Patient's question:
A child had a fever of 38.5°C one and a half months ago. After receiving injections for two days, the fever subsided. However, after 1-2 days, the fever returned, and it fluctuated twice before receiving an IV drip for 8 days. The temperature became normal in the morning and evening, but it was slightly high at noon, around 37.5°C.Previous Treatment and Effects:
Blood tests at the hospital showed normal levels of cardiac enzymes and an electroencephalogram.
Type of Assistance Needed:
The child's temperature fluctuates by 1°C throughout the day. How is this considered normal?
Doctor's answer:
The most common cause of a child's fever is infection. The fever lasts for less than 48 hours, or symptoms such as dry cough and vomiting reappear, along with lethargy. It is necessary to go to the hospital for a urine test to check for bacterial, viral, or mycoplasma infection. Based on the results of the urine test, medication should be administered according to the symptoms. The doctor should also perform lung auscultation or take a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia. If the fever lasts for a long time, it is important to be aware of the possibility of EB virus infection.If the temperature is below 38.5°C, oral fever-reducing medication can be used. If it is ineffective, a fever-reducing injection may be necessary. A temperature below 38.5°C is considered low-grade fever. Physical cooling methods should be applied, such as drinking more water and using a warm towel to wipe the child's neck, armpits, groin, and inner thighs. It is important to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy, stimulating, or spicy foods.