What should be done if a child with a cold experiences recurring fever?

Dec 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Recurrent fevers in children with colds may be caused by underdeveloped thermoregulatory centers, poor heat dissipation, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, or other reasons. Prompt medical attention is recommended, and treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and strengthen physical exercise during daily life.

Generally, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Recurrent fever in children with colds may be caused by underdeveloped thermoregulatory centers, poor heat dissipation capability, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other reasons. Prompt medical attention is recommended, and treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance through general care, medication, and other approaches. A detailed explanation is as follows:

  

  1. Underdeveloped Thermoregulatory Center

Children's thermoregulatory centers are not yet fully matured. During a cold, the body's ability to regulate body temperature is relatively weak. Once the temperature rises, it cannot effectively return to normal levels, making recurrent fever more likely. Parents should adjust children's clothing according to weather changes to avoid overheating or chilling. Maintain a suitable indoor temperature, generally between 22-26°C.

  2. Poor Heat Dissipation

Children have a vigorous metabolism and produce more heat, but their heat dissipation is relatively slower. During a cold, congestion of the respiratory mucosa affects the body's heat dissipation function, causing heat to accumulate internally and resulting in recurrent fever. Parents can encourage children to drink more warm water to promote metabolism and aid heat dissipation.

  3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. After pathogens invade the respiratory tract, they trigger an inflammatory response, releasing inflammatory mediators that stimulate the thermoregulatory center, possibly causing fever. Symptoms such as coughing and runny nose may also be present. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications like Pediatric Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Artificial Cow-Brone Mixture Granules, Paracetamol Suspension Drops, or Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension.

  4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is often caused by bacterial, viral, or other pathogenic infections. Lung inflammation causes gas exchange impairment, leading to oxygen deficiency in the body, which stimulates the thermoregulatory center and causes fever. Symptoms such as cough with sputum and difficulty breathing may also occur. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Azithromycin for Oral Suspension, Ambroxol Oral Solution, or Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection.

  5. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is caused by infections with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. Bronchial inflammation leads to airway narrowing and increased secretions, impairing gas exchange and causing fever, often accompanied by wheezing. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Cefixime Granules, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup, or Ipratropium Bromide Aerosol.

Maintaining good daily habits, strengthening physical exercise, enhancing immunity, maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding contact with pathogens are also important.

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