Causes of subfebrile temperature in children and methods of treatment. Subfebrile temperature without symptoms The child is 37.5

One of the most controversial and alarming situations for parents is when a child has a temperature of 37 ° C, which in medicine is called subfebrile. Someone says that this is the norm that every person should have. Some consider this an indication that a small organism cannot fully resist the disease, which in itself is a very bad sign.

And doubts always begin: to go to the hospital or not? Give antipyretics or take a wait-and-see attitude? What if precious time is wasted? In such serious matters relating to the health of the baby, you need to understand in detail.

To begin with, if the child has a temperature of 37 ° C without symptoms, that is, there is no cough, no runny nose, no diarrhea, check if you measured it correctly at all. There are several nuances that not all parents know about. A kind of reminder will allow you to avoid mistakes.

  1. Very often, a temperature of 37-37.3 ° C is explained by physical exertion that the child has just endured. It could be both sports, and household chores or outdoor games. Therefore, give him a thermometer only half an hour after active actions.
  2. The data may be inflated after crying or screaming, so first you need to wait until the baby calms down.
  3. Carry out thermometry during the day, preferably always at the same time. And keep in mind that in the morning the thermometer usually gives low readings, and in the evening the temperature can rise to 37-37.5 ° C.
  4. The armpit into which the thermometer is inserted must be completely dry, otherwise the humidity will distort the readings.
  5. Do not take oral measurements (through the mouth) if the child has just eaten or drunk hot liquid, breathes through the mouth, coughs heavily, or is short of breath.
  6. Data may be higher than normal after a hot bath, stress, fatigue, excitement, prolonged exposure to the sun or in a stuffy room.

So, if you see a mark of 37 ° C or a little higher on the thermometer, do not panic. First, check yourself with this memo: have you violated the rules of measurement.

In addition, very often errors are given out by electronic thermometers. Therefore, put it for someone else to check, or confirm the data obtained with an ordinary mercury thermometer.

Origin of name. The term "subfebrile" goes back to the Latin words "sub" - a little and "febris" - fever. That is, the literal translation is a little fever.

Norm

If the child has a temperature of 37 ° C, and there are no more symptoms with accurate measurements, this is also not a cause for alarm. In some situations, it is the norm:

  • vaccination;
  • a temperature of 37 ° C in an infant is a sign of immature thermoregulation, which does not require treatment and will pass by itself;
  • the introduction of protein complementary foods in too large quantities.

Asymptomatic subfebrile temperature in a child may be due to various circumstances, but in most cases it is the norm and does not require a visit to a doctor. You need to take a wait-and-see attitude.

It is quite another matter if the mark on the thermometer at 37 ° C is accompanied by a painful condition. Here it is already necessary to urgently find out the reasons and take appropriate measures.

through the pages of history. Galileo is considered the inventor of the first thermometer, although there is no description of the device in his own writings. However, his students testified that in 1597 the scientist made something like a thermobaroscope.

Causes and additional symptoms

The normal temperature of 37-37.5 ° C in a child is rare. Much more often this is a sign of some kind of pathology. The causes can be various diseases that can be identified even before visiting a doctor for certain symptoms.

The child has a temperature of 37 and ...

  • ...cough- bronchitis (at the beginning of the disease there will be a dry cough), colds, chronic tonsillitis, allergies, pneumonia, tuberculosis;
  • ...runny nose-, allergy;
  • ...vomit- food poisoning, intestinal infection, CNS pathology (encephalitis, meningitis), gastrointestinal diseases;
  • ...I have a stomachache- appendicitis, whooping cough, acute respiratory infections, measles, intestinal infection, food poisoning, foreign body in the stomach;
  • ...diarrhea- intestinal infection, helminthic invasion;
  • ...headache- flu, SARS, meningitis, intoxication, thermoneurosis;
  • ...osip voice- tonsillitis, influenza, asthma, laryngitis, pneumonia, tracheitis, diphtheria;
  • ... lethargy- the onset of infection, inflammation, the rehabilitation period after abdominal operations, helminthic invasion, oncology.

It also happens that after antibiotics and after illness, the temperature of 37 ° C lasts for quite a long time. Rates may remain elevated for up to several months. Treatment is not required, the condition resolves on its own without consequences.

But if in parallel with this there is a cough, runny nose, lethargy or other symptoms - most likely, a relapse of the disease was provoked, complications arose, or a new infection superimposed on the old one. In this case, you must consult a doctor.

It is interesting. When a subfebrile temperature lasts for several days and even weeks after a treated disease, doctors call this feature a “temperature tail”.

Age features

The question of why a child has a temperature of 37 ° C can also be answered by age-related physiology. This is especially true for the smallest - infants of the first year of life.

