What should I do if a 10-month-old baby has a fever of 37.5°C?
Apr 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
The management of a 10-month-old baby with a fever of 37.5°C usually depends on the underlying cause. Common causes include teething, common cold, pneumonia, otitis media, and rotavirus gastroenteritis. When babies feel unwell, changes in body temperature often appear quickly. Therefore, if an abnormal temperature is observed, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are necessary.
Generally, the management of a 10-month-old baby with a fever of 37.5°C usually depends on the underlying cause. Common causes include teething, common cold, pneumonia, otitis media (middle ear infection), and rotavirus gastroenteritis. The details are as follows:
1. Teething
A 10-month-old baby is typically in the stage of primary tooth eruption. This may cause mild gum inflammation, leading to low-grade fever and refusal to eat—both normal physiological phenomena. Drinking more water and maintaining adequate nutrition can help improve these symptoms.
2. Common Cold
A cold caused by respiratory viruses such as adenovirus or rhinovirus may affect the function of the body's temperature regulation center, resulting in low-grade fever. Other symptoms may include runny nose and cough. Medications such as pediatric paracetamol-phenylpropanolamine granules, wind-cold感冒 granules, or pediatric cold granules may be used under medical guidance to suppress pathogens and restore normal body temperature.
3. Pneumonia
Pneumonia caused by bacterial or mycoplasma infections leads to pulmonary tissue edema and accumulation of inflammatory exudates in the alveoli, potentially causing fever and cough with sputum. Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor—such as amoxicillin granules, azithromycin dry suspension, or cefixime granules—can help reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
4. Otitis Media
This is an infectious condition occurring within the ear, which increases levels of inflammatory mediators in the body and elevates immune system activity, leading to fever. Symptoms may also include ear pain and tinnitus. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefaclor granules, cefixime granules, or cephalexin granules can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
5. Rotavirus Gastroenteritis
Infection with rotavirus can affect the nervous system or the body’s temperature regulation, causing fever and diarrhea. As advised by a physician, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, Bacillus licheniformis viable granules, or Clostridium butyricum viable granules may be used to help restore intestinal flora balance.
Babies often show signs of illness quickly through changes in body temperature. Therefore, any abnormal temperature should prompt timely medical evaluation and treatment.
