How to manage a baby's low-grade fever
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Low-grade fever in infants may be related to factors such as incomplete physical development, improper feeding, upper respiratory tract infections, infantile emergency rash (roseola), pneumonia, and others. Physiological factors require adjustments to the environment and feeding methods. For pathological factors, medication should be taken under a doctor's guidance, such as antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiviral medications; however, one should avoid using related medications without medical supervision.
Generally speaking, a low-grade fever refers to a mild fever. A low-grade fever in infants may be related to incomplete physical development, improper feeding, upper respiratory tract infections, infantile emergency rash (roseola), pneumonia, and other factors. It can usually be managed through general treatments or medication. However, if the low-grade fever persists, prompt medical attention is necessary. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Incomplete Physical Development
If an infant's physical development is not yet complete, they may be more sensitive to changes in environmental temperature. When the ambient temperature changes, the infant's body temperature may rise, typically resulting in a low-grade fever. This can be relieved by adjusting the indoor temperature or giving the infant a warm water bath.
2. Improper Feeding
An infant's metabolism is naturally high. If feeding practices are not properly managed, such as overfeeding or feeding excessively greasy food, it may lead to indigestion and subsequently cause a low-grade fever. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating may also occur. It is important to adjust feeding practices promptly, focusing on light and easily digestible foods.
3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
An upper respiratory tract infection is caused by viral or bacterial infection. When these pathogens invade the infant's body, they trigger an inflammatory response, which increases body temperature, resulting in a low-grade fever. Additionally, symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion may occur. After diagnosis, medications such as ribavirin granules, amoxicillin granules, and Xiao Chai Hu granules may be used under the guidance of a physician.
4. Infantile Emergency Rash (Roseola)
Infantile emergency rash occurs due to a weakened immune system in infants, which allows viral infection. The continuous stimulation by the virus may disrupt the body's balance, causing an increase in body temperature, along with symptoms such as headache and rash. It is important to follow the physician's recommendations and use medications such as cefixime granules, Pudi Lan Xiao Yan oral liquid (Lonicera and Isatis Root Oral Liquid), and Lan Qin oral liquid promptly to alleviate symptoms.
5. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by infection with pathogenic microorganisms. When these pathogens repeatedly stimulate the body, they can cause recurring fevers, accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as gentamicin sulfate granules, children's antitussive syrup, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup may be used for treatment.
It should be noted that infants with low-grade fever should not be given medication arbitrarily, especially antipyretics and antibiotics, to avoid adverse effects. Additionally, appropriate warmth should be maintained during treatment to prevent excessive cooling due to over-treatment of fever.
