Temperature under 40 in a child with symptoms and without

The temperature of 40 in a child can be a sign of a very serious life threatening condition, but sometimes it can be a sign of a simple cold. The main task of parents in such cases is to differentiate states that require immediate assistance. It is also important to understand the ways of treating pathologies that cause hyperthermia, and ways to reduce body temperature.

Causes of the temperature 40 in a child

Causes of high body temperature in a child at 40 degrees are more often in infectious diseases.

Angina is the most common cause of hyperthermia in children. The temperature of 40 and the red throat in a child is a sign of inflammation of the tonsils. What is the cause of this significant hyperthermia in this condition? Tonsils are the first line of defense against external pathogens. Tonsils are made of soft tissue, and they are part of the body's defense against infections (the immune system). You have two tonsils, one on each side in the back of your mouth.

It is believed that tonsils help protect the body from infection during the first year of life. They do not seem essential for the immune function in later life. Tonsillitis is found mainly in children, but rarely in children under the age of two. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, and only 15-30% of cases are caused by bacteria. The most common types of virus for the development of tonsillitis are:

1. adenovirus, which is associated with a cold and sore throat.
2. rhinovirus, which is the most common cause of the common cold.
3. Influenza virus, which is often called a cold.
4. a respiratory syncytial virus that often causes acute respiratory tract infections.
5. coronavirus, which has two subtypes that infect humans.

Many different types of viruses can cause viral tonsillitis, but a cold virus is the most common cause. The Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for glandular fever, measles virus and cytomegalovirus, can also cause tonsillitis. Most cases of bacterial tonsillitis are associated with a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of streptococcal angina. But, less often, it can be caused by other species, including:

1. Staphylococcus aureus;
2. Mycoplasmal pneumonia;
3. Chlamydial pneumonia;
4. Bordetella pertussis;
5. Spindle-shaped bacteria;
6. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is very contagious, and tonsillitis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is contagious the first time a person has it. With any etiology of angina, the main symptom is a sharp increase in body temperature to 40 in a child.

Teething teeth are thought by some parents to cause a rise in body temperature. But we need to understand this. When the teeth begin to erupt, it is always perceived by the body as a stressful situation. This process is allocated a lot of biologically active substances and vitamins, which can cause a little activation of the center of thermoregulation. But such temperature should not exceed subfebrile digits, no matter what tooth is erupting. Therefore, if the temperature is 40 in a child, then the cause is necessarily different, more likely to be infectious, even if the child's teeth are pricked at this time.

ARVI and influenza can also be the cause of a temperature increase of up to 40 in a child. Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract are sometimes caused by viruses that can cause acute pharyngitis. The first manifestation of such pharyngitis can be a high fever, and the younger the child, the more hyperthermia is more pronounced.

Influenza, as the cause of temperature 40 in a child, is most common in comparison with other viruses. The flu is more dangerous than a cold for children. Usually, the flu comes with a fever of high and severe intoxication. This is due to the high toxicity of the flu in relation to the cells of the child's body. Therefore, the flu is always high fever, chills, pain in the legs and muscles. The temperature can rise sharply within a few hours after contact with a sick person. As a rule, unlike other SARS, the temperature reaches 40 degrees. Therefore, in the flu season, one must think about such a reason for hyperthermia in the first place.

Stomatitis is the most common cause of high fever in children in the first months of life. Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mouth. Mucous membranes lining the oral cavity, become inflamed and hurt, which can cause inconvenience to talk, eat or sleep a child. This condition can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips and palate.

Stomatitis generally has several possible causes that can overlap or interact with each other. Local causes of stomatitis include factors such as: trauma, for example, with gum lesions during games. Also the cause of stomatitis can be infections, both bacterial and viral: herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Medications such as sulfa drugs, antiepileptics and some antibiotics can also cause stomatitis. The formation of ulcers on mucous membranes that spread to other areas can cause a systemic reaction, such as a rise in body temperature. And such hyperthermia can reach very high figures.

Chickenpox is an infectious disease that is widespread among children. It refers to a group of diseases accompanied by a rash on the skin. Chicken pox is caused by the herpes virus of chicken pox. It is spread by droplets from sneezing or coughing or in contact with clothing, bed linens or seepage of infected person's vials. The onset of symptoms is 10 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious for a day or two before the rash appears, and until the rash completely disappears. The pathogenesis of the disease is such that there is no rash in the first days after infection, but there may be a first sign in the form of hyperthermia. In this case, the child's temperature may be 40 for some time, and then there is a rash all over the body, which is typical of chicken pox.

