Temperature under 40 in a child with and without symptoms

A 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 conditions that require immediate help. It is also important to understand the methods of treating pathologies that cause hyperthermia and ways to reduce body temperature.

Causes a fever of 40 in a child

The causes of a child's high body temperature at 40 degrees are most often infectious diseases.

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

The tonsils are thought to help protect the body from infection during the first year of life. They do not appear to be essential for immune function in later life. Tonsillitis occurs primarily in children, but is rare in children under two years of age. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, with only 15-30% of cases caused by bacteria. The most common types of virus that cause tonsillitis are:

1. adenovirus, which is associated with colds and sore throats.
2. rhinovirus, which is the most common cause of the common cold.
3. The flu virus, often referred to as the common cold.
4. respiratory syncytial virus, which 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 caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of strep throat. But, less commonly, it can be caused by other types, including:

1. Staphylococcus aureus;
2. Mycoplasma pneumonia;
3. Chlamydial pneumonia;
4. Bordetella pertussis;
5. Fusiform bacteria;
6. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

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

Some parents consider teething to be the cause of an increase in body temperature. But we need to understand this. When teeth begin to erupt, the body always perceives it as a stressful situation. Many biologically active substances and vitamins are released for this process, which can slightly activate the thermoregulation center. But such a temperature should not exceed subfebrile numbers, regardless of which tooth is erupting. Therefore, if a child has a temperature of 40, then the cause is definitely different, most likely infectious, even if the child is teething at this time.

ARI and flu can also cause a child's temperature to rise to 40. Acute upper respiratory tract infections are sometimes caused by viruses that can cause acute pharyngitis. The first manifestation of such pharyngitis can be a high temperature, and the younger the child, the more pronounced the hyperthermia.

Flu, as a cause of a temperature of 40 in a child, is the most common in comparison with other viruses. Flu is more dangerous than a cold for children. Usually, flu comes with a high fever and severe intoxication. This is due to the high toxicity of flu in relation to the cells of the child's body. Therefore, the flu always has a high temperature, 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 ARVI, the temperature reaches 40 degrees. Therefore, during the flu season, you need to think about this cause of hyperthermia first of all.

Stomatitis is the most common cause of fever in infants in the first few months of life. Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mouth. The mucous membranes lining the mouth become inflamed and painful, which can make it difficult for the child to speak, eat, or sleep. 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, which may overlap or interact with each other. Local causes of stomatitis include factors such as: trauma, such as damage to the gums during play. Stomatitis can also be caused by infections, both bacterial and viral: herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Medicines such as sulfa drugs, antiepileptic drugs and some antibiotics can also cause stomatitis. The formation of ulcers on the mucous membranes that spread to other areas can cause a systemic reaction, such as an increase in body temperature. And such hyperthermia can reach very high numbers.

Chickenpox is an infectious disease that is common among children. It belongs to a group of diseases that cause a rash on the skin. Chickenpox is caused by the herpes virus varicella zoster. It is spread by droplets from sneezing or coughing or by contact with clothing, bedding, or oozing blisters of an infected person. Symptoms begin 10 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash has completely disappeared. The pathogenesis of the disease is such that in the first days after infection there is no rash, but the first sign may appear in the form of hyperthermia. In this case, the child may have a temperature of 40 for some time, and then a rash appears all over the body, which is typical of chickenpox.

A common complaint is that a child has a temperature of 40 after vaccination. What is the reason for such a reaction? Vaccinations are given to infants to protect them from diseases. The vaccination schedule begins 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 should know and understand how to manage side effects. A common side effect of vaccination is fever after vaccination. Usually, the doctor warns that such a reaction may occur. For example, a child's temperature rose to 40 after DTP and is difficult to reduce. This happens because the immune system begins to develop protection against the administered vaccine. This activates the child's immune system and the body temperature rises as a defense mechanism. Therefore, a high temperature after a vaccine is a normal reaction, which indicates the formation of good immunity.

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Risk factors

Risk factors for developing a fever up to 40 are higher in children in their first year of life, who have an unstable immune system and are easily susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

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Pathogenesis

Thus, the pathogenesis of a temperature increase to 40 in a child consists in the activation of the immune system by certain factors. Most often, the cause of such a temperature is infectious agents that cause tonsillitis, pharyngitis or stomatitis. Therefore, before actively starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of such a high fever.

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Symptoms a fever of 40 in a child

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

Symptoms of tonsillitis develop in parallel with a high body temperature - then other signs of inflammation of the tonsils appear. A 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. The tonsils may swell and become red. Pus may appear as white spots on the tonsils. Symptoms usually worsen over 2-3 days and then gradually improve, usually within a week.

