Fevers in babies can lead to complications such as brain damage, seizures and dehydration. Fevers are a protective mechanism that serve to eliminate invading microorganisms. Lasting injury caused by fevers is, therefore, rare. Of greater concern is the infection or other disease that may be the cause of fever. Therefore, serious fevers should be evaluated by a medical professional. An infant younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. In older infants, fevers of 102.2 are worthy of medical evaluation. High fevers are classified as those higher than 104 degrees.
Causes of a High Fever
Several factors may cause fevers in babies. According to the Children's Hospital of Colorado, fevers are most commonly caused by infections. Fever is often more serious in babies younger than 3 months of age. Infections such as pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis are serious and may cause high fevers. The common cold or other viral infections are other potential causes. Less common causes of fevers include overdressing, an immune reaction following an immunization or a reaction to certain medications.
Febrile Seizures
A fever in a baby may produce a febrile seizure. The seizure occurs as a result of the fever itself and not the underlying disease. These seizures occur between the ages of 6 months and 3 years of age. During a febrile seizure, a baby may lose consciousness and have sudden jerking movements of his arms and legs. Typical febrile seizures last for just a few seconds. Though the seizures are worrisome, they are usually not very serious and very rarely have long-term complications. Children with febrile seizure do not have epilepsy and usually do not need to take antiepileptic medications. Children with seizures should be evaluated by a medical professional who will try to identify the possible cause of the fever. Febrile seizures, however, do not cause any neurological damage themselves.
Dehydration
Normally, some amount of water is lost by evaporation from both the skin and the respiratory tract. As the body temperature rises, however, anyone with a fever can lose water rapidly. Because babies are small and have smaller fluid stores than adults, they are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated. Call your baby's pediatrician to see whether your baby needs to be evaluated. At home, however, parents can treat dehydration by offering water, soup and electrolyte liquids, depending on the baby's age and with a doctor's permission. Parents should avoid caffeinated drinks because these can increase dehydration.
Brain Damage
Fevers caused by infections of the brain, such as encephalitis and meningitis, may cause brain damage if not treated promptly. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain matter, usually caused by viruses; meningitis is an infection of the tissue that encases the brain. Brain damage from a fever is very rare. According to MedlinePlus, brain damage, also called encephalopathy, does not occur unless a fever exceeds 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Most infectious fevers never exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit, even at their worst.
