How come a baby has red bloodshot eyes when having a fever?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Baby's fever and conjunctival congestion may be related to factors such as high environmental temperature, emotional distress, conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and Kawasaki disease. Physiological factors such as high temperature and emotional stress can resolve on their own and require no special treatment. However, pathological factors require targeted treatment based on the underlying cause, such as using medications like levofloxacin eye drops and acetaminophen oral solution as directed by a physician.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature, and redness in the eyes is a sign of conjunctival congestion. A baby experiencing fever and conjunctival congestion may be related to various factors including excessively high environmental temperature, emotional distress, conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract infection, or Kawasaki disease. Prompt treatment according to the underlying cause is necessary, such as general care or medication. If symptoms are severe, timely medical attention is required. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessively High Environmental Temperature

If the environmental temperature where the baby lives is too high and the baby isn't promptly moved to a cooler environment, the blood vessels in the eyes may dilate, leading to conjunctival congestion and body fever. This is a normal phenomenon and the condition can return to normal once indoor temperature gradually decreases.

2. Emotional Distress

Poor emotional state in babies, such as prolonged crying or temper tantrums, can cause excessive muscle tension, which may lead to the aforementioned discomfort. Parents should closely monitor the baby's needs, provide timely comfort, reduce crying episodes, and alleviate the discomfort.

3. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis occurs due to poor eye hygiene and infection by bacteria or other microorganisms. When inflammation develops in the conjunctiva, it may cause conjunctival congestion and body fever, and may even be accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain and itching. Treatment may include medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or sodium hyaluronate eye drops, as directed by a physician.

4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. The inflammatory response may affect both the conjunctiva and the whole body, causing the aforementioned symptoms. It may also be accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as acetaminophen oral solution, ribavirin granules, or pediatric phlegm-resolving and cough-relieving granules for treatment.

5. Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis, often associated with viral infection. As the disease progresses and the inflammatory response intensifies, it may irritate the conjunctiva, causing conjunctival congestion and generalized fever. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as rash and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment may include medications such as aspirin powder, methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, or dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, as directed by a physician.

If symptoms of conjunctival congestion and body fever persist for a prolonged period in a baby, timely and targeted intervention is necessary to avoid delaying treatment. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep is important to promote recovery.

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