How to manage fever and chills in children

Dec 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Chills accompanying fever in children may be caused by factors such as activation of the body's temperature regulation mechanism, tension and fear, upper respiratory tract infections, acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and others. Treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate nutrition intake, and consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Fever accompanied by chills in children may be caused by activation of the body's temperature regulation mechanism, emotional tension or fear, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and other reasons. Treatment options include general care and medication therapy, as directed by a physician. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Activation of the thermoregulatory mechanism

When a child's body temperature rises, the body's temperature regulation center initiates a series of physiological responses, including shivering, to generate heat and maintain thermal stability. During shivering, the muscles contract and relax rapidly, producing heat. In daily life, ensure the child stays warm, avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, improve the child's physical condition, enhance immunity, and reduce the likelihood of fever.

2. Tension and fear

Under emotional stress or fear, children may experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can lead to abnormal function of the thermoregulatory center and cause chills. It is important to monitor the child's psychological state, provide a safe and stable living environment, promptly comfort the child's emotions, and reduce anxiety and fear.

3. Upper respiratory tract infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viral or bacterial infections and may trigger systemic inflammatory responses, leading to elevated body temperature. The thermoregulatory center may also initiate a shivering response. Symptoms may include coughing and a runny nose. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as pediatric Chiao-Chiao Qingre granules, ibuprofen suspension, and pediatric cough syrup may be used for treatment.

4. Acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis may be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which can lead to gastrointestinal inflammation and elevated body temperature. The thermoregulatory center may also respond with shivering. Symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting. Patients may take oral rehydration salts (Type I), smectite powder, and Bifidobacterium triple live powder as directed by a physician.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia may be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. Inflammatory stimulation may lead to fever and chills in children. Symptoms may also include sputum production and difficulty breathing. Patients may take medications such as cefixime granules, dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup, and azithromycin dry suspension under medical guidance.

In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate nutrient intake, eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, strengthen the child's 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

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.