What causes fever in children. How to recognize fever symptoms in kids. When should you treat a child’s fever. What are effective ways to reduce fever in children. When to seek medical help for a child with fever.

The Nature and Mechanisms of Fever in Children

Fever is a common occurrence in childhood, often causing concern for parents and caregivers. But what exactly constitutes a fever? Healthcare providers generally define fever as a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Understanding the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms can provide insight into how and why fevers occur.

The human body employs several methods to maintain its normal temperature, involving organs such as the brain, skin, muscles, and blood vessels. These mechanisms include:

• Adjusting sweat production
• Controlling blood flow to the skin’s surface
• Regulating water retention or release
• Seeking appropriate environmental temperatures

During a fever, these same processes are at work, but the body’s internal thermostat is temporarily set to a higher temperature. This elevation in body temperature serves several purposes in fighting infections and other threats.

The Immune Response Behind Fever

When the body detects an invader, such as a microorganism or malignancy, it initiates a complex immune response that can result in fever. This process involves:

1. Production of chemicals called cytokines and mediators
2. Increased production of macrophages, cells that engulf and destroy invaders
3. Generation of natural antibodies to fight infection
4. Response to toxins released by disrupted bacterial membranes

These mechanisms collectively contribute to the elevation of body temperature, which in turn aids in combating the underlying cause of illness.

Common Causes of Fever in Children

Fever in children can be triggered by various conditions. While infections are the most common cause, other factors can also lead to elevated body temperatures. What are the primary culprits behind childhood fevers?

• Infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
• Certain medications
• Heat stroke
• Blood transfusions
• Neurological disorders
• Some types of cancer
• Autoimmune diseases

It’s important to note that fever itself is not an illness but rather a symptom or sign that the body is actively fighting an infection or other health issue. In this context, fever can be seen as a beneficial response, stimulating the body’s defenses and mobilizing white blood cells to combat the underlying cause.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms in Children

How can parents and caregivers identify when a child might have a fever? While an elevated body temperature is the primary indicator, children with fevers may exhibit various other symptoms. These can include:

• Reduced activity and talkativeness
• Increased fussiness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Feeling warm or hot to the touch

It’s crucial to remember that a child’s subjective feeling of being “burning up” doesn’t always correlate with a high measured temperature. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises immediate medical attention for infants under 3 months of age with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

The Debate on Treating Childhood Fevers

Should every fever be treated? This question often perplexes parents and caregivers. Generally, fever treatment in children is recommended when it’s causing discomfort. However, it’s important to understand that treating the fever doesn’t accelerate the body’s ability to fight off the infection; it merely alleviates the associated discomfort.

One concern that often arises is the risk of febrile seizures in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. While frightening, these seizures are generally not harmful and don’t indicate epilepsy. Importantly, there’s no evidence to suggest that treating fever reduces the risk of febrile seizures.

When to Consider Fever Treatment

While not all fevers require treatment, certain situations warrant intervention. When should you consider treating your child’s fever?

• If the fever is causing significant discomfort
• In children with underlying health conditions that may be exacerbated by fever
• If the fever is very high (repeatedly above 104°F or 40°C)

Remember, the goal of treatment is to alleviate discomfort, not to normalize the temperature.

Effective Methods for Reducing Fever in Children

When treatment is deemed necessary, there are several safe and effective ways to reduce fever in children. What are the recommended approaches to managing childhood fevers?

1. Administer appropriate fever-reducing medications:
   • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly recommended
   • Avoid aspirin due to its association with Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition
2. Ensure proper hydration:
   • Encourage intake of fluids like juices, clear soups, or popsicles
   • Increased fluid intake helps prevent dehydration and aids in temperature regulation
3. Adjust clothing and environment:
   • Dress the child in light, breathable clothing
   • Maintain a comfortable room temperature
4. Consider lukewarm baths:
   • Use comfortably warm water to avoid shivering, which can raise body temperature
   • Never leave a child unattended in the bath

It’s important to note that certain practices, such as alcohol baths, are not recommended and can be dangerous.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Childhood Fevers

While most childhood fevers can be managed at home, certain situations require prompt medical attention. When should parents or caregivers consult a healthcare provider about a child’s fever?

• For infants 3 months or younger with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• When a child of any age has repeated fevers above 104°F (40°C)
• If the fever persists for more than a few days
• When the child shows signs of dehydration, lethargy, or severe discomfort
• If the child has an underlying medical condition that increases risk

In these cases, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to ensure proper evaluation and treatment of the underlying cause.

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions About Childhood Fevers

Despite advances in medical knowledge, many myths and misconceptions persist regarding childhood fevers. What are some common misunderstandings about fever in children?

• Myth: All fevers are dangerous and must be treated aggressively.
• Fact: Moderate fevers are often beneficial and don’t always require treatment.