  • Newborn

If the temperature is 37 ° C in a newborn child without any deviations in health, this is a variant of the norm, which indicates a thermoregulation system that has not yet been formed. Most often this happens with premature babies.

  • Month

If a month-old child has a temperature of 37 ° C after being vaccinated against viral hepatitis ("" or ""), you should not worry - this is the norm. Another reason is the formation of a thermoregulation system, which can last up to a year.

  • 2 months

Subfebrile indicators in a two-month-old child are a consequence of vaccination against pneumococcal infection or age-related development of body temperature.

  • 3-4 months

The situation also changes little in a 3-4 month old child. Since this period is replete with vaccinations (, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, hemophilia and), the temperature can rise to 37 ° C after each vaccination, and this will be the norm.

  • 5 months

Subfebrile indicators can be caused by the first feeding. If the baby has a temperature of 37 ° C and his stomach hurts due to constipation, colic, bloating, flatulence, the cause may be the unsuccessful introduction of protein foods into his diet.

  • 6-7 months

The main reason for slightly inflated rates at this age is teething. Then the temperature of 37 ° C will be kept in the child constantly - for 5-7 days.

At a later age, this problem can be associated with only two factors: puberty and depression. If a child finds himself in an unfamiliar situation or experiences severe stress, his nervous system begins to regulate body temperature itself and raises it to subfebrile. Most often this happens during adolescence.

What do children need to normalize such an incomprehensible state?

Curious fact. Body temperature limits for human survival range from +20°C to +41°C.

What to do?

If subfebrile indicators are observed from time to time, most likely, the matter is in measurement errors, so nothing is required from parents other than calmness and observation.

Another thing is if a child has a temperature of 37 ° C for a week or more, regardless of whether it is accompanied by some additional symptoms or not. In this case, a number of measures should be taken.

  1. Identify the clinical picture - all deviations in the condition (cough, runny nose, diarrhea, rash, headache, etc.).
  2. In case of a sharp deterioration (, for example), call an ambulance. In other cases, just see a doctor.
  3. Many parents worry about what to give their child at 37°C: nothing but water. Plentiful warm drink will improve his condition, remove all products of intoxication from the body. No antipyretics!
  4. Bed rest is not required at all.
  5. Provide fresh air: ventilate the room, go out more often (to the question of whether it is possible for a child with a temperature of 37 ° C to walk).
  6. Limit your time at the computer (laptop, phone, TV).
  7. Provide a favorable psychological atmosphere, dispel fears, help overcome difficulties, and call for a confidential conversation.
  8. But the question of whether it is possible to bathe a child at a temperature of 37 ° C causes different opinions. Some doctors are categorically against large-scale water procedures in such a situation (shower, bath, bath). It is better to wait until the fever subsides, and until then limit yourself to washing and local rinsing.
  9. Establish proper nutrition.
  10. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep.

So if a child has a fever for a week, be sure to make an appointment with a doctor to get diagnosed, to identify more accurately what is the cause of subfebrile condition, and to be treated if necessary.

It is interesting. The temperature regime of 35.8-37.3 ° C is a guarantee of the uninterrupted functioning of all internal organs.

Diagnostics

If a child has a temperature of 37 ° C for a long period, you first need to contact a pediatrician (therapist). Depending on additional symptoms, he may prescribe the following examinations:

  • general and biochemical blood test;
  • general urine analysis;
  • Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, pelvic organs, kidneys;
  • echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart);
  • chest x-ray;
  • narrower blood tests to identify the hormonal profile, antibodies, tumor markers.

These are standard research methods. In more advanced and severe cases (when the temperature stays at 37 for a week or longer and is accompanied by various clinical manifestations and deterioration of the child's condition), a puncture of the cerebrospinal fluid, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be required.

The doctor will prescribe tests gradually. The examination plan depends on the symptoms against the background of subfebrile fever. If there are none, the visit to the hospital will be limited to the passage of a routine medical examination.

Wow! There is a known case when a man was rescued, who was diagnosed with a body temperature of 13 ° C.

Prevention

Parents need to keep in mind that even if no diseases were detected in the child during the diagnosis and the doctor said that a constant temperature of 37 ° C for him is a variant of the norm, this does not mean at all that you need to calm down, fold your hands and do nothing do.

Such indicators for a long time are chronic and dangerous stress for the body. We must try to bring the child's body back to normal.

Preventive measures in this case will include:

  • timely detection and treatment of foci of infections and various diseases;
  • salvation from stress, favorable psychological atmosphere;
  • refusal of bad habits (referring to adolescents);
  • compliance with the daily routine;
  • full sleep;
  • regular exercise;
  • daily outdoor walks.

