Symptoms of fever in newborns
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Fever in newborns can cause elevated body temperature, sometimes rising above 40°C, along with cold hands and feet. Physical discomfort may make the newborn irritable and prone to crying. If symptoms are not relieved, sleep quality may be affected, leading to poor mental state. In some cases, gastrointestinal function may also be impaired, resulting in loss of appetite, reduced milk intake, and even vomiting in severe cases.
When newborns have a fever, they typically exhibit symptoms such as elevated body temperature, flushed skin, irritability and crying, poor精神 (mental state), and loss of appetite.
1. Elevated Body Temperature
When newborns develop a fever, a continuously rising body temperature is a typical sign. As the temperature increases, the head and neck become noticeably warm, and the temperature may sometimes rise above 40°C (104°F). During persistent high fever, the newborn's hands and feet may feel cold to the touch.
2. Flushed Skin
The skin of a febrile newborn gradually becomes red, including the lips, with obvious redness on the face, neck, and hands. At the same time, the oral mucosa may become dry, and some infants may develop chapped lips.
3. Irritability and Crying
Physical discomfort causes newborns to become irritable and cry frequently. If the fever is caused by a cold, it is often accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing, which further increase discomfort and prolong crying episodes.
4. Poor Mental State
If a newborn's fever is not relieved, it can affect sleep quality, making it difficult for the baby to fall asleep or causing frequent awakenings during sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to lethargy, fatigue, and difficulty keeping the eyes open.
5. Loss of Appetite
Most fevers in newborns are caused by inflammation, which can also impair gastrointestinal function, resulting in reduced appetite, decreased milk intake, and, in severe cases, vomiting after feeding.