A frequent complaint is that after vaccination the child has a temperature of 40. What is the reason for this reaction? Vaccinations are given to babies to protect them from diseases. The vaccination schedule starts at birth and continues into adulthood. Although some vaccinations carry the risk of certain side effects, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Parents need to know and understand how to manage side effects. The overall side effect of vaccination is fever after vaccination. Usually the doctor warns that there can be such a reaction. For example, a child after AKDP increased the temperature to 40 and is difficult to reduce. This is due to the fact that immunity begins to develop protection against the introduced vaccine. This activates the child's immune system and increases body temperature, as a protective mechanism. Therefore, the high temperature after the vaccine is a normal reaction, which indicates the formation of good immunity.

[1], [2], [3]

Risk factors

Risk factors for fever up to 40 are higher in the first year of life, which have a fragile immune system and are easily susceptible to bacterial and viral lesions.

[4], [5]

Pathogenesis

Thus, the pathogenesis of increasing the temperature to 40 in a child is to activate the immune system by certain factors. Most often, the cause of this temperature is infectious agents that cause angina, pharyngitis or stomatitis. Therefore, before actively initiating treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of such a high fever.

[6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Symptoms of the temperature 40 in a child

Symptoms of various diseases can develop before the onset of fever, or fever can become an additional symptom of pathology.

Symptoms of angina develop parallel with a high body temperature - then there are other signs of inflammation of the tonsils. Sore throat is the most common of all the symptoms of tonsillitis. The child may also have a cough, headache, nausea, a feeling of fatigue, painful swallowing and swollen lymph nodes. Tonsils can swell and turn red. Pus can appear as white spots on the tonsils. Symptoms usually worsen within 2-3 days, and then gradually go, as a rule, within a week.

The temperature of 40 in a child without symptoms and without signs of cold often occurs when the infection develops and the infectious disease is caused by the bacterium. In such cases, it all begins with a high body temperature, which can be a long time, and then there is already coughing and other symptoms of the disease. This is more typical for bacterial pneumonia. In such cases, there can be no complaints, except for intoxication syndrome. Therefore, any changes in the state of the child against hyperthermia should be paid special attention.

Symptoms of fever can be combined in such a way that the child has diarrhea, stomach and temperature hurts 40. In such cases, one should think about an intestinal infection of a viral or bacterial etiology. Viral infection is more often caused by Rotavirus. Rotavirus is an intestinal infection, which is primarily accompanied by intestinal symptoms. High body temperature is a concomitant symptom. Diarrhea in a child with a viral lesion has a liquid character, the color is yellow.

Bacterial diarrhea in children can often be accompanied by secretions of a small amount of blood, which indicates the defeat of the large intestine.

The child's temperature of 40 with poisoning is an indication for immediate hospitalization.

If the temperature is 40 and vomiting without diarrhea, it can also talk about an intestinal infection, but diarrhea may appear later. If there is still no diarrhea, but there is a high fever and vomiting, then it can also be symptoms of meningitis.

Temperature 40 and rash in a child are clinical manifestations of viral exanthema. The nature of the rash indicates one or another viral infection. For example, with chicken pox before the appearance of a rash, there will be a general feeling of malaise, fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite in some cases, a feeling of nausea. Rashes range from a few spots to a rash that covers the entire body of the baby. And the more common the rash, the higher and longer the temperature will hold. The rash develops in the folds of the skin and usually appears on the face, extremities, and chest. They tend to be small, red and itchy. Further, blisters are formed on the top of the spots, which cause a strong sensation of itching. For about 48 hours, the bubbles become misty and begin to dry out, crusts form. For about 10 days, the peelings fall off by themselves. For the entire cycle, new waves of spots may appear - in such cases, the patient may have different concentrations of spots at different stages of the itch.

If the child has a temperature of 40 and cough, a cold, then most likely, he has a serious illness of the respiratory system - pneumonia. It is often a bacterial inflammation that begins acutely with the symptoms of infection, then there is a cough and a high fever. Sometimes in young children symptoms develop so quickly that dyspnea appears, as one of the main symptoms of pneumonia in infancy. It often happens that with pneumonia the child has a temperature of 40 and his feet are cold, chills. This indicates a white fever, which is accompanied by a spasm of peripheral vessels. Such a fever in pneumonia is tolerated by the child worse than red, which should be taken into account when choosing a therapy.

The effect of temperature 40 in a child is the development of febrile seizures.

Complications of high temperature can develop if the etiologic factor is not treated, in which case a viral or bacterial infection progresses, and local or distant purulent foci may develop. Febrile convulsions are seizures (seizures) that occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years associated with fever, without other underlying causes, such as CNS infection or electrolyte imbalance. They develop as a consequence at an underarm temperature of> 37.8 ° C. They occur in small children with normal development without a history of neurologic symptoms. Fortunately, febrile convulsions are usually harmless and usually do not indicate a serious health problem.

