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What Causes Slightly High Body Temperature In Child?

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Question: Hello. My baby girl of 2 years from 2 days has a body temprature of 37.1-37.3 all the day. She has no other symptoms. She eats and plays normally, but still with that body temprature. Please if you have any idea what it might be or what kind of analysis should I make to her. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I won't get worried for this temperature if everything is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

Although the average body temperature is 37 c,a range from 36.8-37.5 centigrade is considered to be normal.The body temperature shows a diurnal variation and reaches to its highest point in late afternoon and lowest in the morning.
The treatment is needed once temperature goes above 37.8 centigrade.
So I wont get worried if baby is active,playful,accepting feeds well and there are no other symptoms like cough/cold or loose stools.

I would suggest you to make a temperature chart so that we can monitor the pattern of change in temperature.
If temperature rises above 37.8 cen. or if you notice any symptoms consult your pediatrician for evaluation and management.

Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Wish you and your family good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Thank you very much for your answer. I usually measure her temperature and she always has at 36.5 centigrade so for her it is a little bit unusual this is why I got worried. And all the day it does not go under 37. So you think I have nothing ti get worried at all? Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I wont get worried unless it goes beyond 37.8

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

Apart from infection the body's temperature depends on a number of factors like daily activities,surrounding temperature,basal metabolic rate,hormonal changes and others.
Once it goes beyond 37.8 treatment is needed.
The rise in temperature might be an early sign of infection,but right now it does not need any treatment.
So I would suggest you to monitor the temperature,activity of the baby or appearance of any symptoms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I wont get worried unless it goes beyond 37.8

Detailed Answer:

Thanks for follow up

Apart from infection the body's temperature depends on a number of factors like daily activities,surrounding temperature,basal metabolic rate,hormonal changes and others.
Once it goes beyond 37.8 treatment is needed.
The rise in temperature might be an early sign of infection,but right now it does not need any treatment.
So I would suggest you to monitor the temperature,activity of the baby or appearance of any symptoms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Now it is raising up. 37.7. do you think I should give some paracetamol or should I wait

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think you should give her paracetamol

Detailed Answer:
I really appreciate your close observation.In view of your close and significant observation and rising trend of temperature I would suggest you to give her paracetamol.
The dose of paracetamol is 10-15 mg/kg/dose.I would like to start with low dose(10 mg/kg/dose).Don't give paracetamol round the clock but only if there is significant rise of temperature.
The most common cause of fever in this age is some viral infection.Fever may be the only initial symptom during first 2-3 days and other features like cough/cold or loose stool may appear later on.
So I would again suggest you to observe for both the temperature and any significant symptoms.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 days later)

Hello! Thank you very much! Now she is better without temperature Thank you! Regards

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's my pleasure

Detailed Answer:
It's my pleasure that you found my suggestions helpful.
In future, if you have any query you can ask me directly and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wish you and your family good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar