How to handle a child's fever of 38°C

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.

Generally, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature and insufficient heat dissipation, increased heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), or acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, and other methods. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. High environmental temperature and insufficient heat dissipation: A hot and stuffy indoor environment or excessive clothing can prevent a child's body from dissipating heat normally, causing a fever of 38°C. Promptly open windows for ventilation, adjust the indoor temperature to 22–26°C, reduce the child's clothing, and choose loose, breathable cotton garments to aid in body cooling.

2. Increased heat production after vigorous activity: Vigorous activities such as running and jumping can accelerate a child's metabolism and increase heat production, potentially causing a temporary fever of 38°C. Have the child stop the activity, rest in a quiet environment, and drink an appropriate amount of warm water to help expel heat through perspiration and urine, thus relieving the fever.

3. Acute upper respiratory tract infection: Often caused by viral infections such as rhinovirus or adenovirus, these viruses stimulate the immune system, leading to a fever of 38°C, often accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose. If the fever affects the child's mental state, follow medical advice to use medications such as acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen suspension, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules.

4. Infantile emergency rash (roseola): Caused by human herpesvirus 6 infection, early symptoms include a fever of 38°C without other obvious symptoms. A rash typically appears after 3–5 days of fever. During the fever, use medications such as pediatric paracetamol chlorpheniramine granules, ibuprofen suspension, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules as directed by a physician.

5. Acute gastroenteritis: Often caused by bacterial or viral infections of the intestines, such as rotavirus or Escherichia coli, which cause intestinal inflammation, leading to a fever of 38°C along with diarrhea and vomiting. Follow medical advice to use medications such as montmorillonite powder, oral rehydration salts III, or Bacillus subtilis and Bifidobacterium lactis live bacteria granules to prevent dehydration and regulate intestinal flora.

In daily care, observe the child's mental state and record changes in body temperature. Avoid spicy and greasy foods, and consume easily digestible foods such as rice porridge and soft noodles. During fever, frequently wipe the child's forehead, armpits, and other areas with warm water to assist in cooling the body and support the child's recovery.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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What causes fever and convulsions in children?

In general, seizures caused by fever in children may be due to factors such as an immature nervous system, a sudden rise in body temperature stimulating the nerves, febrile convulsions, acute meningitis, or viral encephalitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily care should focus on keeping the child warm to avoid catching a chill that may lead to fever.