Simple febrile convulsions are the most common type, which lasts from a few seconds to 15 minutes. Simple febrile convulsions are not repeated within a 24-hour period and are not characteristic of one part of the body.

Complex febrile seizures are a type of convulsion that lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs more than once within 24 hours, or is limited to one side of your child's body. Febrile convulsions most often occur within 24 hours of the onset of fever and may be the first sign that a child is sick. Such consequences of high fever indicate that it is necessary to regulate the heat, without waiting for it to rise to a level of 40 ° C.

Diagnostics of the temperature 40 in a child

Correct measurement of body temperature can be a key indicator in diagnosing a child's condition. If the mother measured body temperature and her index is within 40 degrees, it is important to take another measurement and make sure that you did it correctly. It should be noted that the measurement on mucous membranes is slightly higher.

There are several ways to measure body temperature that you can use with your child. The method of measurement in the field of the axillary fossa is very simple to use. This requires that the child is not sweated, and if the room is cold, you can get the wrong value. In older children to conduct such a measurement is not difficult. But we need to monitor whether the child is measuring correctly.

Measurement in the region of the tympanic membrane is quick and convenient. For a more accurate result, pull your child's ear a little up and back before measuring. Such a thermometer measures the temperature for one minute, which is very convenient for young children. In infants, the method is fast and reliable, so the mother can build on these values.

If the first value of body temperature is high and you are given antipyretic, then repeated monitoring is recommended in the same area.

Diagnosis of pathology in a child with a temperature of 40 should start with identifying the cause of such a reaction. If the mother finds that the child has such a high fever, then immediately after taking antipyretics, she must find out what complaints her child has. The first signs of the disease against the background of high temperature is very important to notice, as they can push forward a further diagnosis.

Since most often the cause of such hyperthermia is angina, first of all you need to understand the diagnosis of angina.

For the diagnosis of tonsillitis you need to conduct a general examination and you can identify the swollen area of the amygdala, often with white spots. It is also necessary to examine the surrounding tissues to determine the signs of enlarged lymph nodes and rash, which sometimes occurs. The physician can also take tests from the throat of the infected area to more closely determine the etiologic factor to determine if the cause of the infection is viral or bacterial.

Analyzes with such hyperthermia in the child should also include a general blood test. This test involves taking a tiny amount of blood to examine the levels of certain types of blood cells. This blood can help supplement information on the etiology of infection that develops in a child. Levels of electrolytes in the blood are useful for assessing dehydration and the need to replace certain electrolytes or other treatments. For example, high blood sugar can indicate insulin treatment.

Blood samples can assess whether bacteria are present in the bloodstream. The results of a blood culture can take 24 hours and, as a rule, end after 72 hours. You will be notified if the blood culture test is abnormal. If mononucleosis is suspected, the doctor may conduct a laboratory blood test to look for antibodies that indicate the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.

A general urine test is useful for detecting urinary tract infections and can be useful for assessing dehydration. The child should be asked to urinate in a sterile dish, or the bag can be placed in the genital area of the child to catch urine, or a catheter (which is a small tube) can be inserted into the urinary opening (urethra) to enter the bladder and collect urine.

Urine culture helps to assess whether bacteria are present in the urine. Results from urine culture can take 24-72 hours.

Lumbar puncture (also called cerebrospinal puncture) is a procedure that uses a small needle to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This test can be done if a meningitis is suspected, which is an infection of the brain or surrounding tissues. Signs and symptoms of meningitis can include a sharp increase in body temperature to 40, as well as headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, as well as a changed mental status. Lumbar puncture is a very safe procedure with extremely rare complications in children. The child either lies on his side or sits down, and between the vertebrae a needle is inserted into the space containing the fluid that flows in the spinal canal. The liquid is sent to a laboratory where specialists use a microscope to check the presence of bacteria. The machine analyzes the fluid for the presence of red and white blood cells, glucose and protein. Results for spinal fluid culture may take 24-72 hours.

Instrumental diagnosis is performed according to the indications and, accordingly, the expected diagnosis. Often at a high temperature to exclude the pathology of the internal organs, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is performed. This method can reveal an increase in the spleen and liver in infectious mononucleosis, which can give such a temperature. Sometimes a child has hyperthermia for a long time without a visible cause, then such a study allows you to determine the possible source of infection. Sometimes a prolonged high temperature can be caused by foci of abscesses, for example, in the liver.