These preventive methods will help strengthen the immunity of the child and train the processes of heat transfer. With the exact implementation of the recommendations, the children's body will quickly return to normal and cope with subfebrile condition.

Temperature indicators of the human body can tell some information about his state of health. During the day, the level of the thermometer can rise and fall several times. In this case, no additional worries arise.

If an adult does not pay attention to such fluctuations, then in children everything is somewhat different. Worried parents notice that the child has a temperature of 37 without symptoms and immediately attribute a cold to him. But not always it is she who causes such a reaction. To eliminate subfebrile indicators, you need to know what exactly provoked their appearance.

To talk about the causes of fever in children, it is necessary to indicate what is the norm. It is considered to be an ideal indicator of a thermometer that fits into the range of 36.4 - 36.6 degrees.

But not all kids have it. The variation in body temperature values ​​from 35.6 to 36.9 degrees does not apply to pathology. And in infants, the permissible norm of the upper limit is 37.5 degrees.

The level of the thermometer is asymptomatically rising for various reasons. All of them can be divided into natural and pathological.

The first usually do not have additional signs, and also do not need treatment with medications.

It is enough to eliminate the provocateur, as the child's condition returns to normal. The latter often have additional symptoms and require medical attention.

Natural reactions of the body to external stimuli

If a child has a temperature of 37.2-37.4 without symptoms, then excessive physical activity may be the cause. Remember what the baby did before the measurement?

If the baby was jumping, running, playing active games or even talking loudly, then this may be the reason.

Measurement should not be taken immediately after activity, as its results cannot be considered indicative.

Diagnosis of temperature is made in the armpit of the child only after 20-30 minutes of rest.

A slight increase in values ​​can occur even after a meal, especially hot and with a lot of spices. Other natural causes of low-grade fever include:

  • warm clothes and being in a hot room (especially in children of the first year of life);
  • eruption of milk teeth (may occur periodically up to 2 - 2.5 years);
  • exposure to the sun, heat stroke (may occur in children of different ages).

An increase in body temperature in a child up to 37.1-37.5 often occurs due to the intake of certain medications.

Antibiotics used to treat bacterial diseases can cause an increase in the thermometer level on the first day due to mass death of bacteria and severe intoxication.

Immunomodulators also sometimes cause a slight subfebrile condition, as they stimulate the work of the body's defense reaction. If the child's temperature is 37.2-37.5 without symptoms, and we are talking about a newborn, then this value is considered normal. But a further increase already speaks of a pathological process.

What diseases can cause fever?

The fact that the temperature is 37.7-37.9 without symptoms in a child may also indicate a pathological process in the body.

Its origin can be very different. Most often, children experience subfebrile condition that occurs due to a cold, viral or bacterial infection. These include:

  • pharyngitis and nasopharyngitis;
  • rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis;
  • eustachitis, otitis;
  • tonsillitis;
  • laryngitis, tracheitis;
  • bronchitis, pyelonephritis.

It is these diagnoses that are most often attributed to children with an increase in temperature up to 37.9 without additional symptoms.

Other signs may be simply invisible to parents. For example, with otitis media, the ear hurts, and with tonsillitis, the neck hurts, but the child cannot correctly explain his condition.

During viral infections, the child's body tries to cope on its own, producing valuable interferon. This process causes an increase in temperature, but there are no additional symptoms of a cold yet.

If the virus is stronger, they will appear only after a few days.

Subfebrile temperature in the range of 37.6-37.8 without other signs is observed in such infectious diseases as rubella, chickenpox, roseola.

First, the child has a fever, and there are no additional manifestations. Only after 2-4 days a rash appears, which becomes the main symptom of the disease.

The peculiarity of this hyperthermia is that the level of the thermometer usually becomes higher in the evening. At the same time, in the morning he returns to normal on his own, and during the day the child feels well and does not complain of fever.

When a child has a temperature of 37.1-37.3 after an illness, it is called residual. Often this occurs after illnesses that are severe or moderate.

Hyperthermia can be after influenza, SARS, chickenpox, rubella, lymphadenitis, otitis, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis and intestinal infection.

Subfebrile condition in these cases can persist for another 1-2 weeks. Rarely does it last for a month.

Many parents ask themselves: is it necessary to take any action if the child has a temperature of 37.4 in the evening without symptoms?

Doctors answer him in the negative. To bring down such a temperature and give any antipyretic or other medicines to a child is not worth it.

If the condition of the baby still causes serious concern to the parents, then this is an occasion to contact the pediatrician and take tests, after which an accurate diagnosis will be made.

Features of treatment with asymptomatic temperature

When a child has a temperature of 37.1-37.9 without symptoms, is it worth giving the baby some medicines or antipyretic drugs, or maybe you need to start with antibiotics right away? Increasingly, such requests can be found on the Internet.

