Can teething cause recurrent high fevers?

Teething might make your child feel a little warm, but it rarely causes a true high fever above 38°C.

Do allergies cause fever in children?

Allergies usually cause sneezing, itching, or congestion, but do not cause fever.

Can vaccinations cause ongoing fevers in children?

Vaccinations may sometimes lead to a mild fever for a day or two after the injection. However, they do not cause recurring fever episodes that last weeks or months.

Recurrent Fever in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry

Watching your child run a high temperature again and again can feel really stressful and even a little scary. Fever is your child’s way of fighting off infections, but when it keeps coming back, it is worth paying closer attention. Young children are exposed to all kinds of new germs every day. And since their immune systems are still developing, getting sick frequently is often just a normal part of growing up.

What is Recurrent Fever in Children?

If your child experiences fever frequently, it might be more than just usual cold. Recurrent fever typically means your child has three or more distinct episodes of temperature above 38°C within six months. Each episode usually lasts a few days, and your child returns to normal health between them.

This is different from a single prolonged fever or overlapping colds that seem to never end. What really matters is the pattern. Some children experience fevers that appear predictably every few weeks, lasting three to six days, and then disappear entirely.

What Causes Recurrent Fever in Children?

In most young children, recurrent fevers usually happen because one viral infection follows another. Little ones are constantly encountering new germs as their immune systems are still developing, which makes frequent illnesses completely normal.

These are some common causes:

Viral infections: They include viruses that cause colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, enterovirus, and roseola, which often brings a high fever followed by a rash.
Secondary infections: Sometimes after a viral illness, your child can develop ear infections, sinus infections, or urinary tract infections. These can make it seem like the fever keeps coming back.

What Are Less Common Causes of Recurrent Fever in Children?

Some conditions cause inflammation or fever even when there is no actual infection. These are the main causes to be aware of:

Periodic fever syndromes: These are conditions where fever comes in regular episodes without an infection. The most common is PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) syndrome, usually seen in children under five. Fevers appear every three to six weeks and may be accompanied by mouth ulcers, sore throat, and swollen neck glands.

Autoimmune conditions: Some diseases that affect the immune system can cause repeated fevers. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis may show fever along with joint swelling or stiffness. Systemic lupus erythematosus is rarer in children and can affect multiple organs.

Persistent bacterial infections: Infections such as tuberculosis, typhoid, or malaria can cause recurring fever episodes.

Immune deficiencies or blood disorders: These are very uncommon but may be considered if there are other warning signs alongside recurrent fevers.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most fevers on their own are not harmful, but there are certain signs you should watch for and take seriously:

Extreme tiredness or irritability that continues even after the temperature drops
Poor weight gain or unintentional weight loss
Night sweats, unusual bruising, paleness, or rashes
Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, stiff neck, severe headache, or seizures
Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urine output, dry mouth, or sunken eyes
Fevers lasting longer than a week in one episode or returning without any cold symptoms

(Infants under three months with any fever need immediate medical care.)

How Is Recurrent Fever Diagnosed in Children?

Here’s what the diagnosis process usually involves:

Detailed health history and physical examination: Your doctor will ask about your child’s growth, family history, past illnesses, and the exact pattern of fevers.

Lab tests: Depending on the situation, tests may include blood counts, urinalysis, throat swabs, or imaging studies.

Specialised tests: In cases where autoimmune or periodic fever syndromes are suspected, specific markers or genetic tests may be suggested.

It's very useful to keep a fever diary where you can write down the dates, highest temperatures, duration of each episode, accompanying symptoms, and healthy intervals between fevers. This record often reveals patterns that guide the doctor.

How Can You Comfort Your Child During a Fever?

When your child has a fever, keeping them comfortable is the main goal. You can help by:

Encouraging plenty of fluids such as water, diluted juices, or warm soups to prevent dehydration.
Dressing them in light clothing and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.
Making sure they get enough rest.
Giving age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower the temperature and ease discomfort. (Always follow weight-based guidelines carefully)
Offering lukewarm sponge baths for relief.
It is always better to consult a doctor so they can provide the best medical treatment for your child.

Recurrent fevers often improve on their own or with the right medical guidance. Most children gradually outgrow frequent viral episodes as their immune systems become stronger.

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FAQS on Recurrent Fever in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry

Can teething cause recurrent high fevers?
Teething might make your child feel a little warm, but it rarely causes a true high fever above 38°C.
Do allergies cause fever in children?
Allergies usually cause sneezing, itching, or congestion, but do not cause fever.
Can vaccinations cause ongoing fevers in children?
Vaccinations may sometimes lead to a mild fever for a day or two after the injection. However, they do not cause recurring fever episodes that last weeks or months.