• Myth: Fever itself can cause brain damage or other serious harm.
• Fact: Typical fevers (under 105°F) don’t cause brain damage. The underlying illness is usually of greater concern.

• Myth: Teething causes high fevers in infants.
• Fact: While teething may cause a slight temperature elevation, high fevers are not typically associated with teething.

• Myth: The height of the fever always indicates the severity of the illness.
• Fact: The degree of fever doesn’t necessarily correlate with the seriousness of the underlying condition.

Understanding these facts can help parents and caregivers respond more appropriately to childhood fevers, reducing unnecessary anxiety and overtreatment.

The Role of Fever in Immune Function

Contrary to popular belief, fever plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections. How does fever contribute to immune function?

• Enhances the activity of white blood cells
• Slows the growth and reproduction of some bacteria and viruses
• Increases the production of disease-fighting substances in the body

Recognizing fever as a natural and often beneficial response can help in making informed decisions about when and how to intervene.

Preparing for and Preventing Childhood Fevers

While not all fevers can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce their frequency and severity. How can parents and caregivers prepare for and potentially prevent childhood fevers?

1. Maintain good hygiene practices:
   • Encourage regular handwashing
   • Teach children to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
2. Keep vaccinations up to date:
   • Follow recommended immunization schedules
   • Consult with healthcare providers about additional vaccines for at-risk children
3. Promote a healthy lifestyle:
   • Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition
   • Encourage regular physical activity
4. Be prepared:
   • Keep a reliable thermometer at home
   • Stock age-appropriate fever-reducing medications
   • Have your pediatrician’s contact information readily available

By implementing these strategies, families can be better equipped to handle fevers when they occur and potentially reduce their frequency.

The Importance of Accurate Temperature Measurement

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for assessing and managing childhood fevers. What are the most reliable methods for taking a child’s temperature?

• Rectal thermometers: Most accurate for infants and young children
• Oral thermometers: Suitable for older children who can cooperate
• Axillary (armpit) thermometers: Less accurate but can be used for screening
• Tympanic (ear) thermometers: Quick and convenient, but require proper technique
• Temporal artery thermometers: Non-invasive and increasingly popular

Understanding the pros and cons of each method can help in choosing the most appropriate option for your child’s age and situation.

Fever in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is a fever?

A fever is defined by most healthcare provider as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) and higher when taken rectally.

The body has several ways to maintain normal body temperature. The organs involved in helping with temperature regulation include the brain, skin, muscle, and blood vessels. The body responds to changes in temperature by:

• Increasing or decreasing sweat production.

• Moving blood away from, or closer to, the surface of the skin.

• Getting rid of, or holding on to, water in the body.

• Seeking a cooler or warmer environment.

When your child has a fever, the body works the same way to control the temperature, but it has temporarily reset its thermostat at a higher temperature. The temperature increases for a number of reasons:

• Chemicals, called cytokines and mediators, are made in the body in response to an invasion from a microorganism, malignancy, or other intruder.

• The body is making more macrophages, which are cells that go to combat when intruders are present in the body. These cells actually “eat-up” the invading organism.

• The body is busily trying to make natural antibodies, which fight infection. These antibodies will recognize the infection next time it tries to invade.

• Many bacteria are enclosed in an overcoat-like membrane. When this membrane is disrupted or broken, the contents that escape can be toxic to the body and stimulate the brain to raise the temperature.

What conditions can cause a fever?

The following conditions can cause a fever:

• Infectious diseases

• Certain medicines

• Heat stroke

• Blood transfusion

• Disorders in the brain

• Some kinds of cancer

• Some autoimmune diseases

What are the benefits of a fever?

Fever is not an illness. It is a symptom, or sign that your body is fighting an illness or infection. Fever stimulates the body’s defenses, sending white blood cells and other “fighter” cells to fight and destroy the cause of the infection.

What are the symptoms that my child may have a fever?

Children with fevers may become more uncomfortable as the temperature rises. In addition to a body temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C), symptoms may include:

• Your child may not be as active or talkative as usual.

• He or she may seem fussier, less hungry, and thirstier.

• Your child may feel warm or hot. Remember that even if your child feels like he or she is “burning up,” the measured temperature may not be that high.

The symptoms of a fever may look like other medical conditions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if your child is younger than 3 months of age and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, you should call your child’s healthcare provider immediately. If you are unsure, always check with your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

When should a fever be treated?

In children, a fever that is making them uncomfortable should be treated. Treating your child’s fever will not help the body get rid of the infection any faster; it simply will relieve discomfort associated with fever. Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years can develop seizures from fever (called febrile seizures). If your child does have a febrile seizure, there is a chance that the seizure may occur again, but, usually, children outgrow the febrile seizures. A febrile seizure does not mean your child has epilepsy. There is no evidence that treating the fever will reduce the risk of having a febrile seizure.

What can I do to decrease my child’s fever?

Give your child an antifever medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. DO NOT give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious, potentially fatal disease, called Reye syndrome.

Other ways to reduce a fever:

• Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise.

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as juices, soda, punch, or popsicles.

• Give your child a lukewarm bath. Do not allow your child to shiver from cold water, as this can raise the body temperature. NEVER leave your child unattended in the bathtub. 

• DO NOT use alcohol baths.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Unless advised otherwise by your child’s healthcare provider, call the provider right away if:

• Your child is 3 months old or younger and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Get medical care right away. Fever in a young baby can be a sign of a dangerous infection.

• Your child is of any age and has repeated fevers above 104°F (40°C).

• Your child is younger than 2 years of age and a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) continues for more than 1 day.

• Your child is 2 years old or older and a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) continues for more than 3 days.

• Your baby is fussy or cries and cannot be soothed.

Fever | Boston Children’s Hospital

Your child has a fever if her temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

The body has several ways to maintain normal body temperature. The body responds to changes in temperature by:

• increasing or decreasing sweat production
• moving blood away from, or closer to, the surface of the skin
• getting rid of, or holding on to, water in the body
• naturally wanting to seek a cooler or warmer environment

What causes a fever?

When your child has a fever, her body works the same way to control the temperature but it resets its thermostat at a higher temperature. The temperature increases for a number of reasons:

• Chemicals called cytokines or mediators are produced in the body in response to an invasion from a microorganism, malignancy, or other intruder.
• The body is making more macrophages, which are cells that go to combat when intruders are present in the body. These cells actually “eat up” the invading organism.
• The body is busily trying to produce natural antibodies which fight infection. These antibodies will recognize the infection next time it tries to invade.
• Many bacteria are enclosed in an overcoat-like membrane. When this membrane is disrupted or broken, the contents that escape can be toxic to the body and stimulate the brain to raise the temperature.

What conditions can cause a fever?

The following conditions can cause a fever:

• infectious diseases
• certain medications
• heat stroke
• blood transfusion
• disorders of the brain

What are the benefits of a fever?

A fever actually helps the body destroy its microbial invader. It also stimulates an inflammatory response, which sends all kinds of substances to the area of infection to protect the area, prevent the spread of the invader, and start the healing process.

What are the symptoms that my child may have a fever?

Children with fevers may become more uncomfortable as the temperature rises. The following are the most common symptoms of a fever. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. In addition to a body temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, symptoms may include:

• Your child may not be as active or talkative as usual.
• She may seem fussier, less hungry, or thirstier.
• Your child may feel warm or hot. Remember that even if your child feels like she is “burning up,” the actual rectal or oral temperature may not be that high.

The symptoms of a fever may resemble other medical conditions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if your child is younger that 2 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should call your pediatrician. If you are unsure, always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

When should a fever be treated?

If your child is very uncomfortable, treatment may be necessary. Treating your child’s fever will not help her body get rid of the infection any quicker, but it will relieve discomfort associated with it.

Rarely, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years can develop seizures from high fever (called febrile seizures). If your child does have a febrile seizure, there is a chance that the seizure may occur again, but, usually, children outgrow the febrile seizures. A febrile seizure does not mean your child has epilepsy.

What can I do to decrease my child’s fever?

Give her an anti-fever medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. DO NOT give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious, potentially fatal disease, called Reye syndrome.

Other ways to reduce a fever:

• Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause her temperature to rise.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.
• Give your child a lukewarm bath.
• Place cold washcloths over areas of the body where the blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin such as the forehead, wrists, and groin.

When should I call my child’s physician?

If your child’s temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit, this is considered a medical emergency and your child needs immediate medical attention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Call your child’s physician immediately if your child is younger than 3 months old and any of the following conditions are present:

• Your child’s rectal temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Your child is crying inconsolably.
• Your child is difficult to awaken.
• Your child’s neck is stiff
• Purple spots are present on the skin.
• Breathing is difficult AND does not improve after you clear the nose.
• Your child is unable to swallow anything and is drooling saliva.
• Your child looks or acts very sick; if possible, check your child’s appearance one hour after your child has taken an appropriate dose of acetaminophen.

Call your child’s physician within 24 hours if your child, 3 months or older, has any of the following conditions present:

• The fever is 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (especially if your child is younger than 2 years old)
• Burning or pain occurs with urination
• Your child has had a fever for more than 24 hours without an obvious cause or location of infection.

Call your child’s physician during office hours if any of the following conditions are present:

• Your child has had a fever for more than 72 hours.
• The fever went away for more than 24 hours and then returned.
• Your child has a history of febrile seizures.
• You have other concerns or questions.

reasons, recommendations of doctors of the Central Medical Clinic CMD Perovo, st.

Novogireevskaya

An increase in body temperature in a child is the most common reason for seeking emergency medical care. And of course, it is right when the child’s parents, not self-medicating, seek medical help when their child has a fever.

However, it is useful for all parents to know some of the main causes of fever (fever) in a child and ways to normalize it.

Fever is divided into three main degrees of severity:

• A – fever from 37.0 to 37.9 degrees – mild or subfebrile fever, subfebrile condition;
• B – temperature increase from 38.0 to 39.0 degrees C – moderate fever;
• B – from 39.0 to 41.0 – high fever;
• D – increase in body temperature above 41 degrees – excessive (life-threatening) fever.

Fever in an infant

The body temperature of a newborn child during the first 5 – 7 days of life fluctuates around 37. 0, and in some children, an increase in body temperature during this period up to 38.0 – 39.0 is possible. This phenomenon is called transient hyperthermia of the newborn. In addition to hyperthermia, newborns are even more likely to have hypothermia, that is, a decrease in body temperature below normal. Due to the immaturity of the brain structures, not only newborn children, but also children of the younger age group up to 3-5 years old have a tendency to overheat quickly and to quickly hypothermia. Especially such a “volatility” of body temperature is typical, of course, for children in the first year of life. Therefore, if you, having measured the body temperature of a baby, found an increase in body temperature to 37.0 – 37.4 degrees, do not rush to immediately call a pediatrician. It is enough to measure the body temperature, having previously unswaddled the child, or simply remove a warm blanket from him so that after 15-20 minutes the temperature returns to normal.

Another common cause of an increase in body temperature in the first 1. 5 – 2 years of a child’s life is a reaction to teething. We wrote about this problem in a separate article on our website. In a nutshell, let me remind you that the reaction to teething in children is very individual. An increase in body temperature, most often, fits into the range from 37.1 to 37.6 degrees. Elevated temperature during teething usually lasts no more than 2-3 days, and in most children does not require the use of antipyretic drugs. However, in some cases, when teething, the child may have a fairly high fever of up to 38.0 and even up to 39.0 degrees. In this case, you can not do without the use of special anti-inflammatory gels for application to the gums and antipyretics in the form of suppositories (candles), such as Nurofen.

Prolonged, subfebrile fever in a child

If in infants the cause of sudden “temperature jumps”, most often, is the immaturity of the nervous system and the reaction to teething, then in older children, often prolonged subfebrile body temperature is kept against the background of psycho-emotional experiences, academic failure, conflict situations in the family. A separate problem is the active introduction of various electronic gadgets into the lives of modern children, sometimes from a very early age. So, for a child from 4 to 6 years old, who is already used to spending several hours a day at a computer or a game console, prolonged subfebrile condition can generally become commonplace, and parents, when they grab their heads from the thermometer readings, drag their child to neurologists , immunologists and infectious disease specialists, passing a bunch of tests, instead of just finding something more useful and healthy for the child.

NOTE TO PARENTS

Child has fever. What to do?

1 If your child’s temperature suddenly rises (he was still healthy an hour ago), do not panic. As a rule, this is an acute respiratory disease, because it is ARI that makes up about 90% of childhood infections.

2. If the day before the child already had symptoms of infection (malaise, runny nose, sore throat, cough, change in voice, moderate pain in the abdomen), then this is most likely a manifestation of the child’s body’s protective reaction to this infection .

3. If the child tolerates elevated body temperature well up to 39-39.60, is older than 6 months, and does not have serious concomitant diseases, then do not rush to reduce it. Make sure your child has enough to drink for adequate perspiration (drinking temperature should be around body temperature for rapid absorption). The air in the room should be cool (18-200) to cool the upper respiratory tract, as well as the entire body of the child. Under no circumstances should babies be wrapped.

4. If a child does not tolerate fever or has a severe concomitant pathology, we begin to reduce the temperature, or rather, we strive to improve the child’s well-being. For this, a decrease in temperature to the norm is not required (remember the protective role of elevated temperature). We use drugs ibuprofen and paracetamol (trade names may be different) approved for children in the Russian Federation in the form of syrups, drops, suppositories and tablets. The main thing is not to exceed the recommended daily dose of the drug. To improve well-being, the minimum dose of the drug indicated in the instructions may be sufficient. Typically, drug-resistant fevers are associated with the child’s inability to sweat (drinks little or the child has a “pale” type of fever).

What should not be done when the temperature is high?

• Do not wrap up the child

• If he is pale and his extremities are cool (“pale” type of fever), do not use ice and cold water for cooling

• Do not use aspirin, analgin, etc., to reduce body temperature, drugs not approved for fever in children

How soon should the child be seen by a doctor?

If the child’s health does not suffer (especially after the temperature drops), you can see a doctor the next day. The best option would be to go directly to the clinic at the place of residence, then the doctor will have the opportunity to timely conduct laboratory and instrumental examinations.