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

Dec 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child having a fever without sweating may be related to environmental factors, insufficient body hydration, upper respiratory tract infections, rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other causes. Prompt treatment according to the underlying cause is necessary, such as general care or medication. In cases of urgent fever conditions, timely medical attention is required. In daily life, it is also advisable to appropriately increase physical activity.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child having a fever without sweating may be related to environmental factors, insufficient body hydration, upper respiratory tract infection, rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other causes. Prompt treatment based on the underlying cause is necessary, such as general care or medication. In urgent situations involving high fever, timely medical attention should be sought. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

When a child lives in a high-temperature environment for a prolonged period, their body temperature may change. If timely cooling measures are not taken, mild fever might occur, but generally does not exceed 38°C. This is a normal phenomenon, and symptoms typically resolve spontaneously once the living environment is improved promptly.

2. Insufficient Body Hydration

If a child drinks too little water regularly, resulting in inadequate hydration or excessive fluid loss, it may affect the body's ability to sweat normally, leading to an elevated body temperature without sweating. It is recommended to encourage children to drink sufficient water regularly to ensure adequate daily hydration.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

An upper respiratory tract infection is mainly caused by bacterial or viral infections. When a child's immune system weakens due to pathogenic effects, symptoms such as fever and absence of sweating may occur, often accompanied by coughing and headache. It is recommended to follow medical advice and promptly use medications such as ribavirin granules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, and compound pediatric antipyretic suppositories.

4. Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is primarily caused by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. When the condition becomes severe, it may cause fever and even impair normal sweating function. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as redness and pain in the joints. After diagnosis, it is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as ibuprofen suspension, dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, and aspirin powder.

5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease associated with the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. When multiple systems are affected, body temperature may rise and sweating may be impaired. Symptoms may include rashes and joint swelling. Timely treatment under a doctor's guidance is necessary, using medications such as ifosfamide for injection, prednisolone acetate injection, and acetaminophen oral solution.

Before the cause of a child's fever is clearly identified, avoid using antipyretics, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications without medical advice, to prevent additional strain on the body and potential harm to health. Additionally, in daily life, it is advisable to increase physical activity appropriately to strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of illness.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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How to handle a child's fever of 38°C

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.