What are the risks of a baby having a high fever of 39°C?

Generally speaking, a high fever refers to a high body temperature. A fever of 39°C in infants may cause harm such as febrile convulsions, brain damage, rapid breathing, gastrointestinal dysfunction, liver damage, and more. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the guidance of a physician for treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Febrile Convulsions

An infant's nervous system is not yet fully developed, and a high fever may cause abnormal discharges of brain neurons, leading to febrile convulsions. During convulsions, infants may experience whole-body or localized muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. Severe convulsions may result in cerebral hypoxia and cause damage to the nervous system.

2. Brain Damage

Prolonged high fever accelerates brain cell metabolism and increases oxygen consumption. However, infants have limited capacity for self-regulation in the brain. If the temperature is not lowered promptly, it may lead to damage of brain cells, affect normal brain function, and consequently impact the infant's intellectual development, cognitive ability, and learning capacity.

3. Rapid Breathing

A high fever speeds up an infant's metabolism, increasing the body's oxygen consumption, which may lead to increased respiratory rate and rapid breathing. If the high fever persists, it may加重 the burden on the respiratory system and even cause respiratory failure, particularly posing a higher risk for infants who already suffer from respiratory diseases.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

High fever reduces the activity of digestive enzymes and slows gastrointestinal motility, leading to symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can not only affect the infant's absorption of nutrients but also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, further worsening the condition.

5. Liver Damage

Sustained high fever increases the metabolic burden on the liver, potentially causing liver function abnormalities, such as elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). If liver damage is severe, it may affect the liver's normal detoxification and metabolic functions, leading to long-term health impacts on the infant.

When an infant has a high fever of 39°C, immediate physical cooling measures should be taken, such as sponge baths with warm water and reducing clothing. Close observation of the infant's mental status, breathing, and other conditions is necessary. Adequate hydration should be ensured, and introducing new complementary foods should be temporarily paused.