A temperature of 40 in a child without symptoms and signs of a cold often occurs when an infection develops and in infectious lesions the pathogen is a bacterium. In such cases, everything begins with a high body temperature, which can last for a long time, and then a cough and other symptoms of the disease appear. This is more typical for bacterial pneumonia. In such cases, there may be no complaints, except for intoxication syndrome. Therefore, special attention should be paid to any changes in the child's condition against the background of hyperthermia.

Fever symptoms may be combined in such a way that the child has diarrhea, stomach pain and a temperature of 40. In such cases, one should think about an intestinal infection of viral or bacterial etiology. Viral infection is most often caused by Rotavirus. Rotavirus is an intestinal infection, which is primarily accompanied by intestinal symptoms. High body temperature is an accompanying symptom. Diarrhea in a child with a viral infection is liquid, yellow in color.

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

A child's temperature of 40 due to poisoning is an indication for immediate hospitalization.

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

A temperature of 40 and a rash in a child are clinical manifestations of a viral exanthema. The nature of the rash indicates a particular viral infection. For example, with chickenpox, before the rash appears, there will be a general feeling of malaise, fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite in some cases, and a feeling of nausea. The rash varies from a few spots to a rash that covers the child's entire body. And the more widespread the rash is, the higher and longer the high temperature will be. The rash develops in the folds of the skin and usually appears on the face, limbs, chest. They tend to be small, red, and itchy. Then blisters form on top of the spots, which cause a strong itching sensation. Within about 48 hours, the blisters become cloudy and begin to dry out, crusts form. Within about 10 days, the crusts fall off on their own. New waves of spots may appear throughout the cycle – in such cases, the patient may have different clusters of spots at different stages of itching.

If a child has a temperature of 40 and a cough, runny nose, then most likely he has a serious respiratory disease - pneumonia. This is often a bacterial inflammation that begins acutely with symptoms of infection, then a cough and high temperature appear. Sometimes in small children, symptoms develop so quickly that shortness of breath appears, as one of the main symptoms of pneumonia in infancy. It often happens that with pneumonia, a child has a temperature of 40 and cold legs, chills. This indicates white fever, which is accompanied by a spasm of the peripheral vessels. Such fever with pneumonia is worse tolerated by a child than red fever, which must be taken into account when choosing a therapy.

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

Complications of high fever may develop if the etiologic factor is not treated, in which case the viral or bacterial infection progresses and local or distant purulent foci may develop. Febrile seizures are seizures (attacks) 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 of an axillary temperature > 37.8 ° C. They occur in young children with normal development without a history of neurological symptoms. Fortunately, febrile seizures are usually harmless and usually do not indicate a serious health problem.

Simple febrile seizures are the most common type and last from a few seconds to 15 minutes. Simple febrile seizures do not recur within a 24-hour period and are not specific to one body part.

Complex febrile seizures are a type of seizure that lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs more than once in 24 hours, or is limited to one side of your child’s body. Febrile seizures most often occur within 24 hours of the onset of a fever and may be the first sign that your child is sick. These effects of a high fever mean that you should treat a high temperature before it reaches 104°F (40°C).

Diagnostics a fever of 40 in a child

Taking the correct body temperature measurement can be a key indicator in diagnosing the child's condition. If the mother has measured the body temperature and the reading is within 40 degrees, it is important to take the readings again and make sure you have done it correctly. It is important to note that the readings on the mucous membranes have slightly higher readings.

There are several methods of measuring body temperature that you can use in your child. The axillary fossa method is very easy to use. To do this, you need to make sure that the child is not sweaty, and if the room is cold, you can get an incorrect value. In older children, this measurement is not difficult. But you need to monitor whether the child is taking the measurements correctly.

Measuring in the eardrum area is quick and convenient. For a more accurate result, pull your baby's ear up and back a little before measuring. This thermometer measures temperature for one minute, which is very convenient for small children. For infants, the method is quick and reliable, so mom can start from these values.

If the first body temperature reading is high and you have given an antipyretic, then it is recommended to do a repeat check in the same area.

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

Since the most common cause of such hyperthermia is angina, first of all, it is necessary to understand the diagnosis of angina.

To diagnose tonsillitis, a general examination is needed and may reveal a swollen area of the tonsil, often with white spots. The surrounding tissues should also be examined for signs of enlarged lymph nodes and a rash that sometimes occurs. The doctor may also take samples from the throat of the infected area to more thoroughly determine the etiologic factor to determine whether the cause of the infection is viral or bacterial.

