When your child runs a fever, there generally is an underlying cause, such as an infection or illness, notes MedlinePlus. As your child's body temperature rises, a lot of vital organs, including the heart, work harder and faster. This can cause other symptoms in addition to a higher body temperature. When your child’s fever is intermittent or recurs on a frequent basis, finding the cause is important to get the right treatment.
Symptoms
Your child can have a mild fever by having his temperature rise just a degree or two above the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. With a mild change in body temperature, he may begin to feel sluggish and achy. If his temperature, taken orally, climbs above 99.5 degrees, he may experience tiredness, headache, shivering, dehydration, muscle pain, burning eyes and lethargy. If his temperature keeps climbing and reaches 102 or higher, this can be life-threatening and cause symptoms such as irritability, hallucinations, confusion, seizures and convulsions, explains MayoClinic.com.
Causes
Some medical conditions may cause intermittent fevers in children. Immunizations can cause a low-grade intermittent fever, especially if your child has more than one type of immunization at a time. Teething also can cause body temperatures to rise – this may be recurring as his teeth come in over the course of several weeks. The onset of an infection, such as an ear or sinus infection or pneumonia, also can trigger a fever that may come and go or fluctuate as the infection runs its course. Having a cold or the flu also causes intermittent fevers, explains MedlinePlus.
Solution
Always seek the advice of your child’s pediatrician before administering over-the-counter medication. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation states that there are several ways to reduce fever at home. Start by administering fever-reducing medications, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your pediatrician and the enclosed instructions. Remove extra clothing to promote reducing body temperature. Use a cool bath along with a cool washcloth to sooth and comfort. Staying hydrated with electrolyte replenishment drinks and water can help reduce the risk of dehydration. Getting plenty of rest can help speed up recovery and let the fever run its course.
Precaution
Most fevers are harmless and come and go as the virus or illness leaves the body. There are some conditions in which a fever – even intermittent – can be serious. Scarlet fever is a type of strep infection that can affect children. If your child has a rash, sore throat, fever, malaise and abdominal pain, he could have scarlet fever. Left untreated, scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, kidney damage and meningitis, explains PubMed Health. In rare cases, intermittent fever can be a sign of leukemia, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia – especially in children.
