High fever in a child without other symptoms

High fever in a child without symptoms can frighten young parents. But you need to know that this is not always a symptom of pathology, and sometimes it can be a physiological reaction. Parents need to know what can cause this and what to do about it.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Epidemiology

Statistics of fever in children without other manifestations suggest that this is a very common problem. Three to four out of every 10 parents of children under the age of 5 say that their child had a fever last year. This is probably the most common reason why parents turn to a doctor. Fever is also the second most common reason that a child is hospitalized, and this can be a cause of great concern for the parents.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Causes of the high fever in a child without symptoms

Fever is a sign that your child's body is struggling with an infection or a disease. This is a well-known truth, but it is not always so. Fever occurs when the body temperature exceeds the average temperature of 37 degrees. While a child's fever causes a potential parental panic, most cases of fever are not serious and can be successfully treated at home.

The causes of fever may be different. Fever occurs in response to infection, trauma or inflammation and has many causes. The likely causes of fever depend on whether it lasts 14 days or less (acute) or more than 14 days (chronic), and the age of the child is important.

Read also the article:  High temperature for no apparent reason in a child

Acute fevers in infants and children are usually caused by infection. Teething usually does not cause fever more than 37.5.

The most common causes of acute fever are:

1. respiratory infections caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu;
2. gastroenteritis (infection of the digestive tract) is more often of a viral origin;
3. certain bacterial infections, especially ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections, pneumonia and urinary tract infections

Newborns and small children are at higher risk for some serious infections, as their immune system is not fully developed. Such infections can be acquired before birth or during labor and include sepsis (serious blood infection), pneumonia (infection of the lung alveoli), and meningitis (infection of the tissues that cover the brain).

Less common causes of acute fever without other symptoms include the side effects of vaccination and the effect of certain medications. Also the cause may be bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) or joints (septic arthritis), encephalitis and viral or bacterial infections of the brain (Kawasaki disease). Heat stroke also causes very high body temperature.

As a rule, the fever caused by vaccination lasts from several hours after vaccination to several days. However, some vaccinations can cause fever even after 1 or 2 weeks after vaccination (as with measles vaccination). This is due to the fact that immunization, as a rule, is designed to "deceive" the body's immune system, believing that it sees an infection, so that it develops immunity. Chronic fever most often occurs with prolonged viral disease, or with recurring viral infections that do not have time to cure, especially in young children. Chronic fever can also be caused by many other infectious and non-infectious disorders.

Infectious causes of chronic fever include hepatitis, chronic sinusitis, abdominal abscesses, bone infections (such as osteomyelitis). Also, fever may be the initial symptom of tuberculosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other connective tissue disorders.

Also do not forget that sometimes children forge a fever.

Most fevers in young children over 6 months are not serious.

Fever in children aged 3-6 months has a higher chance of being serious. You should seek medical help if the temperature is 39 C or more. Fever in a child less than 3 months old is unusual and causes concern. Fever in young children usually means that they have a certain infection. This is understandably worried about the parents.

Many viral infections that affect small children cause fever lasting up to 48 hours before the onset of other symptoms. A small number of common viruses causes fevers that last longer. Therefore, minor hyperthermia may be the only manifestation.

[13], [14], [15], [16], [17]

Risk factors

The risk factors for developing fever without other symptoms are difficult to emphasize, since this can be a manifestation of both the infectious process and simple teething. It can only be noted that small children (up to one year) are more susceptible to the action of many factors, and therefore fever is more common in them.

[18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23]

Pathogenesis

Why does the child have such a temperature reaction, if there are no other symptoms? The pathogenesis of this is very simple and it lies in the natural defense of the body.

Normal body temperature in a child can fluctuate and it is about 36.5 - 37 C. During the day, this figure varies. Teething often increases the baby's temperature by 0.5 C.

Fever is part of the body's natural defense against infection. The fever is created by your immune system under the direction of a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus acts as a central heating thermostat. A fever occurs when the hypothalamus sets the body temperature above its normal level. He does this in response to infection by microbes, usually because he detects the presence of infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. It is believed that fever is a defense developed by the body to fight bacteria that cause infections, as they tend to multiply at normal body temperature.

