What should I do if a child has a fever but does not sweat during summer?

Dec 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. In summer, children may experience fever without sweating, which is usually related to high environmental temperatures, insufficient fluid intake, heatstroke, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and other causes. It is recommended to promptly initiate general or medication-based treatments according to the underlying cause. If symptoms are severe, timely medical attention is necessary. Targeted treatment should also be administered promptly based on the specific cause.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. When children have a fever without sweating in summer, it is usually related to factors such as excessively high environmental temperatures, insufficient water intake, heatstroke, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and other causes. It is recommended to promptly pursue general or medication treatments based on the underlying cause. If the discomfort is severe, timely medical attention should be sought. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessively High Environmental Temperature

When the environmental temperature surrounding a child exceeds the body's adaptable range, it may cause increased internal heat production, resulting in elevated body temperature without sweating. It is important to maintain a suitable indoor temperature and avoid prolonged exposure of the child to high-temperature environments. Additionally, clothing should be adjusted appropriately to avoid impairing the body's heat dissipation ability.

2. Insufficient Water Intake

In summer, high temperatures can cause children to sweat more easily. If water is not replenished timely and excessive fluid loss occurs, it may also lead to elevated body temperature without sweating. Encourage children to drink more water or consume foods rich in water content, such as watermelon, pear, and winter melon.

3. Heatstroke

If children suffer from heatstroke caused by high summer temperatures, they may develop heat-related illnesses and experience the aforementioned discomforts, which are usually accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and headache. Promptly move the child to a cool environment, and maintain the indoor temperature around 25–26°C. If necessary, medications such as Shidi Shui (ten-drop water), ibuprofen suspension drops, or aspirin powder may be used under medical guidance.

4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by decreased immunity followed by viral or bacterial invasion. When the child's thermoregulatory center is affected, fever without sweating may occur, potentially accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion. Timely treatment with medications like antiviral granules, amoxicillin granules, or paracetamol oral solution should be administered under a doctor's guidance.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is also caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. When inflammation disrupts the function of the thermoregulatory center, the above-mentioned discomforts may occur, potentially accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve medications such as ribavirin injection, compound zinc-buckwheat granules, or cefixime granules, under the guidance of a physician.

In conclusion, timely targeted treatment should be implemented according to the specific cause, and antibiotics or antipyretics should not be used arbitrarily. Additionally, it is important to continuously monitor the child's physical condition to allow timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

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