the situation is exactly the same.

The frequency of episodes varies from 3-4 times a year to daily, the intensity is from moderate to severe.

Parents note that awakenings are provoked by physical activity, emotional experiences and strong impressions during the day. The problem may disappear for weeks or months and then return.

In the family of patients, similar complaints are mentioned among other relatives.

What is important to know?

• There are no signs of illness during the daytime. No matter how hard the night passes, in the morning the child feels healthy. General well-being also does not suffer: normal temperature is maintained, there are no violations from organs and systems.
• Damage or inflammation of the joints and muscles is not determined by examination: there is no swelling, deformation or discoloration of the skin, the patient can perform all the normal range of motion of the arms and legs.
• Additional examination methods and laboratory tests demonstrate the absence of pathology.

How to make a diagnosis?

Suspect the disease allows a colorful description of the attack and the presence of characteristic criteria:

• repeated nocturnal episodes: more than once a month for at least 3 months;
• bilateral character;
• high intensity: baby wakes up and cries
• after active days
• no visible changes on physical examination
• excellent patient well-being in the daytime.

The diagnosis is established on the basis of clinical signs after the exclusion of other pathology, primarily arthritis.

When carefully examining a small person, pay attention to:

• musculoskeletal disorders: change in movement, joint swelling or tenderness to pressure on bones;
• skin changes that occur in rheumatology: with juvenile dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis;
• gait, which demonstrates abnormalities in lesions of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems;
• an increase in the size of the lymph nodes, liver, spleen is alarming in terms of the tumor process.

The results of laboratory tests and instrumental methods of examination help to confirm the diagnosis.

What diagnostic methods are used?

Changes in tissues are not determined during this process, so instrumental diagnostics is necessary to exclude other, serious pathologies.

The standard examination plan for recurring nocturnal discomfort in the limbs includes clinical and biochemical blood tests with the determination of indicators of the function of internal organs, the level of C-reactive protein, the main marker of inflammation.

With the help of a general urine test, metabolic disorders are detected. If an infection is suspected, the serum is examined for antibodies to bacteria.

Radiography determines bone damage, ultrasound – pathology of soft tissues. Instrumental methods of examination are prescribed according to indications.

Which doctor should I contact?

A child who has pain in the legs or arms needs a face-to-face examination by a rheumatologist to rule out arthritis.

Situations that require immediate medical attention:

• pain on one side;
• symptoms are present in the morning, afternoon or evening;
• external manifestations of ill health: swelling of soft tissues, fever or discoloration of the skin, impossibility of movement;
• Newly occurring manifestations younger than three and older than 12 years.

How is the disease treated?

Your son or daughter has been diagnosed with growing pains, what should I do?

Firstly, the parent needs to understand and explain to the child the nature of what is happening in an accessible language. This will reduce anxiety and relieve the baby of fear.

Changing the mode will help: reduce physical activity and transfer the time of sports to the first half of the day.

After lunch and in the evening, give preference to calm games. Extend your bedtime rituals and add relaxing treatments: A warm bath, soothing soft music, dimmed lights, or warm milk can help your baby.

During attacks, with light massaging movements, stroke, rub and knead the areas where discomfort is present. To alleviate the condition, dry heat helps: apply a towel or heating pad heated on the radiator to your feet. If necessary, have your son or daughter sit on your lap or lie down next to you until the child calms down.

In most cases, the measures taken are sufficient.

If the episodes are daily or intense, the doctor prescribes ibuprofen at an age-appropriate dosage at the time of the attack or before going to bed.

When vitamin D deficiency is detected, it is necessary to take a therapeutic dose of the drug under the supervision of a doctor.

Is the disease dangerous?

The process does not change the growth and development of a small person, does not destroy bones and joints, and does not lead to other chronic diseases.

Anxiety causes the sensations themselves and nocturnal awakenings, however, they also disturb the parent to a greater extent.

Growing pains in teens disappear at 90% of cases. One in 20 patients persists into adulthood.

The danger is represented by serious violations with similar manifestations, which are disguised as a benign process.

You should be alerted if

• a pathological process prevents the baby from getting enough sleep and functioning normally: to study, play, explore the world around;
• symptoms are noted in the morning or in the afternoon, their intensity increases;
• discomfort associated with a traumatic event;
• there is swelling, redness, rash or skin changes in the painful area;
• developed fever, change in appetite, weakness and fatigue.