What should I do if a child has recurring fevers?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
A child's recurring fever may be caused by factors such as an immature body temperature regulation center, overdressing, upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), bacterial pneumonia, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, ensure the child gets sufficient sleep, follows a light and easily digestible diet, and consumes more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins.
Generally, recurrent fever in children may be caused by factors such as an immature body temperature regulation center, excessive clothing, upper respiratory tract infection, roseola infantum, bacterial pneumonia, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatments, medications, and other methods under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Immature temperature regulation center: The temperature regulation center in infants and young children is not fully developed, making them prone to temperature fluctuations due to environmental influences, which may manifest as recurrent low-grade fever. Maintain indoor temperatures between 22-26°C, avoid sudden environmental temperature changes, and implement physical cooling measures such as reducing clothing or wiping the forehead with lukewarm water when body temperature is below 38.5°C.
2. Overdressing: Excessive warmth provided by caregivers may hinder heat dissipation in children, causing heat accumulation and recurrent fever, often accompanied by sweating and flushed complexion. Adjust clothing according to ambient temperature, choose breathable and sweat-absorbing cotton fabrics, avoid tight wrapping, and ensure normal heat dissipation.
3. Upper respiratory tract infection: Often caused by viral infections, inflammation can cause recurring fever along with symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. When body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen suspension, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules may be used according to medical advice, along with increased water intake to promote metabolism.
4. Roseola infantum: Caused by human herpesvirus 6 infection, fever typically lasts 3-5 days before a rash appears, with high recurring temperatures during the febrile period. During fever, medications such as ibuprofen suspension, acetaminophen suppositories, or pediatric Shu Qiao Qing Re granules may be administered according to dosage instructions and medical advice. After the rash appears, maintain skin cleanliness and avoid scratching.
5. Bacterial pneumonia: Inflammation caused by bacterial infection of the lungs leads to recurring high fever if the infection is uncontrolled, often accompanied by coughing and rapid breathing. Anti-infective medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, cefixime granules, or azithromycin dry suspension should be used according to medical instructions.
In daily care, ensure children receive sufficient sleep, maintain a light and easily digestible diet, and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. Closely monitor temperature changes, record fever episodes and symptoms to provide accurate information for medical diagnosis, and aid the child's recovery through scientific nursing care.
