Why does a child have a fever and watery eyes?

Dec 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child experiencing fever along with tearing eyes may be caused by factors such as thermoregulatory mechanisms, emotional responses, upper respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, Kawasaki disease, or other reasons. Treatment may be carried out under a doctor's guidance using general care measures, medication, or other therapeutic approaches. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate and well-rounded nutrition for the child, enhance immunity, and reduce the likelihood of infections.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child experiencing fever along with tearing may be caused by thermoregulatory mechanisms, emotional responses, upper respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, Kawasaki disease, or other factors. Treatment options, guided by a physician, may include general care and medication therapy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Thermoregulatory Mechanism

When a child has a fever, the body's thermoregulatory center attempts to lower body temperature by increasing heat dissipation. In this process, the blood vessels in the eyes may dilate due to elevated body temperature, leading to increased secretion from the lacrimal glands and resulting in tearing. It is important to maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity, avoiding prolonged exposure of the child to excessively hot or cold environments.

2. Emotional Response

During a fever, a child may experience anxiety, irritability, or other emotional responses due to physical discomfort. These emotional reactions can lead to increased lacrimal secretion, causing tearing. Provide sufficient care and comfort to alleviate the child's anxiety, and maintain a quiet, comfortable indoor environment conducive to rest.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, etc. These infections may lead to ocular vascular congestion and edema, which can stimulate lacrimal gland secretion, resulting in tearing, often accompanied by fever. Symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose may also occur. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as ribavirin granules, ibuprofen suspension, and pediatric cough syrup may be used for treatment.

4. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis may be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, or other microorganisms. This condition may lead to conjunctival congestion and edema, stimulating lacrimal gland secretion and resulting in tearing. Symptoms such as foreign body sensation and itching in the eyes may also occur. Patients may use medications such as tobramycin eye drops, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, and natamycin eye drops as directed by a physician.

5. Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease may be associated with immune abnormalities caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, mycoplasma, etc. It may cause systemic vascular inflammatory reactions, including involvement of the ocular blood vessels, thereby stimulating lacrimal gland secretion and causing tearing. Patients may also develop symptoms such as rash and swollen lymph nodes. Under a physician's recommendation, medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, intravenous immunoglobulin, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection may be used for treatment.

Maintain a balanced diet in daily life to ensure the child receives adequate nutrition, enhance immunity, and reduce the risk of infections.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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How to handle a child's fever of 38°C