The mechanism by which the body increases its temperature is to reduce heat loss. We sweat less and feel dry to the touch, then there is a shiver (the movement tends to rise in temperature), and since we feel that we are cold, we curl up and look for different ways of heating up. The blood vessels in our skin contract to keep the heat loss, so we look pale. All this is because when the temperature rises to match the directions of the thermostat, we are hot to the touch, but we feel that we are cold. At this stage of the fever, your child will not be happy when you try to cool it, since it will already feel cold.

Eventually, the body temperature reaches a new "thermostat" setting, and the feeling of cold goes away. In this case, the installation of the thermostat again drops to a normal level, and the body tries to lose the additional heat that it has. This is done by increasing sweating and opening blood vessels on the skin, which leads to reddening of the skin. This process is typical for most children and adults. But there are children who have a slightly higher temperature. Why at a high temperature cold hands and feet in a child? This is due to the fact that during the elevated temperature stage such children are prone to a sharp spasm of blood vessels in the periphery, which leads to a violation of blood circulation in the distal parts of the limbs and the skin becomes cold. It's just a feature of your child that you should know about, because it's important for treatment.

[24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37]

Symptoms of the high fever in a child without symptoms

Infections of viral origin can be a common cause. Viral infections are the etiological part of common pathologies with cough, flu, diarrhea. Sometimes viral infections activate more serious diseases. The first signs of such an infection are the temperature increase. So the body reacts to the ingress of a bacterial agent. As a rule, there is still a general malaise, but children do not pay attention to this and therefore the temperature can be the only sign. Further, a runny nose, coughing and other manifestations can begin.

If a child has a temperature of 38.5-39 without symptoms, then most likely it is the onset of a serious bacterial infection, such as acute tonsillitis, in which there are practically no other phenomena other than visible pathological tonsil flies.

As a rule, the symptoms of bacterial infection also begin with a rise in temperature, and later there are other characteristic signs. However, bacteria can also cause infected skin rashes. Viral and bacterial rashes in children - this is a very urgent problem. Rubella is one of the reasons for this temperature increase. And only on the second or third day there may be a rash on the body, enlarged lymph nodes, which speaks already of the picture of rubella.

The same applies to roseola, it can begin with a subfebrile condition. Roseola is a very common and rarely serious illness that usually infects children under 2 years of age. The disease can cause several days of fever, often above 38 degrees, and then a rash of the body, which lasts from a few hours to several days. Fever may be the only symptom of roseola, but sometimes children may have sore throat, runny nose, cough and swollen lymph nodes in the neck when they develop a fever that precedes the rash. Roseola can be diagnosed by a physician based on symptoms or lack of symptoms, and then confirmed with a rash. Therefore, such diseases on the basis of only hyperthermia without the absence of other symptoms, it is very difficult to identify.

The temperature without signs of a cold in older children may be non-infectious. Often the cause of this is diffuse connective tissue disease. Sometimes children can not verify their complaints, so they should be carefully questioned. It is necessary to pay attention, whether their legs, joints, heart do not hurt. You also need to carefully examine all this.

The high temperature in a child without symptoms in the summer is often caused by the effect of temperature, which should be taken into account in long walks.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences of high body temperature in a child are cramps, which is considered one of the most terrible complications in the eyes of parents. About 4% of children under the age of 5 have seizures of febrile seizures, which are often caused by a sudden burst of body temperature. They seem terrible - your child may lose consciousness, it can freeze or start shaking, but they are usually harmless. Most febrile convulsions end in a minute or two and will not be repeated later. Complications of fever may develop if this symptom is not taken into consideration for a long time and this leads to late diagnosis of various diseases.