Tests for this type of hyperthermia in a child should also include a complete blood count. This test involves taking a tiny amount of blood to examine the levels of certain types of blood cells. This blood can help provide information about the cause of the infection the child is developing. Blood electrolyte levels are useful in assessing dehydration and the need for certain electrolyte replacements or other treatments. For example, high blood sugar may indicate treatment with insulin.

Blood samples can assess whether bacteria are present in the bloodstream. Blood culture results can take 24 hours and are usually completed within 72 hours. You will be notified if the blood culture test is abnormal. If mononucleosis is suspected, your doctor may perform a lab test on your blood to look for antibodies that indicate the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.

A urinalysis is useful for detecting urinary tract infections and may be helpful in assessing dehydration. The child should be asked to urinate into a sterile cup, or a bag may be placed in the child's genital area to catch the urine, or a catheter (which is a small tube) may be inserted into the urethra to enter the bladder and collect the urine.

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

A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) is a procedure that uses a small needle to remove a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This test may be done if meningitis, which is an infection of the brain or surrounding tissue, is suspected. Signs and symptoms of meningitis can include a high fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, and altered mental status. A lumbar puncture is a very safe procedure with extremely rare complications in children. The child either lies on his or her side or sits up, and a needle is inserted between the vertebrae into the space containing the fluid that flows in the spinal canal. The fluid is sent to a lab, where specialists use a microscope to check for bacteria. A machine analyzes the fluid for red and white blood cells, glucose, and protein. Results for a culture of the spinal fluid can take 24 to 72 hours.

Instrumental diagnostics are carried out according to indications and the expected diagnosis. Often, at high temperature, to exclude pathology of internal organs, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is carried out. This method can reveal an enlarged spleen and liver in infectious mononucleosis, which can cause such a temperature. Sometimes a child has hyperthermia for a long time without an apparent cause, then such a study allows you to determine a possible source of infection. Sometimes a long-term high temperature can be caused by abscesses, for example, in the liver.

A temperature of 104 in a child with a cough may indicate pneumonia. Therefore, a chest X-ray is mandatory for diagnosis in such cases. A chest X-ray can be useful for diagnosing certain conditions in the chest, lungs, or heart (including some, but not all, pneumonias). The doctor will usually order two views, one from the side and one from the front. The doctor may request this test if the child has a cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A sign of inflammation will be confirmation of lesions in the lungs.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics at a temperature of 40 in a child should be carried out between different pathologies after the hyperthermia has decreased. 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.

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Treatment a fever of 40 in a child

How and what to bring down a child's temperature of 40? When such levels of hyperthermia occur, the first means that are used are medicinal methods. Since drugs have proven effectiveness in reducing body temperature, all other non-drug methods can be used only in the second place, or in parallel with drugs.

Almost every mother knows that only Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be used for a child.

• Paracetamol is a general painkiller for children. It is used to treat most types of childhood illnesses, including headache, tummy ache, earache and chilly symptoms. It can also be used to reduce fever (38°C or above). How to give Paracetamol for older children is as a tablet. For young children, paracetamol can be used as a syrup. How to give paracetamol to a child? The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, milk or juice. Tell your child not to chew the tablet. Shake the syrup bottle for at least 10 seconds and measure out the correct amount using the plastic syringe or spoon that comes with the medicine. Paracetamol is also available as a suppository. Suppositories are useful for relieving pain and fever in children who have difficulty swallowing tablets or syrups, or who have vomiting along with their fever. Your child should start to feel better about 30 minutes after taking the paracetamol. It may take up to an hour for the suppository to work properly. The dosage of the medicine for your child depends on age. Always leave 4 to 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 of paracetamol are rare but may include: an allergic reaction which may cause a rash and swelling, flushing, low blood pressure and a fast heartbeat. Rarely, side effects of blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and leukopenia (low white blood cell count) have been reported.

• Ibuprofen is a general painkiller commonly used for childhood illnesses such as cold symptoms, teething and toothache. Ibuprofen also treats inflammation, such as pain following an injury like a sprain or a health problem such as arthritis in children. It can also be used to reduce a fever of 40, especially if Paracetamol has not been effective. The route of administration for younger children is as a syrup. For older children, ibuprofen is available as tablets, capsules and granules that you dissolve in water to drink. Your child should start to feel better within 20 to 30 minutes of taking ibuprofen and the temperature should drop by about two degrees. It is best to give ibuprofen right after a meal so that it does not upset your child’s stomach. Do not give it on an empty stomach. Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice. Tell your child not to chew, crush, break, or suck on them as this may irritate their mouth or throat. Common side effects of ibuprofen that affect more than 1 in 100 children include: gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or vomiting. You can help reduce the chances of this happening by giving ibuprofen with food. If these symptoms persist or worsen, they may be signs of intestinal or stomach irritation. In rare cases, your child may have a severe allergic reaction to ibuprofen.