Parents want to help the baby on their own, so as not to seek help from doctors. Immediately it is worth warning that any self-treatment may be wrong.

As a result, you will not only not help the child, but also cripple his health. In the treatment of subfebrile condition, you must follow the basic rules.

  • Do not use antipyretics until the body temperature reaches 38.5 degrees. An exception can be made only for children with neurological diseases, hypoxia or birth injuries. Such children should be given an antipyretic already when the thermometer level approaches 38 degrees.
  • If you use antipyretics, then choose only those drugs that are intended for the treatment of a child.. From the first month of life, Cefecon D suppositories can be administered to children, from three months it is preferable to use Ibuprofen, Kalpol, Panadol syrups, and from 6 years old Nurofen, Paracetamol tablets are allowed. Each drug indicates an individual dosage corresponding to the age of the child. Pay special attention to this.
  • Antipyretics are symptomatic. They relieve subfebrile temperature, but do not affect the cause of its appearance. Therefore, they do not carry out treatment as such. To treat a fever in a child without additional signs, you need to see a doctor and find out why it appeared.
  • Any therapeutic measures should be started only after the permission of the doctor. Be sure to repeat the measurement of the baby's body temperature. Perhaps it normalizes within an hour after fixing the overestimated indicators.

If this happened and the level of the thermometer did not increase more, then you can be sure of the full health of your child. It is worth seeking emergency help in a medical institution if the temperature continues to rise rapidly or the condition of a small patient is aggravated by additional symptoms.

Temperature and nothing else – School of Dr. Komarovsky

In contact with

Classmates

Otolaryngologist, allergist. Graduate of the Warsaw Medical University, Ph.D. PhD thesis in the field of otolaryngology - the study of the patency of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. She specialized in allergology at the Warsaw Clinical Hospital - at the Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. Long-term employee of the Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology of the Central Clinical Hospital in Warsaw and the Enel-Med Medical Center. Accepts children from 3 years old and adults with ENT and allergy problems.

23 comments

  1. Maria

    Hello, my child is 6 years old. For the second month the temperature is 37.4. She rises and falls within 2 hours. From 18:00-20:00. 2 months ago I had a cough, coughed for a long time and then stopped. The pediatrician said x-rays are not necessary if the blood test is in order. If there was bronchitis or pneumonia, the Oak would have shown. Is this true and what should we do where to move? We also have enlarged lymph nodes in the neck on both sides for six months. Approximately below the ear on the neck.

  2. Svetlana

    The child has a temperature of 37.8 for 6 months, only during the day, not at night. Headaches. In September, he had mononucleosis. All analyzes are good. child 10 years old. Please tell me how to help the child recover. They don’t put them in the hospital, they drove through all the doctors, to no avail.

  3. Olga

    Hello. The child is 9 years old. The temperature is 37.1 to 37.8 for more than a month. There are no symptoms. Nothing hurts. Standard tests are normal. Biochemistry is normal. Bakposev is normal. The x-ray showed nothing. Uzi has already done everything. Everything is fine. What to do? Tell me please

It is on the borderline. But when such a mild fever lasts for a week, it makes one wonder why.

If a child with subfebrile temperature is in a good mood, actively plays, does not complain about anything, and you do not see any frightening symptoms, then you should first make sure that the measurements are correct.

To do this, you need to put a thermometer three times: at 9.00., 16.00. and 21.00. If a mercury thermometer in the armpit shows a stable 37.1℃ at any hour of the day, then such a constancy of temperature is strange and requires a pediatrician's consultation, especially if the child is under 5 years old. And even older children who have already formed thermoregulation should not show such a temperature picture.

When 37.1 lasts a week and this is normal

In a child up to three months, the daily temperature difference is 0.6℃. That is, it can be on the same day both 36.5 and 37.1. In children under 2 years old, thermoregulation is still immature and can jump quite strongly, moreover, this is not tied to the time of day. For older peanuts, a regular increase is already observed during the day.

In healthy babies after three years, who run and jump all day, the temperature difference is 1℃, and sometimes up to 1.4℃. If it is 36.4 in the morning, 36.6 in the afternoon, and 37.1 in the evening for a week, then this is absolutely normal. Girls have a higher temperature difference than boys. That is, if in the morning it was 36.6, then in the evening it is quite normal 37.6. But not vice versa.

The average body temperature of a 5-year-old preschooler is about half a degree higher than that of an adult. It is important to know your child's normal body temperature. Maybe it's just 37.1. This is rare, but it happens.

It makes no sense to put a thermometer after some actions that increase heat production:

  • food, especially protein and hot - 20-40 minutes;
  • physical activity or taking a bath - half an hour;
  • strong emotions, both crying and laughter - 15-20 minutes;
  • being in a very warm room or in the sun;
  • dressed too warmly.