[39], [40], [41], [42], [43], [44]

Diagnostics of the high fever in a child without symptoms

First of all, the diagnosis of an increase in body temperature without other symptoms should consist in the correct measurement of body temperature. The body temperature can be measured by a mercury thermometer or electronic, as well as infrared. Old school mercury thermometers contain mercury, a powerful toxin that affects the brain, spinal cord, liver and kidneys, and can also lead to visual impairment. If it breaks, you risk exposing your family to harmful mercury vapor. But this is considered the most accurate means of measurement.

For infants, you will get the most accurate indication with a digital rectal thermometer. Then measurement can be easily led. Infrared thermometer determines the temperature on the tympanic membrane. Ear thermometer, as it is also called, although it is fast and convenient, can actually deceptively show the values. First, you need to place it correctly in the ear canal to get an accurate result (too much earwax can also affect the result).

To measure the rectal temperature, you first need to rub the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Place the baby on the stomach or on the bed, then gently insert the tip to 1/2 into your baby's rectum. Lightly hold the thermometer in place with two fingers until it beeps. To obtain an accurate reading using a thermometer, wait at least 15 minutes before you finish the measurement. If you see higher figures, it is better to double-check with another thermometer or to repeat the measurement after a while.

If the temperature is raised, pay attention to other symptoms. The temperature reading is not the only sign of fever severity. Activity - this is one of the indicators of the child's well-being. As a rule, the most important thing is how your child looks and acts: if he shows himself well and takes fluids, there is no need to consult a doctor if the fever does not persist for more than 24 hours or is very high.

Check your child's other symptoms. The way he plays and feels himself, as a rule, is the best indicator of how sick he is. If your child has lethargy, irritability, sore throat, earache, or stomach pain or when he urinates, then such a rise in temperature is of diagnostic importance. These symptoms may appear later, so you should watch the baby at all times of fever.

[45], [46], [47], [48], [49], [50], [51]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of serious diseases is already done by a doctor. But how can parents differentiate a child's condition? All the symptoms associated with harmless viral fevers can also occur in more serious diseases. It is difficult to determine if your child's symptoms are more serious. You know your child better than anyone else. If your child has a fever with symptoms that, unlike those they had with fever in the past, consider the possibility of a more serious illness.

There are some fever features that will help you evaluate whether you need to seek medical help. If your baby has normal skin color, responds normally to you, he is awake or awakened quickly and easily, when you wake him up and has a strong normal cry, it is likely that he does not have an emergency condition. Features of fever that suggest that your child may be more unhealthy is when your child is 3-6 months old and has a temperature of more than 39 ° C. In doing so, he has pale skin, lips or tongue, he awakens only with prolonged efforts , does not want to do anything, inactive, no appetite. These are symptoms of anxiety, even if you do not worry about anything other than fever.

Analyzes and instrumental diagnostics at elevated temperature is carried out already in the direction of the doctor. In fact the doctor means the certain diagnosis, and already accordingly carries out additional methods of diagnostics. The only thing that can be relevant at all stages is a general blood test. If it is within normal limits, it is likely that the temperature is caused by a non-infectious agent. And if we are talking about the idea of infection, a general analysis may suggest a viral or bacterial etiology.

Treatment of the high fever in a child without symptoms

Treatment of high temperature is primarily symptomatic measures. Mom should lower the temperature of the child in various ways, and then only the cause of such hyperthermia is found out. The only drugs that can be used to reduce the temperature in children are ibuprofen and paracetamol.

