What causes recurrent fever in a 12-year-old child?

Generally, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Recurrent fever in a 12-year-old child may be associated with factors such as catching a chill, influenza, gastroenteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or malaria. It is recommended that patients receive symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Catching a chill

Symptoms of catching a chill include sneezing, nasal congestion, fever, and coughing. Therefore, recurrent fever in a 12-year-old child might result from exposure to cold. It is advised that the child dress warmly and maintain body heat promptly after getting chilled to prevent worsening symptoms. Additionally, drinking ginger tea can help dispel coldness, while consuming warm water can accelerate metabolism.

2. Influenza

When viruses invade the body, they damage respiratory epithelial cells and continue to replicate. The toxins they release can also affect the central nervous system, leading to recurrent fever in a 12-year-old child. Patients may take antiviral medications such as oseltamivir phosphate capsules or Lianhua Qingwen capsules as directed by a physician.

3. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis may be caused by pathogenic microbial infections, bile reflux, improper diet, or other factors. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, belching, and acid regurgitation. Some children may experience recurrent fever. Treatment may include medications such as cefixime granules, Fengliao Changweikang tablets, or montmorillonite powder, used according to medical advice.

4. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder. Patients produce various pyrogenic substances in their bodies, such as anti-red blood cell antibodies, which can lead to recurrent fever in a 12-year-old child. Treatment may involve medications like methylprednisolone tablets or cyclophosphamide for injection, taken as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Malaria

Malaria is primarily caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites. Although the exact mechanism behind irregular fevers in malaria remains unclear, typical symptoms include intermittent chills and high fever, manifesting as recurrent fever. Recommended diagnostic tests include complete blood count, blood smear staining, fluorescent staining, immunological testing, and nucleic acid detection for malaria parasites. Under medical guidance, primary disease treatment may involve drugs such as quinine sulfate tablets or pyrimethamine tablets to alleviate recurrent fever symptoms.

In addition, recurrent fever could also be related to conditions such as tuberculosis, leukemia, or Hodgkin's lymphoma. If a child experiences any discomfort, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.