The baby has a fever of 38.7°C and is asleep—what's happening, and what should I do?
Dec 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, a fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A baby sleeping with a fever of 38.7°C may be caused by physical fatigue, the action of the body's temperature regulation center, a cold, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, or other reasons. Treatment options may include general care and medication, under a doctor's guidance. If a baby develops a fever that persists, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Generally speaking, fever refers to elevated body temperature. A baby falling asleep at a fever of 38.7°C may be caused by physical fatigue, the function of the body's temperature regulation center, common cold, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, or other reasons. Treatment options include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. If the baby's fever persists, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Physical Fatigue
During a fever, the baby's metabolism accelerates, consuming large amounts of energy, which leaves the body in a state of fatigue, making it easier to fall asleep. This is a self-protective mechanism of the body to reduce energy consumption through sleep, allowing the body to rest and recover. Parents can adjust the baby's environment to avoid overheating or excessive cold and ensure timely ventilation by opening windows.
2. Function of the Body's Temperature Regulation Center
When a baby has a fever, the body's temperature regulation center works to maintain body temperature at a relatively stable level. During this process, the body responds to the fever by reducing activity and increasing heat dissipation. In a sleeping state, the baby's metabolism slows down, decreasing heat production, which helps the temperature regulation center function more effectively, thus inducing sleep. Wiping the baby's neck, armpits, and other areas with warm water can help dissipate heat and lower body temperature.
3. Common Cold
The common cold is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. The infection may trigger an immune response in the body, producing endogenous pyrogens that act on the body's temperature regulation center, causing an increase in body temperature and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. These may be accompanied by coughing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as pediatric paracetamol, chlorpheniramine, and artificial compound preparations, cefaclor dry suspension, and ibuprofen suspension may be used for treatment.
4. Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections. The inflammatory irritation triggers an immune response in the body, leading to an elevated body temperature. The baby may become excessively sleepy due to discomfort and may also experience symptoms such as coughing and expectoration.遵医嘱 (follow the doctor's instructions) medications such as ambroxol oral solution, amoxicillin clavulanate potassium granules, and paracetamol drops may be used for treatment.
5. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. Lung inflammation impairs gas exchange function, and the body's immune response results in fever. The baby may become listless and sleepy due to severe discomfort and hypoxia, possibly accompanied by frequent coughing, expectoration, and rapid breathing. It is recommended to use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, ribavirin granules, and thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets for symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance.
During the recovery period, parents should ensure the baby gets adequate rest, avoid excessive activity, and maintain a light diet to aid in recovery.