1. Paracetamol is a medicine from the group of painkillers and antipyretics, which has been used in pediatrics since two months. The method of use for young children - in the form of a suspension, and for more adults - in the form of tablets. Dosage of the drug ranges from 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight to 15 milligrams. Side effects can be with the effect of the drug on the liver in the form of lesions with necrosis of cells. It can also be a headache, nausea, pain in the stomach. Precautions - do not use in the treatment of children younger than two months.
2. Ibuprofen is a medicine that has pronounced analgesic properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It is used in children from six months. The method of use is also in suspension for younger, and in pills for older age. In addition to lowering the temperature, this drug also has good properties in terms of reducing headache, muscle pain. Dosage for children varies from 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight to 10 milligrams. Side effects can be when affecting the kidneys in children with problems of the genitourinary system.
3.  Antiviral drugs for children can be prescribed at the initial stages of the disease, this increases their effectiveness at times. Therefore, parents at the temperature and suspicion of a viral infection can independently start taking these drugs at age-related doses. Viburkol is one of the antiviral drugs used in young children. The drug has a homeopathic origin. Dosage for children from birth to six months - one candle twice a day, and for children older than six months - three times a day, one suppository. No side effects were observed.
4. Laferobion is an antiviral drug of systemic activity that can be used in small children. Dosage of the drug for children up to a year - one candle in a dose of 150tys. Twice a day, and for children older - by candle in a dose of 500 thousand twice a day. Side effects can be in the form of dizziness, headache, nausea.

Vitamins can be used for children who are often ill. For this purpose it is better to use complex children's vitamin preparations - Supervit, Univit, Medvezhuiki.

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatment of high temperature in a child without an obvious cause can be aimed at reducing such temperature by alternative methods. Such treatment can be used, but only some of the methods. For example, wiping a child with vinegar or alcohol is one of the alternative methods that children should never be used in.

Alternative methods for reducing temperature are as follows:

1. Give your child plenty of fluids to help replace water lost in the body through sweat at a temperature. Children sweat more when they have a fever and they are prone to dehydration. Water or special rehydration solutions can help your child reduce fever and fight infection. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and juice, as they potentially draw water into the intestines and aggravate the symptoms of flu or colds.
2. Bathing in warm water helps to reduce fever gradually and safely. At the height of the fever, immerse the child in a bath filled with water, about 2 degrees lower than the temperature of your body. Slowly add cool water to the bath, which lowers body temperature. Finish the bath in about 10 minutes. Dry the baby's skin with a towel, quickly return it to bed and cover with blankets. Sweating should intensify, which is the desired effect after the bath. Body temperature decreases by about 2 degrees. Repeat no more than once a day, preferably in the afternoon, until the fever does not subside. Do not use this medication if the child has a very high fever or against his will.
3. Herbal tea can help lower body temperature. Use any of the herbs - chamomile, yarrow, purple and lemon juice to make tea, soaking 2 tbsp. Dried vegetable material in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. If desired, sweeten with honey and drink 1 - 2 cups of herbal tea every few hours as needed. This can be done for children after two years and in the absence of allergies.
4. If you are afraid of bathing a child in the water, then you can simply moisten the rag in cool water and put it on your child's head. Increased body temperature can bring discomfort and leads to pain and fatigue. Reducing the temperature of the head helps to get rid of fever on a short-term basis.

Homeopathic medications in reducing body temperature are not used, but such drugs can be used in the complex treatment of diseases that caused fever. The variety of such medicines is very large and depends on the cause of the pathology.

[52], [53], [54], [55], [56], [57]

Prevention

Prevention of fever in a child is, first of all, the prevention of infections, as the most common causes of fever. Perhaps you can prevent a fever by reducing the impact of infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help.

1. Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same, especially before eating, after using the toilet, spending time in the crowd or around someone who is sick, after animals and while traveling by public transport.
2. Show the children how to wash their hands thoroughly, covering the front and back of each hand with soap and thoroughly rinsing under running water.
3. Use a hand sanitizer when you do not have access to soap and water.
4. Try not to touch the nose, mouth or eyes, as these are the main ways of penetration of viruses and bacteria into the body.
5. Cover your mouth when you cough and nose when you sneeze, and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others when coughing or sneezing to avoid getting germs.
6. Avoid sharing cups, bottles of water and dishes with a child or children.

Fever and fever without symptoms are very common in young children, especially in individuals under 5 years of age, and this can be a truly disturbing symptom for parents. It is not always easy to judge how sick your child is, or you should seek medical help. But the main criterion is the temperature level, because the cause of such an increase can be simply a teething. Therefore, be attentive to your baby and do not panic for no reason.

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