The temperature of 40 in a child with a cough can be evidence of pneumonia. Therefore, for diagnosis in such cases, an X-ray examination of the thoracic cavity organs is mandatory. Chest X-ray (X-ray) can be useful for the diagnosis of certain conditions in the chest, lungs or heart (including some, but not all, pneumonia). The doctor usually orders two types, one sideways and one in front. The doctor may request this test if the child manifests a cough, chest pain or shortness of breath. An indication of inflammation will be confirmation of the presence of foci in the lungs.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis at a temperature of 40 in a child should be conducted between different pathologies after the reduction of hyperthermia. If there are such high fever values in a child, then first you need to bring down the temperature, and then look for the cause. It is important to differentiate infectious factors and other diseases that are accompanied by such hyperthermia.

[11], [12], [13]

Treatment of the temperature 40 in a child

How and how to knock down the temperature 40 in a child? When such levels of hyperthermia, the first means that they use are medicament methods. Since drugs have proven effectiveness in reducing body temperature, all other non-drug methods can only be used secondarily, or in parallel with medications.

Almost every mother knows that the child can only use Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

• Paracetamol is a common analgesic for children. It is used to treat most types of childhood diseases, including headache, abdominal pain, ear pain and chills. It can also be used to lower the temperature (38 ° C or higher). The use of Paracetamol for older children in the form of tablets. For small children, paracetamol can be used as a syrup. How to give paracetamol to a child? Tablets should be swallowed whole, washed down with a glass of water, milk or juice. Tell the child not to chew the pill. Shake the syrup bottle for at least 10 seconds and measure the correct amount using a plastic syringe or spoon that comes with the medicine. Paracetamol is also available as suppositories. Suppositories are useful for alleviating pain and fever in children who are difficult to swallow tablets or syrups, or who have vomiting along with the temperature. Your child should begin to feel better about 30 minutes after taking paracetamol. It may take up to an hour for the suppository to work properly. The dosage of the drug for your child depends on the age. Always leave between 4 and 6 hours between doses. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Do not give your child paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol.

Side effects from paracetamol are rare, but may include: an allergic reaction that can cause rash and swelling, redness, low blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat. Rarely, adverse events are observed in the form of a blood disorder, such as thrombocytopenia (a small number of platelet cells) and leukopenia (a small number of white blood cells).

• Ibuprofen is a common analgesic drug widely used for childhood illnesses, such as cold symptoms, teething and toothache. Ibuprofen also treats inflammation, such as pain after trauma, like sprains, or due to health problems such as arthritis in children. It can also be used to lower the temperature of 40, especially if Paracetamol was not effective. The method of application for young children is syrup. For older children ibuprofen is available in the form of tablets, capsules and granules that you dissolve in water to drink. Your child should begin to feel better 20-30 minutes after taking ibuprofen and the temperature should drop about two degrees. It is better to give ibuprofen immediately after a meal so that it does not upset your baby's stomach. Do not give it on an empty stomach. Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole glass of water or juice. Tell your child not to chew, break, crush or suck, as this can irritate their mouth or throat. Common side effects of ibuprofen that occur in more than 1 in 100 children are: gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or vomiting. You can help reduce the chances of this by giving ibuprofen with food. If these symptoms are worsening or worsening, they can be signs of irritation of the intestine or stomach. In rare cases, your child may have a serious allergic reaction to ibuprofen.

In the treatment of temperature 40, only two of these drugs are used in children because they are considered safe in childhood. The use of antibiotics, even if the mother believes that the baby has tonsillitis, is not used at home, but only for the doctor's prescription. If a bacterial infection is suspected, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics.

• Amoxiclav is a combined antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and can effectively treat bacterial infections that cause a high rise in body temperature. The method of application of the drug can be in the form of a suspension for small children, and for the elderly in the form of tablets. Dosage is calculated by amoxicillin and is 45 milligrams per kilogram. Side effects in the form of allergic manifestations of varying severity.

Vitamins in fever should not be given until the acute condition is eliminated.

People's temperature treatment in a child

To avoid antipyretic drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or when you simply do not have any benefit from their use, you can try a non-medical approach to reducing your child's fever.

Reducing your child's fever does not help cure the underlying disease or problem. And a fever can actually help your child's body fight infection. But if the temperature rises high enough to make your child dehydrated, you need to lower body temperature immediately before complications occur.

