What should I do if a one-year-old child has a fever of 40°C?

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A one-year-old child having a fever of 40°C may be caused by environmental overheating leading to thermoregulatory imbalance, excessive heat production after strenuous exercise, infantile emergency rash, acute tonsillitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. Treatment options, under a doctor's guidance, may include general care and medication. If the child shows significant discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Thermoregulatory Imbalance Due to High Environmental Temperature

A one-year-old child's thermoregulatory center is not yet fully developed. When exposed to high temperatures, such as in a hot and poorly ventilated room during summer, the body may struggle to dissipate heat effectively, leading to heat accumulation and elevated body temperature up to 40°C. Preventive measures involve maintaining a suitable indoor temperature, enhancing ventilation, and avoiding prolonged exposure of the child to high-temperature environments.

2. Excessive Heat Production After Strenuous Exercise

Following vigorous activity, a child's metabolic rate increases, and muscle contractions generate significant heat. Since their heat dissipation mechanisms are relatively weak, they may temporarily fail to effectively release the excess heat, causing a rapid rise in body temperature up to 40°C. It is advisable to manage the child's activity levels appropriately, avoid overly strenuous exercise, and ensure timely hydration after physical activity.

3. Infantile Emergency Rash

Infantile emergency rash is primarily caused by infection with human herpesvirus type 6. After viral invasion, it multiplies within the body, stimulating the immune system to mount a response and release pyrogenic substances, leading to fever with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. It may be accompanied by mild symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Under a doctor's guidance, medications like acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen granules, or Xiao'er-Qizhen Pills may be used to alleviate symptoms. Once the rash appears, no special medication is generally required, and maintaining clean and dry skin is sufficient.

4. Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections, such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, invading the tonsils. The bacteria and their toxins trigger an inflammatory response in the body, resulting in elevated body temperature up to 40°C. Common symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and visibly swollen tonsils. It is recommended to follow medical advice for treatment using medications such as injectable penicillin G sodium, Kehoujian spray, or ibuprofen suspension.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is commonly caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma infecting the lungs. These pathogens multiply within the lungs, causing inflammation, releasing inflammatory mediators, stimulating the thermoregulatory center, and resulting in elevated body temperature up to 40°C. Symptoms typically include coughing and shortness of breath. Treatment, as per medical advice, may involve medications such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, azithromycin dry suspension, or budesonide suspension for inhalation.

In daily life, maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment for the child is essential. Regular disinfection of toys and personal items belonging to the child should be conducted to minimize contact with pathogens.