In the treatment of a temperature of 40 in children, only these two drugs are used, since they are considered safe in childhood. The use of antibiotics, even if the mother believes that the child has a sore throat, is not used at home, but only as prescribed by a doctor. If a bacterial infection is suspected, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics.

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

It is not recommended to give vitamins for fever until the acute condition has been eliminated.

Folk remedies for fever in children

To avoid fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or when you simply don't get any benefit from using them, you can try a non-medical approach to reducing your child's fever.

Lowering your child's fever does not help treat the underlying illness or problem. And a fever may actually help your child's body fight infection. But if the temperature rises high enough to make your child dehydrated, it's important to lower the body temperature immediately before complications occur.

Here are some folk methods to reduce temperature:

1. Place a cool, damp washcloth on your baby's forehead while he or she is resting. You can also place cold water bottles near major blood vessels (along the thighs and torso) to enhance the effect of the medication.
2. Offer your child plenty of fluids and chilled foods, such as ice-cold yogurt, to help cool the body from the inside out and keep it hydrated.
3. Ventilate the room and provide a constant flow of fresh air.
4. Garlic can also reduce fever by promoting sweating. It also helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body and speed up recovery. Garlic is also 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 to the sole of each foot, leaving a few open spots. Wrap the feet in gauze to keep the garlic in place and leave it overnight. For some children, this can clear up fever in just one night. But you need to pay attention to whether the child’s skin has any allergic reactions or burns.
5. Raisins help the body fight infections and reduce fever. They contain phenolic phytonutrients that are known to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Raisins also 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, then strain the liquid. Add the juice of half a lemon to this solution. Give it to your child instead of tea.
6. You can also use egg whites to reduce high body temperature during fever. Egg whites act as a cold gel that can absorb heat. In half an hour, egg whites can eliminate fever from head to toe.

Crack two or three eggs and separate the yolk. Beat the egg whites for a minute. Soak a paper towel or thin handkerchief in the egg whites. Place the soaked cloth on the soles of the baby's feet. Put on socks to keep the egg-soaked cloth. When the cloth is dry and warm, replace it with new ones. Repeat until the fever is reduced to a safe level.

• Turmeric has also proven to be a great home remedy for fever. The chemical compound called curcumin in turmeric contains powerful antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This helps the immune system fight any infection. It 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 your child is over six years old, you can make him drink this once a day to get rid of fever symptoms.

Herbal treatments also have their own high effectiveness in reducing body temperature. You can use herbs as a therapy to replenish fluids.

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

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

• The cooling properties of mint will help keep the internal system cool, which in turn will lower the body temperature. It also helps to remove excess heat from the body.

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

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

Make ginger tea by adding half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to one cup of boiling water and letting it steep for a few minutes. Add a little honey and give this tea to your child 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. The child can consume this mixture three or four times a day until the fever goes away.

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. The child may even have a lot of fear and anxiety during the fever. The child may be very anxious and the temperature rises mainly from 11 p.m. to midnight. Method of administration in the form of granules. Dosage - one granule per year of life, but not more than ten granules per day in the acute period.
2. Belladonna is one of the most common remedies for infantile fever. This fever is often accompanied by a dark red face and a feeling of heat that you will feel when you place your hand on the child's head. Often the head and face will retain heat, but their extremities may be cold. In fact, even with all the radiating heat, they will feel cold. For such fevers, belladonna is used in drops, and the dosage depends on the age of the child and starts with one drop from one year.
3. Pulsatilla is a remedy used to treat fevers with a clear emotional picture. The child is crying and capricious. The child is very cold, the chills are difficult to correct. In such cases, pulsatilla is used in the form of granules. The dosage is one granule four times a day. There are no side effects.

Prevention

Prevention of various pathologies that cause fever revolves around personal and home hygiene. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and teach your child to do the same. Correct eating habits and healthy sleep help prevent many diseases that cause fever.

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Forecast

The prognosis for a child with a fever is good. Most illnesses that cause fever last three to seven days. Sometimes bacterial infections are treated outside the home and the child must be hospitalized. Meningitis and bacterial blood infections have a much more serious prognosis than more common viral infections.

A temperature of 40 in a child is a guide for parents to immediately lower it first, and only then you need to look for the cause. In any case, such a high fever must be monitored by a doctor to exclude serious pathologies and avoid complications.