When 37.1 is an alarm

Prolonged subfebrile fever is not a very good condition. The positive effect of temperature increase at 37.1, as at 38-39℃, does not appear. But the defenses of the immune system are undermined due to the increased evaporation of water from the skin, dehydration gradually increases. 37.1 in this case is not the worst option, because it is on the borderline of the norm.

What can such a slight increase indicate if it is accompanied by weakness, lethargy, capriciousness, but there are no other symptoms? About the presence of a hidden sluggish process:

  • infectious, including a weak reaction to vaccination;
  • slightly traumatic, to which teething can also be attributed;
  • autoimmune;
  • tumor.

If there are no painful symptoms and you have strong nerves, you can take a position of waiting. While not forgetting:

  • prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water,
  • closely monitor the condition of the child;
  • measure temperature three times a day.

If it does not normalize on its own, the cause must show up. At the first warning signs, when you immediately seek medical help, you will already have the information to make the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms at 37.1 in a child and their possible causes
sign Diseases

Painful urination, change in the type of urine

Cystitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis
Cough Tuberculosis, sluggish forms of bronchitis or pneumonia, allergic reactions, chronic tonsillitis, mild acute respiratory infections
Runny nose Allergic rhinitis, respiratory infection
I have a stomachache The child swallowed something foreign, appendicitis, enterovirus, poisoning
Vomit Gastritis, infectious processes in the stomach and intestines, inflammatory diseases of the brain - meningitis, encephalitis
Diarrhea Worm infection, intestinal poisoning
Headache Chronic sinusitis, mild forms of viral infections, thermoneurosis, meningitis
hoarse voice Chronic tracheitis or bronchitis, influenza, diphtheria, tonsillitis, asthma

Particular attention should be paid to such features of the condition of a child with a prolonged temperature of 37.1, such as lethargy, weakness, and increased drowsiness. This is not a normal state of health for children, which can be a sign of anemia, diseases of the kidneys and other urinary organs, the presence of helminths, inflammation or tumors in any of the internal organs.

A subfebrile temperature of 37.1 often lasts a week or more in a child after surgery, severe forms of SARS or influenza - this is called the "temperature tail". It does not need separate treatment, unless new symptoms are added that indicate a complication.

Probable causes of a child of a certain age

The appearance of subfebrile condition for a week or longer can be tied to certain events in the child's life related to his development and planned medical procedures:

  • immediately after birth as one of the variants of the norm, especially in preterm infants,
  • 1 month: vaccination against pneumococcus, an individual feature of immature thermoregulation,
  • 3, 4 months - routine vaccinations with DTP, against poliomyelitis, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae,
  • 5 months is the time of the first complementary foods. If 37.1 is accompanied by intestinal colic, then the parents began to feed the baby with protein food too zealously,
  • 6, 7 months of age - due to teething,
  • preschoolers and younger students: stressful situations in the family, kindergarten or school,
  • adolescents - psychogenic subfebrile condition due to interpersonal conflicts. Growth fever during puberty.

Healthy child - happy parents. Young mothers and fathers begin to panic at the slightest deviation from the norm. Even a temperature of 37.2 in a child of 2 years old becomes a cause for concern. In fact, this may be a variant of the norm. But you can not postpone a visit to the pediatrician.

What should be the temperature of the baby?

The body temperature of a healthy person is not a constant value. Indicators may vary depending on what room the child is in, how he is dressed. It is generally accepted that a body temperature of 36.6 degrees is considered normal. Minor deviations are allowed. An indicator below 35.5 degrees or above 37.0 degrees is considered abnormal. Elevated body temperature can be subfebrile (up to 38.0 degrees) and febrile (over 38.0 degrees). Often, even a temperature of 37.5 in a child of 2 years is not considered pathological. This may be a variant of the norm, if the baby is not worried about anything, he is not naughty and eats well.

It is important for parents to learn how to correctly measure the body temperature of a child. Errors can cause the thermometer to display readings that do not correspond to reality. Particular attention should be paid to the temperature measurement procedure if the child does not have concomitant symptoms of the disease (he does not cough, is not naughty).

In no case should you start the procedure after a cry or Any physical activity can provoke an increase in performance. You can not take measurements after an active walk. Immediately after waking up, the baby will experience, on the contrary, a decrease in body temperature. Measurements should preferably be carried out in a quiet environment. The armpit must be absolutely dry. Often a temperature of 37.2 in a child of 2 years is the result of exposure to moisture.

Many today use electronic thermometers. It is noticed that such devices do not always show accurate data. It is worth giving preference to proven mercury thermometers.

