What to do if a two-year-old child has a fever of 39 degrees

Generally speaking, fever refers to elevated body temperature. A temperature of 39°C in a two-year-old child may be related to factors such as excessively high environmental temperature, strenuous exercise, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or infantile emergency rash (roseola). It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's guidance for treatment, which may include general care and medication. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. High environmental temperature

A baby's thermoregulatory center is not yet fully developed and mature, making it susceptible to external environmental temperature. When the ambient temperature is too high, the baby's body cannot effectively dissipate heat, leading to elevated body temperature. It is recommended to maintain a suitable indoor temperature and avoid prolonged exposure of the baby to high-temperature environments.

2. Strenuous exercise

Active and energetic babies may generate a large amount of heat after strenuous activity. If this heat cannot be dissipated in time, it may cause an increase in body temperature. It is recommended to reasonably schedule the baby's exercise time and intensity, and avoid engaging in strenuous activity in hot weather or in enclosed environments.

3. Upper respiratory tract infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. These infections lead to increased inflammatory responses in the baby's body, releasing inflammatory mediators that cause elevated body temperature. Symptoms typically include runny nose, cough, and sneezing. Medications such as compound paracetamol amine tablets, isatis root granules, and oseltamivir phosphate capsules should be used according to the doctor's instructions.

4. Acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is typically caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Gastrointestinal inflammation caused by acute gastroenteritis leads to elevated body temperature. Symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, and changes in stool consistency. Medications such as enteritis relief tablets, compound berberine tablets, and smectite powder should be used according to the doctor's instructions.

5. Infantile emergency rash (roseola)

Infantile emergency rash is usually caused by human herpesvirus 6 infection. The viral infection triggers an inflammatory response, leading to high fever. Symptoms generally include listlessness, poor appetite, and disturbed sleep. Antiviral oral solution, ribavirin granules, and ibuprofen suspension drops may be used under the doctor's guidance.

It is also important to provide the baby with light, easily digestible food, an adequate amount of warm water, and avoid giving greasy or spicy foods, which can help promote recovery.