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May 7, 2022 · A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern.
What conditions can cause a fever? The following conditions can cause a fever: Infectious diseases. Certain medicines. Heat stroke. Blood transfusion. Disorders in the brain. Some kinds of cancer. Some autoimmune diseases. What are the benefits of a fever? Fever is not an illness. It is a symptom, or sign that your body is fighting an illness ...
Sep 26, 2022 · In a child over 4 months, fevers of up to 104 F shouldn’t cause alarm. A mild fever that lasts up to five days is OK for most kids. A fever that doesn’t affect your child too much
Potential categories of causes (see Table: Some Common Causes of Fever in Children) include localized or generalized infection, connective tissue disease, and cancer. Miscellaneous specific causes include inflammatory bowel disease , diabetes insipidus with dehydration , and disordered thermoregulation.
Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection. A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Doctors also think the higher temperature makes it harder for the germs to grow. A few other reasons kids can have a fever:
However, in children with a lung, heart, or brain disorder, fever may cause problems because it increases demands on the body (for example, by increasing the heart rate). So lowering the temperature in such children is important. Infants with a fever are usually irritable and may not sleep or feed well. Older children lose their interest in play.
Most fevers in children are caused by viruses. A much smaller number are due to bacterial infections, such as ear infections, strep throat or pneumonia. Prolonged fever, meaning fever for more than a week, or recurring fevers can be a sign of underlying chronic disease, so it is important to check with your child's primary care provider.