Oral measurements often give increased body temperature readings. In addition, this technique cannot be called hygienic.

When there is no cause for concern

In some cases, a temperature of 37.2 in a 2-year-old child is absolutely normal. This is the reaction of the body to certain manipulations. For example, subfebrile indicators can be observed in a baby after vaccination. It is no coincidence that many pediatricians prescribe Panadol or Nurofen after vaccination. With the help of these drugs, it is possible to normalize the condition of the crumbs, relieve pain.

A slight increase in body temperature during teething is considered completely normal. At this time, the baby's body spends a lot of energy, the immune system is running out. If the mother does everything right, after a few days the temperature of the child will return to normal, you will not have to face infections. But the neglect of the doctor's recommendations often leads to the fact that the baby's weakened body is faced with various infections. In this case, the temperature is already rising to febrile levels.

Immature thermoregulation is another cause of fever in an infant. This condition does not require treatment and usually returns to normal by 18 months. In rare cases, the body gets used to environmental conditions by 3 years. Therefore, if a child has a temperature of 37 for 2 years, you should not panic. It could be a normal variant. But you will need to consult a doctor.

If the baby has an increase in temperature to subfebrile indicators, while he behaves restlessly, it is worth finding out the reason.

Respiratory diseases

Respiratory infections are the most common cause of fever in children. Initially, the disease may begin with a sore throat or runny nose. An increase in temperature is an indicator of the presence of an infection in the body. If the child's well-being does not change critically, it is not worth lowering the indicators. The increased temperature kills bacteria and viruses. It is believed that it is necessary to take antipyretics when the readings on the thermometer reach 38.5 degrees.

If a temperature of 37.2 is observed in a child of 2 years old, while there is a cough, it is impossible to postpone a visit to the pediatrician. The baby may develop bronchitis, requiring appropriate treatment. Lack of therapy often leads to serious complications, including pneumonia and death. A 2-year-old child does not tolerate such diseases quite well. A temperature of 37 and a cough is not a reason to self-medicate.

Quite badly, kids also tolerate influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. Often the disease is accompanied by just the same increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels. The rapid deterioration of the child's condition is a sign of a bacterial infection that requires hospitalization of a small patient. A temperature of 37.7 in a 2-year-old child may indicate the onset of a sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, measles, etc.

Intestinal infections

A sharp increase in body temperature in a child may indicate poisoning. At the same time, often in the first hours after the pathological microflora enters the stomach, the child feels absolutely normal, and the thermometer readings will already show a deviation. Then the baby has accompanying symptoms - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain. A temperature of 37.6 in a 2-year-old child is one of the symptoms of intoxication of the body. Treatment should begin immediately. Otherwise, dehydration will occur and the baby's condition will worsen. The child should be given as much liquid as possible, as well as drugs that remove toxins from the body. It is better if the medicine is prescribed by a specialist.

Appendicitis is another common cause of temperature fluctuations. The disease is not associated with an intestinal infection, but the symptoms are similar (pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, lack of appetite). A temperature of 37.8 in a 2-year-old child against the background of pain in the lower abdomen is a reason for an immediate consultation with a surgeon. The sooner the inflamed appendix is ​​removed, the more likely it is not to face complications.

Brain diseases

Brain problems in children are not a common problem. However, statistics indicate that the number of sick children is increasing every year. The reason for this may be the environmental situation, mother's illness during pregnancy, neglect of the doctor's recommendations, etc. One of the reasons for the change in body temperature in a baby may be a violation of cerebral circulation. At the same time, the following symptoms can alert parents: headache, decreased concentration, developmental delay, loss of previously acquired skills, etc.

A rather serious infectious pathology is meningitis. At an early stage of the disease, a temperature of 37.5 will be observed in a child of 2 years. As inflammation of the meninges develops, the child's condition will worsen. Body temperature may rise to febrile levels. If timely assistance is not provided, a fatal outcome is possible. Often, after suffering meningitis, children become disabled.

Cardiovascular diseases

As in the case of brain ailments, cardiovascular pathologies are increasingly occurring in young children. In most cases, these are congenital diseases that were provoked by abnormalities during pregnancy, some hereditary factors. Some acquired pathologies can also cause a malfunction of the baby's cardiovascular system. Flu complications often develop.

The problem is that in childhood, the symptoms of cardiac pathology may be completely absent or minimally expressed. The only sign is often changes in the readings of the thermometer. A temperature of 37.4 in a 2-year-old child may indicate pathology of the vessels and heart. Even if there are no symptoms, it is worth undergoing a thorough diagnosis.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a condition that in most cases children of school age face. But even babies can be diagnosed with the disease. The hereditary factor plays an important role.

