What Are the Causes of Frequent Fevers in Children?

A fever usually rises from an underlying virus or infection. Fever in children is a natural reaction within the body that fights germs and stimulates a child's immune system to ward off infectious bacteria and viruses. Although fever in children can be a positive, natural reaction to ward off illnesses, frequent fevers can signify a problem that requires medical attention.

Causes

• Frequent fever can be caused from a variety of reasons but are usually caused from repeated viral and bacterial infections. Children who suffer from repeated colds that progress into ear and sinus infections are more likely to experience frequent fever symptoms. Different types of relapsing infections such as tuberculosis, malaria and typhoid can also cause frequent fevers in children. Hereditary disorders such as Mediterranean fever, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and endocrine gland disorders such as hyperthyroidism may also cause frequent fevers in children. Children suffering from frequent fever may also have serious underlying conditions, such as kidney cancer, which causes persistent fever in children.

Diagnosing Unknown Causes of Frequent Fever

• In certain cases pediatricians are unable to determine the cause of frequent fever in children and further testing must be performed for diagnosis. To diagnose a mysterious, frequent fever in children, pediatricians rely on the positron emission tomography scan, also known as the PET scan, which uses radionuclide imaging to produce three-dimensional images of a child's organs such as the heart, brain or liver. PET scans are ideal for working with children, providing early diagnostics with minimally invasive procedures.

Treatment Options

• Children who experience fever as a result of viral or cold infections may feel aches, chills and overall discomfort from fever symptoms. Non-aspirin fever medications can be used to reduce and treat all fever symptoms in children. Children suffering from frequent fevers should get as much rest as possible to gain strength to heal from infections causing fever symptoms. These children are highly susceptible to becoming dehydrated and should be encouraged to drink as many fluids as possible. Avoid offering your child carbonated, soft drinks or fruit juices and instead encourage them to suck on ice chips or drink pediatric electrolyte re-hydration solutions or water.

Home Remedies

• Try giving your child a lukewarm bath to provide relief from fever symptoms. Also, dress him in clothing that is not too heavy or warm.

Warning

• Fever in children tends to last a maximum of two days and can reach temperatures as high as 101 degrees Fahrenheit to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever that lasts longer than a few days or reaches temperatures higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit should be addressed by your pediatrician immediately to rule out serious underlying conditions and prevent possible complications.