What should I do if a child has a cold with a persistent high fever?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

For a minor cold accompanied by persistent high fever, firstly, it is essential to monitor body temperature. If the fever continues, the initial step should be to reduce the fever, which can be done by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally every 4 to 6 hours as required. Additionally, physical cooling methods such as tepid sponge baths, warm baths, and drinking warm water can also be used. If the fever persists or recurs, it's crucial to visit a hospital for routine blood tests and C-reactive protein assessments to evaluate the condition and determine whether it is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat the infection. If a viral infection is considered to be the cause of the ongoing fever, treatment should primarily focus on fever reduction. Attention should also be paid to mental responses and changes in body temperature.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Qin Liang
Pediatrics
41sec home-news-image

Is rectal administration good for children with colds?

Rectal administration of medicine is not a treatment method used in formal hospitals; it is typically used for sedation or certain gastrointestinal disorders, requiring enema treatment. In some smaller clinics, enemas and rectal administration of medication might be used to treat children's fever and colds, which is an irregular treatment method and is best avoided. This may cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and lead to disorders such as diarrhea. Therefore, formal hospitals do not recommend using rectal administration to treat common issues like children's colds and fevers. Moreover, this method could potentially lead to side effects from the medication, affecting body functions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
57sec home-news-image

What to do if a child has a cold and lacks energy?

Children may experience digestive discomfort during illness, along with symptoms such as listlessness, drowsiness, and others. If these symptoms do not persist for a long time, they are typically not considered clinically as indicative of heart damage or myocarditis. In such cases, it is advisable for the child to rest at home, consume a light and liquid diet, and wait for recovery from the illness, which will naturally improve their spirits. However, if a child has a cold with extreme listlessness and feels very uncomfortable, it may be necessary to conduct a detailed blood test in a hospital to determine if there is any heart damage, myocarditis, or other special conditions. In principle, medical intervention with medications may be necessary for healing when required.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
53sec home-news-image

Why does a child's cold not get better?

Children often have persistent colds, which in many cases are related to improper care by parents, as well as poor immune function in the children themselves. Parents fail to adjust their children's clothing based on environmental changes in a timely manner, leading to frequent colds and recurrent colds. Secondly, due to poor immune function in children, they may constantly suffer from colds. Traditional Chinese medicine methods such as massage can be used to enhance children's immunity. In daily life, appropriate increases in outdoor sports activities can also help boost immunity. Additionally, administering oral medications that enhance immune function can improve the child's own immunity, thus avoiding the persistent occurrence of colds and preventing the onset of colds.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 32sec home-news-image

What should I do if a child has a cold and fever?

Children's colds and fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections, with the vast majority being viral infections. First, we need to ensure that the child is well-hydrated and also manage the symptoms. When the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, administer antipyretic medication to the child, such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen. The interval between doses of these medications should be at least six hours. Additionally, give the child cold relief granules to alleviate the symptoms of the cold. When the body temperature is below 38.5 degrees Celsius, physical cooling methods can be applied, such as using fever-reducing patches, taking lukewarm baths, or wiping the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin—areas where large blood vessels are located—with a warm towel. Throughout the process, it is very important to keep the child hydrated. If the child's cold and fever persist, a complete blood count should be performed to check for a bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotics should be administered under the guidance of a hospital doctor, based on the child’s condition. Controlling the infection is essential for reducing the fever and bringing the child's temperature down, ultimately helping the child return to normal.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min home-news-image

How effective is Xiao'er Ganmao Ning Heji?

Xiao'er Ganmao Ning combination is a non-prescription medication with Chinese herbal ingredients, used for treating colds in children. It is primarily used for symptoms such as fever and cough. It can be administered to children experiencing nasal congestion, runny nose, coughs, and throat discomfort, and it generally has a good therapeutic effect. While taking Xiao'er Ganmao Ning, it is essential to ensure the child drinks plenty of water. Additionally, if a bacterial infection or tracheitis has developed due to the cold, treatment should be combined with other medications based on the child's specific condition. Overall, Xiao'er Ganmao Ning mixture is a viable option for treating common colds in children and can effectively achieve the intended treatment goals. (Note: The answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and blind medication should be avoided.)