Here are a few folk methods for lowering the temperature:

1. Put a cool damp washcloth on your child's forehead when he is resting. You can also put warmers with cold water near the main vessels (along the thighs and trunk), which will increase the effect of medications.
2. Offer your child plenty of fluids and chilled foods, such as iced yogurt, to help cool the body from the inside and keep it hydrated.
3. Ventilate the room and ensure a constant flow of fresh air.
4. The effect of garlic can also reduce heat, promoting perspiration. It also helps to remove harmful toxins from the body and accelerate recovery. In addition, garlic is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that helps the body fight infections. Heat a mixture of two crushed garlic cloves and two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the sole of each foot, leaving a few open spots. Wrap the legs with gauze to keep the garlic in place and leave it overnight. For some children, this can eliminate a fever in just one night. But it is necessary to pay attention, whether there are no allergic reactions to a skin of the child or burns.
5. Raisins help the body fight infections and reduce fever. It contains phenolic phytonutrients, which are known to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In addition, raisins act as a tonic for the body when there is a fever. Soak 25 raisins in half a glass of water for one hour or until the raisins become soft, and then strain the liquid. Add to this solution the juice of half a lemon. Let's drink to a child instead of tea.
6. You can also use egg whites to reduce body heat during fever. Egg white works like a cold gel that can absorb heat. In half an hour the egg white can deprive the fever from head to toe.

Break two or three eggs and separate the yolk. Whisk the egg whites for a minute. Soak a paper towel or a thin handkerchief in egg whites. Put the soaked cloth on the soles of the child's feet. Wear socks to keep the egg-soaked cloth. When the fabric dries and warms, replace them with new ones. Repeat until the fever is reduced to a safe level.

• Curcuma also proved to be an excellent home remedy for fever. The chemical compound, called curcumin in turmeric, contains powerful antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This helps the immune system to fight off any infection. This will also help prevent complications and reduce the duration of fever.

Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric and one fourth teaspoon of black pepper in one cup of hot milk. If a child is older than six, you can offer him a drink once a day to get rid of the symptoms of fever.

Herbal treatment also has its high efficiency in reducing body temperature. You can use herbs as a therapy to replenish the fluid.

• Basil is an effective herb for reducing fever. This herb is just as effective as many types of antibiotics on the market. Its healing properties will help to reduce fever very quickly.

Cook 20 basil leaves and one teaspoon of ground ginger in one glass of water until the solution is reduced to half. Add some honey and give the child to drink this tea two or three times a day for three days.

• Cooling ability of mint will help to keep cooling of internal system, which, in turn, will lead to decrease in body temperature. It also helps to extract excess heat from the body.

Add one tablespoon of chopped mint leaves to one cup of hot water. Let it brew for 10 minutes, strain, and then add a little honey. Give the child this calming tea three or four times a day for a quick recovery.

• Ginger helps the body heat out heat, which, in turn, helps to reduce fever. In addition, ginger is a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent and helps the immune system to fight any infection.

Make ginger tea by adding half a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger to one cup of boiling water and letting it brew for a few minutes. Add some honey and give the child this tea three or four times a day.

Another option is to mix one half teaspoon of ginger juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Consuming this mixture a child can three or four times a day until the fever disappears.

Homeopathy can also be used in the complex treatment of fever in children.

1. Aconite. This remedy should be considered if the fever is accompanied by great fear. A child can have even a lot of fear and anxiety during a fever. The child can be very concerned, and the temperature rises mainly from 11 pm to midnight. Method of application in the form of granules. Dosage - one pellet per year of life, but not more than ten pellets per day in an acute period.
2. Belladonna is one of the most common remedies for childhood fever. This fever is often accompanied by a dark red face and a sense of heat that you will feel when you put your hand on the child's head. Often the head and face retain heat, but their limbs can be cold. In fact, even with all the radiating heat, they will feel cold. With such fevers, belladonna is applied in drops, and the dosage depends on the child's age and starts with one drop from one year.
3. Pulsatilla is a remedy that is used to treat fever, in which there is a clear emotional picture. The child is crying, capricious. The child is very cold, the chills are hard to correct. In such cases, pulsatilla is used in the form of granules. Dosage on a single granule four times a day. Side effects are not found.

Prevention

Prevention of various pathologies that cause fever, revolves around personal and home hygiene. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and to teach the child to this. Proper eating habits and healthy sleep help prevent many diseases accompanied by fever.

[14], [15], [16]

Forecast

The prognosis for a child with a fever is positive. Most diseases that cause fever last from three to seven days. Sometimes the treatment of bacterial infections occurs outside the home, and the child must be hospitalized. Meningitis and bacterial blood infections have a much more serious prognosis than the more common viral infections.

Temperature 40 in a child is a guide for parents to immediately lower it in the first place, and only then need to look for the cause. In any case, such a high fever must necessarily be controlled by the doctor to avoid serious pathologies and avoid complications.