Oncological diseases

Oncology is that area of ​​medicine that no one wants to face. Unfortunately, no specialist can name the exact reasons for the formation of cancer cells in the body today. Both adults and children suffer. Oncological diseases are quite insidious. At an early stage, when it is still possible to save a person's life, there are practically no symptoms. You can feel absolutely normal when the mechanism of the disease is already running.

A temperature of 37.1 in a 2-year-old child may indicate the development of a malignant neoplasm. The sooner the parents go for a consultation, the sooner the pathology will be diagnosed. There are chances to save a little man's life.

Benign neoplasms in the body can also cause an increase in body temperature. The tumor will develop, compress neighboring organs. This will inevitably lead to an inflammatory process.

Allergy

An inadequate reaction of the body to food or substances from the environment is an allergy. In most cases, the disease is accompanied by the formation of a rash, redness of the skin, and itching. Less commonly, babies may experience allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or laryngitis. Usually, body temperature indicators remain normal, but slight deviations are possible.

The problem is that during periods of exacerbation of allergies, the child's immunity is significantly reduced. The baby becomes vulnerable to various infections. A temperature of 37.3 in a 2-year-old child on the background of an allergy is a reason to call a doctor. It is possible that in addition to antihistamines, the specialist will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral agents.

A common occurrence is elevated body temperature with drug allergies. In this case, the indicators on the thermometer can reach 38 degrees. In addition, drug allergies are accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin. Symptoms develop abruptly and require immediate medical attention.

Overheat

Heat stroke is a phenomenon that can occur after prolonged exposure to high temperatures on the body. Children are more likely to suffer from overheating. This is due to the still immature thermoregulation system. Therefore, parents, especially in the summer, need to monitor the condition of the child. On the street, the baby must be dressed according to the weather, do not wrap him up. Especially carefully for the child must be monitored on the beach. A headdress is an obligatory attribute of rest.

Usually pronounced. This is a headache, lethargy, drowsiness. Less commonly, the baby complains of nausea. In the most difficult situations, loss of consciousness is observed. However, in some cases, overheating can provoke only a slight increase in body temperature. How to understand that a child overheated (2 years old)? A temperature of 37 without symptoms is one of the signs.

What to do with an increase in body temperature in a baby?

Initially, you should make sure that the temperature readings were measured correctly. It is recommended to repeat the procedure after 20-30 minutes. You should not panic, even if the patient is very small (a child is 2 years old). Temperature 37, what to do? If at the same time the baby feels bad, has become capricious, his appetite has disappeared, it is worth calling a specialist at home. The doctor will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe an examination.

Is it worth worrying if the child's behavior has not changed, while the body temperature is kept at 37.0-37.5 degrees. There is no need to panic, but it is advisable to seek advice. It is possible that this is a feature of the baby. A slightly elevated body temperature in children under 3 years old is not always a deviation.

Prevention is always better than any cure. In order not to face situations that can provoke an increase in body temperature in a baby, it is worth monitoring his nutrition and rest. In accordance with age, it is necessary to temper the child, spend as much time as possible with him in the fresh air.

Timely seeking help from a doctor is the key to success. Visiting a pediatrician is also recommended once a year for a preventive examination.

Less than half a degree. But for a mom who often hugs her baby, such a small difference can be easily felt. Once such a thermometer reading can be considered random. But when subfebrile fever lasts for 4 days, albeit at the lower border, legitimate concern arises - what are the reasons. Is there anything that needs to be done and what exactly?

There are 3 options:

  • 37℃ is just the norm for your child,
  • the external conditions in which the baby is located lead to constant overheating,
  • subfebrile condition signals the development of a disease.

In each of these cases, there may be causes, and the correct response should be different.

When 37 is the same as 36.6

This can only be approved under the following conditions:

  • the child has a great mood, high activity, excellent appetite,
  • in the room 18-22℃ and humidity 45-70%,
  • there are no painful symptoms.

The average temperature in a child is 36.6 only at the age of 13. And before that:

  • at 3-6 months - 37.5℃;
  • at 1 year - 37.1℃;
  • at 3 years -37.2℃;
  • at 7 years old 36.8℃4
  • at 9-11 years old 36.7℃.

So for a kid under five years old, 37 is a low temperature, even if it lasts 4 days or more. And you don't have to do anything in this case. In addition to watering, feeding, educating, carefully monitoring the state of health and periodically putting a thermometer at the same time, at 8-9 and 19-20 hours, in order to know what your normal temperature is now. And do not forget that for all people it rises in the evening, after eating, physical and emotional activity.

If there is hyperthermia

In children under 7 years of age, thermoregulation differs significantly from that in adults. Doctor Komarovsky in his book " 36.6 temperature questions highlights these differences:

  • weak sweating- and this is one of the main ways of heat transfer;
  • rapid breathing, through which most of the heat is given off;
  • high heat production- several times more per kilogram of weight than the parents.

