What should I do if a child has a fever of 39°C?
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a child's fever of 39°C may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature and poor heat dissipation, increased heat production after intense crying, viral myocarditis, suppurative otitis media, bacterial dysentery, and other reasons. Patients can visit a reputable hospital to choose general treatment, medication, and other methods to improve their condition. In daily life, it is important to maintain a suitable indoor temperature and help children develop good hygiene habits.
Generally, a child's fever of 39°C may be caused by various factors such as high ambient temperature and poor heat dissipation, excessive heat production after intense crying, viral myocarditis, suppurative otitis media, bacterial dysentery, etc. Patients can visit a regular hospital to choose general treatments, medications, and other methods to improve the condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. High ambient temperature and poor heat dissipation
When the ambient temperature is too high and the child's ability to regulate body temperature is weak, heat cannot dissipate effectively, leading to a fever of 39°C. Move the child to a cooler place, open windows for ventilation, wipe the body with lukewarm water, change into loose clothing, and provide plenty of warm water to promote heat dissipation.
2. Excessive heat production after intense crying
During intense crying, the child's body produces a sudden increase in heat, which may elevate the body temperature to 39°C. Timely comfort the child to stop crying and allow them to rest quietly. Offer appropriate amounts of water. The body temperature will gradually decrease once the child's emotions stabilize. Monitor the temperature closely during this period.
3. Viral Myocarditis
Viral infection of the myocardium causing inflammation can affect the body's regulatory functions, leading to a fever of 39°C, and may also be accompanied by fatigue and chest tightness. Bed rest is required, along with medications such as ribavirin granules, vitamin C tablets, and coenzyme Q10 capsules under a doctor's guidance. Regular follow-up evaluations of myocardial function are necessary.
Bacterial infection of the middle ear causing purulent inflammation can lead to elevated body temperature up to 39°C due to inflammatory stimulation, accompanied by ear pain and hearing loss. Treatment should include medications such as cefixime granules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, and ofloxacin ear drops under a doctor's guidance. Keep the ear clean and dry.
5. Bacterial Dysentery
Bacterial infection of the intestines causing dysentery can irritate the intestinal mucosa and affect temperature regulation, resulting in a fever of 39°C along with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention and use medications such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, montmorillonite powder, and oral rehydration salts III under a doctor's guidance. The diet should primarily consist of bland, easily digestible liquid foods.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a suitable indoor temperature, encourage children to develop good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing, and ensure a balanced diet to enhance physical resistance and reduce the risk of infections.
