A child’s elevated body temperature is one of the most common complaints that lead to a visit to the doctor. It can be the result of wound-like causes, among which the leading place is occupied by infectious diseases.
For all organs and systems to function normally, it is necessary to maintain a certain body temperature. According to different sources, the values that are considered normal differ, but it is generally accepted that values between 36 o C and 37 o C, measured axillary, are considered normal.
The human body has several mechanisms by which it maintains normal body temperature. The organs that are directly important for thermoregulation are the brain, skin, blood vessels, and muscles.
Body temperature control is carried out both using some behavioral mechanisms – changing clothes, changing the temperature in the room, moving to another room, etc., and by involuntary ones – for example, shivering, sweating, contraction or expansion of blood vessels, change in blood circulation of the skin and internal organs, release of endogenous biologically active substances – enzymes, hormones and others.
What is the mechanism?
In the presence of a pathological process, the following changes occur in the body:
- Biologically active substances are produced – cytokines and mediators in response to foreign agents entering the body – pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi), parasites, medications, etc.
- The immune system is activated by stimulating the production of immunocompetent cells. They also release biologically active substances that are important for the overall functioning of the body’s immune defenses, some of which lead to an increase in body temperature.
- Some bacteria contain substances toxic to the body. When bacteria are destroyed, these toxins are released and lead to an increase in body temperature.
The reasons for the increased body temperature are diverse, primarily infectious diseases. In several other cases, however, febrility may also be present, as a leading or accompanying symptom – when taking certain medications, autoimmune diseases, overheating, oncological diseases, and others.
The increased body temperature is a protective reaction of the body, through which it fights against foreign microorganisms. On the one hand, in this way, unfavorable conditions are created for the development and reproduction of the microorganisms themselves. This is because they are adapted to live under certain conditions, most often at a temperature close to normal for the human body.
On the other hand, the increased body temperature activates the immune defense of the organism, using which specialized cells and biological substances are sent to the site of invasion of the microorganism. In this way, the invasion of the pathogenic agent is prevented.
Is it necessary to treat the fever?
Fever is a symptom that occurs most often as a result of some disease. Giving an antipyretic to lower the temperature will not treat the child’s underlying illness. However, during febrile illness, the child is often lethargic, uncomfortable, or restless, and accordingly, the administration of an antipyretic will relieve these complaints.
Therefore, the recommendation is to give an antipyretic at a temperature above 38.5 o C or a lower temperature if the child experiences discomfort and does not tolerate it well. If the child or parents have a history of febrile convulsion, an antipyretic can be given at a lower temperature. This does not reduce the risk of developing a febrile seizure but is still recommended for parents’ peace of mind.