Therefore, undressed children are easily overcooled, and dressed overheat. The latter happens more often because of the desire of the elders to put on the baby as many clothes as possible. And it increases many times with a lack of water in the body. That is, when the little one is not given enough to drink, and he shows signs of dehydration. And with them, and a little hyperthermia at first.

If, due to overheating, the temperature stays at 37 for 4 days, this is an increased load on metabolism and immunity. Under such conditions, the child becomes more vulnerable to microbes and easily picks up an acute respiratory disease or other infection.

What to do:

  • dress normally so that the baby is not cold or hot,
  • create a comfortable temperature and humidity in the room with the help of ventilation, a steam humidifier, or at least wet sheets on the battery,
  • give a sufficient amount of drink, but not hot, but slightly warm.

Causes of Painful 37℃ Temperature

Such a temperature can be considered a diagnostic sign if it is combined with other symptoms of pathology. If you usually had 36.6 or even less, and then suddenly it became 37 and has been holding for 4 days, then in the center of thermoregulation in the brain, this value has become the set point. And all the processes in the body are reconfigured so as to maintain subfebrile fever.

Changes occur under the action of pyrogens - substances that increase the temperature. They can enter the body from the outside world or be synthesized by their own cells. The simplest example of a pyrogen is a drop of iodine on a piece of sugar. This is a favorite delicacy of truants who want to go on sick leave, being completely healthy. But honest people in the role of such "increases" are:

  • toxins from fungi, viruses, worms, bacteria, or self-produced proteins in response to invasion by these pathogens.
  • substances formed during stress, allergies, rheumatism, malignant processes, circulatory, respiratory, metabolic disorders.

All of the above can cause the thermoregulation set point to rise to 37. To maintain the new value, the nervous system and hormones change some processes:

  • increase heat production with the help of increased breakdown of carbohydrates or fats;
  • narrow the blood vessels of the skin, and the child becomes pale;
  • reduce the formation of sweat.

This is no longer hyperthermia, but fever - a painful condition caused by pyrogens. If subfebrile condition at the lower level of 37 stabilized on the 4th day or longer due to the appearance of some kind of pathology, then this will inevitably lead to a change in the appearance and well-being of the child. And it is necessary to react not to the temperature, but to other symptoms of trouble. When they are strongly expressed, then it is necessary to call a doctor, if very strongly - an ambulance. In the presence of weak painful manifestations, it is necessary to do an examination.

Possible pathological causes of temperature 37 for four days
Cause Additional symptoms What to do?
Pyelonephritis Sweating, anorexia, weakness. Contacting a pediatrician. observation by a nephrologist. Urinalysis, kidney ultrasound.
Cystitis Frequent urge and pain when urinating. Visiting a pediatric urologist. Analyzes.
Hepatitis virus B or C At first, it may look like flu, dystonia, gastritis or rheumatism. Then yellowing of the skin and eyes appears, urine darkens. Call a doctor. Make urine and blood tests, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
Thyrotoxicosis Enlargement of the thyroid gland. Eyes with brilliance and bulging. Capriciousness, hyperactivity. Visiting a pediatrician. Hormone analysis.
Iron deficiency anemia Paleness and dryness of mucous membranes and skin. Astheno-neurotic condition. Contact a pediatrician, then a hematologist. Blood test for hemoglobin.
Tonsillitis Pain and redness in the throat. Visit to local pediatrician.
Sinusitis Soreness of the paranasal sinuses. Examination by an ENT doctor.
Tuberculosis Cough, pallor, headache, loss of appetite. The pediatrician refers to the phthisiatrician. Mantoux test. From the age of 15, fluorography.
Leukemia High fatigue, soreness in the joints and bones. If suspected, get a referral to a pediatric oncologist through the pediatrician. Analyzes, ultrasound, MRI or CT, biopsy.

Possible predictions

We see that the lower limit of subfebrile condition can be in an absolutely healthy child, and with serious illnesses. It is important these 4 days not only to measure the temperature, but also to try to consider any other signs of trouble. And also analyze whether you have created comfortable conditions in the baby’s room or not.

In the future, 3 options are possible.

  1. The temperature returns to normal on its own.. This means that the body has coped. To prevent this from happening again, you need proper nutrition with all the necessary vitamins and fresh air. Consulting a pediatrician would also help.
  2. Hyperthermia persisted, but the child feels well. It is necessary to do tests to identify hidden chronic processes. And if they show complete well-being, then perhaps this is your version of the norm.
  3. Fever turned febrile -39℃. This means that the infection or inflammation has passed from a sluggish form to an acute one. And you need to call a doctor.