What causes a baby to have a low-grade fever, cough with phlegm?

Dec 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the causes of a baby's low-grade fever, cough with phlegm may include underdeveloped body temperature regulation center, physiological laryngeal cartilage dysplasia, common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, and so on. In daily life, it is important to keep the baby warm and prevent colds; maintain fresh indoor air by regularly opening windows for ventilation; provide proper feeding to enhance the baby's immunity and reduce the occurrence of illnesses.

Generally, the causes of low-grade fever and productive cough in infants may include underdeveloped thermoregulatory center, physiological laryngeal cartilage dysplasia, common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, and so on. If the baby feels unwell, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Underdeveloped Thermoregulatory Center

The thermoregulatory center of infants has not fully matured yet, making them highly sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. Their body temperature may fluctuate easily due to slight environmental changes, presenting as low-grade fever. Meanwhile, infants have delicate respiratory mucosa with abundant blood vessels, which are prone to external stimuli that cause secretions, leading to cough with phlegm. Maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity, avoid overdressing or chilling the baby; regularly open windows for ventilation to keep the air fresh.

2. Physiological Laryngeal Cartilage Dysplasia

Some infants suffer from physiological laryngeal cartilage dysplasia, which results in insufficient support from the laryngeal cartilage. During breathing, the soft cartilage may collapse, narrowing the laryngeal cavity. The airflow passing through creates vibrations, producing a sound resembling phlegm in the throat, possibly accompanied by mild low-grade fever. Feed the baby properly to avoid malnutrition affecting laryngeal cartilage development; appropriately supplement vitamin D and calcium to promote bone development.

3. Common Cold

A common cold is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, commonly occurring after exposure to cold or when immunity is reduced. Viruses or bacteria invade the respiratory tract, irritating the mucous membranes and causing inflammatory reactions that lead to low-grade fever, cough, and phlegm production. It may also be accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as ribavirin granules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, and pediatric phlegm-resolving and cough-relieving granules can be used for treatment.

4. Bronchitis

Bronchitis may result from the spread of upper respiratory tract infections. Inflammation causes bronchial mucosal congestion and edema with increased secretions, leading to cough and phlegm production. Low-grade fever may occur when the inflammation is severe. Symptoms generally include rapid breathing and wheezing. Follow medical advice to use medications such as salbutamol nebulizing solution, cefixime granules, and ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution for treatment.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia may be caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma infecting the lungs. Lung inflammation leads to congestion and edema of the alveolar walls, increased secretions, causing cough, phlegm, and low-grade fever. High fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing may also occur. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as azithromycin dry suspension, oseltamivir granules, and amoxicillin capsules can be used for treatment.

In daily life, ensure the baby stays warm to avoid catching a chill or cold; maintain fresh indoor air by regularly opening windows for ventilation; provide balanced nutrition to enhance the baby's immunity and reduce disease occurrence.

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