Subfebrile temperature in children

The subfebrile temperature in a child is a common symptom, which may be the only sign of the disease or become part of a classic clinical picture that is specific to any pathology.

Let's first determine - what temperature is considered subfebrile in a child? It is accepted for the axiom that the subfebrile temperature ranges from 37 to 38 degrees Celsius. Important - this interval refers to the measurement in the armpit. Rectal, oral and ear temperature have their own norms, which differ from the above mentioned interval.

Subfebrile temperature in a child causes

In order to understand the reasons for subfebrile temperature in a child, you need to have an idea of ​​the processes of its regulation. The human body temperature is determined by two factors - thermogenesis (heat production) and heat transfer. They depend on the so-called "set-point", which is in the brain. Usually, this set point supports thermoregulation processes, so that the body temperature is at a level of 36.7 degrees. But there are people who have a lifetime temperature a little higher or lower. This is not considered a pathology in the case of well-being and exclusion of possible pathologies.

Thus, if your child sleeps well, eats, develops mentally and physically adequately to age, and your doctor claims that the baby is healthy - perhaps a long subfebrile temperature is the norm for your baby.

But, if you notice the deterioration of the child's health, and in the absence of manifest manifestations of the disease - you need to see a doctor and go through a series of examinations to find out the reason for the subfebrile temperature of the baby or child over. Perhaps the violation of thermogenesis is due to chronic infections in the child's body.

It is necessary to conduct a general examination, on which the doctor should carefully examine the child. Further, depending on the results, blood tests are performed (to identify chronic foci of infection or blood pathology), urine ( urinary tract infections are possible), x-rays (exclude lung diseases), and other studies.

What is dangerous subfebrile temperature?

Always remember that subfebrile temperature in infants can be observed in ARVI and other acute diseases, and she can always rise suddenly to high levels. Therefore, you never know what the danger is for a baby of low-grade fever.

Subfebrile temperature - treatment

Dear parents, remember that you need to treat not the temperature, but its cause. Therefore, if you do not understand that with your child - do not self-medicate, but show it to the pediatrician, because the long subfebrile temperature in infants and young children can be a herald of serious diseases.

Be healthy!