What are the symptoms of fever in children?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, a child's fever is a response by the body to infection or other abnormalities. Common symptoms mainly include elevated body temperature, changes in mental status, respiratory discomfort, gastrointestinal reactions, and skin abnormalities. When parents notice their child has a fever, they can appropriately reduce the child's clothing to help dissipate heat, provide additional fluids, and maintain good indoor air circulation.

Generally, a child's fever is a response of the body to infection or abnormal conditions. Common symptoms mainly include elevated body temperature, changes in mental status, respiratory discomfort, gastrointestinal reactions, and skin abnormalities. The details are as follows:

1. Elevated body temperature: The direct manifestation of fever is an increased body temperature. Normal ranges vary depending on the method of measurement. For example, an armpit temperature exceeding 37.3℃ or an oral temperature over 37.5℃ is considered a fever. The temperature may rise gradually or suddenly.

2. Changes in mental status: Fever can affect a child's mental state. Mild cases may show irritability and frequent crying, while severe cases may present with listlessness, drowsiness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed toys or games, reluctance to move, and slower reactions than usual.

3. Respiratory discomfort: Fever is often accompanied by respiratory infections, causing symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. The cough may be dry or produce phlegm; nasal congestion can lead to labored breathing, and children often breathe through their mouths.

4. Gastrointestinal reactions: A child's digestive system may be affected during a fever, resulting in reduced appetite, refusal to eat, or significantly decreased food intake. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea may also occur. Vomit typically consists of stomach contents, and during diarrhea, bowel movements increase in frequency and are looser in consistency.

5. Skin abnormalities: Some children may experience skin changes when running a fever, such as flushed forehead and face, dry skin with little or excessive sweating. Some infectious fevers may also be accompanied by rashes, which vary in appearance and may appear on the trunk, limbs, and other areas.

When parents notice their child has a fever, they can appropriately remove clothing to help dissipate heat, encourage hydration, and maintain good indoor air circulation. If the fever persists or symptoms worsen, prompt medical attention should be sought to identify the underlying cause and avoid delaying treatment.

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What causes recurrent fever in children?

In general, the main causes of recurrent fever in children include fluctuations in environmental temperature, reactions after vaccination, acute upper respiratory tract infections, roseola infantum, and suppurative tonsillitis. If the fever persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it's important to adjust children's clothing according to weather changes and maintain good indoor ventilation.

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What medication is good for children with recurring fever?

In general, recurrent fever in children is often caused by infections, inflammation, and other factors. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, medications such as acetaminophen suspension drops, ibuprofen suspension, pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules, pediatric Chiao Chiao Qingre granules, and Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid may be used according to a doctor's instructions to help relieve symptoms. It is also important to ensure the child gets plenty of rest, drinks ample warm water, and remains well-hydrated.

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How many degrees indicate a fever in children?

In general, determining whether a child has a fever depends on the body site used for temperature measurement. Common methods include measuring under the armpit (axillary) and in the mouth (oral), and the criteria for fever vary according to the measurement site. When taking the temperature, avoid doing so immediately after the child has exercised, eaten, or cried. Wait until the child has been calm for 30 minutes to reduce measurement errors.

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At what temperature is a child considered to have a fever?

The normal body temperature range varies depending on the measurement site. Axillary (underarm) measurement is commonly used due to its convenience, with a normal range of 36°C to 37.3°C; a temperature above 37.3°C is considered a fever. The normal oral (mouth) temperature range is 36.3°C to 37.5°C, exceeding which indicates a fever. Rectal temperature most closely reflects the body's true internal temperature, with a normal range of 36.5°C to 38°C; a temperature above 38°C is classified as a fever.