Fever in children

Fever in children is a common symptom and is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness. It is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Below are the most common causes of fever in children, categorized into infectious and non-infectious causes.

1. Infectious Causes (Most Common)

Infections are the leading cause of fever in children. These can be viral, bacterial, or other types of infections.

Viral Infections

Common Cold: Caused by rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, or other respiratory viruses.
Influenza (Flu): High fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms.
Gastroenteritis: Viral infections like rotavirus or norovirus causing fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Roseola (HHV-6): High fever followed by a rash after the fever breaks.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Caused by coxsackievirus, with fever, mouth sores, and rash.
Chickenpox (Varicella): Fever with itchy, blister-like rash.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Common in infants, causing fever, cough, and wheezing.
COVID-19: Fever, cough, and other respiratory symptoms.

Bacterial Infections

Strep Throat: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, with fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Common in young children, causing fever and ear pain.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Fever, pain during urination, and frequent urination.
Pneumonia: Fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Sinusitis: Fever with nasal congestion and facial pain.
Meningitis: High fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by Salmonella, E. coli, or Shigella.
Skin Infections: Cellulitis or impetigo, with fever and localized redness or swelling.

Other Infections

Tuberculosis: Persistent fever, cough, and weight loss.
Malaria: In endemic areas, with fever, chills, and sweating.
Lyme Disease: Fever, rash, and joint pain after a tick bite.
Parasitic Infections: Such as giardiasis or toxoplasmosis.

2. Non-Infectious Causes

Fever can also result from non-infectious conditions, though these are less common.

Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Fever with joint pain and swelling.
Kawasaki Disease: Prolonged fever, rash, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Fever, fatigue, and joint pain.

Environmental Causes

Heatstroke: High fever due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Dehydration: Can cause elevated body temperature.

Medications

Vaccine Reactions: Mild fever after immunizations (e.g., DTaP, MMR).
Drug Fever: Rare, caused by certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, anticonvulsants).

Other Causes

Teething: Mild fever in infants, though this is debated.
Cancer: Rarely, leukemia or lymphoma can cause persistent fever.
Endocrine Disorders: Such as hyperthyroidism.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most fevers in children are harmless and resolve on their own, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation:

Fever in infants under 3 months old (100.4°F or higher).
Fever lasting more than 3-5 days.
High fever (104°F or higher).
Severe symptoms: difficulty breathing, lethargy, rash, stiff neck, or seizures.
Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, or reduced urination.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

Management of Fever in Children

Hydration: Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration.
Rest: Ensure the child gets adequate rest.
Medications: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed by a doctor.
Cool Compresses: For comfort, but avoid cold baths.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for worsening signs or new symptoms.

Fever in children is usually a sign of a mild, self-limiting illness, but it’s important to monitor the child closely and seek medical advice if there are any concerning symptoms.