What should I do if my 5-month-old baby has a fever of 38°C?
Dec 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A fever of 38°C in a five-month-old infant is commonly associated with factors such as indigestion, infantile emergency rash, bronchitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. It is recommended to treat according to the specific underlying cause, such as through general care, medication, or other treatments. If the infant shows any signs of discomfort, timely medical attention is necessary. Additionally, attention should be given to proper feeding practices to avoid placing extra strain on the infant's gastrointestinal system.
Generally speaking, fever refers to elevated body temperature. A baby five months old with a fever of 38°C is usually associated with factors such as indigestion, infantile emergency rash, bronchitis, pneumonia, meningitis, etc. It is recommended to treat according to the different causes, such as general treatment and medication. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical attention is required. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Indigestion
Feeding the baby excessive food can slow intestinal peristalsis, causing food to accumulate in the intestines, which may generate internal heat, elevate body temperature, and even cause high fever. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Gently massaging the abdomen may help promote intestinal peristalsis. If necessary, medications such as acetaminophen, Jianwei Xiaoshi granules, or domperidone suspension should be used under medical guidance.
2. Infantile Emergency Rash
Infantile emergency rash is a disease caused by human herpesvirus 6 infection, which spreads through droplets or direct contact. After the pathogen stimulates the body, it may affect the central nervous system, leading to elevated body temperature. Symptoms such as decreased appetite and abnormal sleep may also occur. Treatment may include medications like ibuprofen suspension, acetaminophen suppositories, or antiviral granules under a doctor's guidance. Wiping the skin with warm water can help reduce the risk of infection.
3. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. These pathogens enter the baby's body through the respiratory tract and may stimulate the body, causing elevated temperature. Symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose may also occur. Medications such as pediatric paracetamol chlorpheniramine granules, cefaclor dry suspension, or pediatric cold medicine may be used under a doctor's guidance.
4. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by bacterial, viral, or mycoplasma infection. These pathogens enter the lungs through the respiratory tract and cause an inflammatory response, which may lead to persistent high fever. Symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and rapid breathing may accompany. Medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium granules, azithromycin dry suspension, or oseltamivir granules may be used as advised by a doctor.
5. Meningitis
Meningitis is also related to bacterial or viral infections. When the pathogens stimulate the meninges to produce inflammation, persistent fever may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as headache and coma. Timely treatment with medications such as mannitol injection, human interferon α1b injection, or amoxicillin granules should follow medical advice.
In addition, attention should be given to proper feeding methods to avoid increasing the baby's gastrointestinal burden, which may worsen the condition.
