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What Causes Aggressive Behavior In A Child While Having Fever?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014
Question: My Daughter 4 years old, had fever since last 2 days. Doctor prescribed anitbiotics but tge fever presidted the whole day, so on re visit doc advised combiflam 5 ml. Today morning she has woken up well. Yesterday night though, when her fever had just gone down, she woke up and started behaving out of self, agrressive, shouting and hitting out us. A few minutes she returned to her normal self. Why could hv this happened ? We were at a hil resort so all things worsened up.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is febrile delirium

Detailed Answer:
Hi....nothing to worry about. At the height of fever some kids develop strange and aggressive behavior which is very unusual of them. This us called febrile delirium. At that time, they may do all what you have described in your daughter and they will settle by themselves.

But a small word of caution us that if this type of behavior repeats every time with fever or if there are other symptoms like incessant vomiting, severe headache, seizures, up rolling of eye balls, pus discharge from ear or weakness of any part of the body, then she might require a reevaluation.

As your daughter doesn't have any of these aforementioned symptoms.... Be rest assured.
Being at hill resort is not a reason for this.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (7 minutes later)
Doc, Thanks a lot.XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If you are happy - Rate the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ... I am happy that my interaction put your mind at ease.

Further queries on health care magic are welcome.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (9 minutes later)
Hi Doc.. Certainly useful advise. Informed my wife and she is releived too.I wanted to ask one question though. She still has mild fever and my worry is that her fever might go up. We are still outstation for 2 more days. Should i take the risk of combiflam suspension ( generally i would not prefer unless very necessary). Point 2, should i continue with the other medicine cefixime 100 mg and calpol (paracetamol).
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be viral illness

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I feel its only viral illness. If your kid is normal in between fever episodes in a single day...I don't think you should worry as its only 2nd day of fever.

Danger signs include breathlessness/ rash/ low urine output/ seizures/ unconsciousness/ blood in motion. Don't worry if these are not there & the kid is active.

1. No need to use Combiflam. I personally do not recommend combination medicines with paracetamol. Give plain paracetamol at 15mg/kg/dose, every 4-6th hourly, that too only if temperature is more than 100F.

2. I feel its viral and Cefixime is not going to help. You can stop it and once viral infection starts it will be there for 4-5 days.... So I suggest you wait.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. Happy to help anytime. Further clarifications and consultations on Health Care Magic are welcome.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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What Causes Aggressive Behavior In A Child While Having Fever?

Brief Answer: It is febrile delirium Detailed Answer: Hi....nothing to worry about. At the height of fever some kids develop strange and aggressive behavior which is very unusual of them. This us called febrile delirium. At that time, they may do all what you have described in your daughter and they will settle by themselves. But a small word of caution us that if this type of behavior repeats every time with fever or if there are other symptoms like incessant vomiting, severe headache, seizures, up rolling of eye balls, pus discharge from ear or weakness of any part of the body, then she might require a reevaluation. As your daughter doesn't have any of these aforementioned symptoms.... Be rest assured. Being at hill resort is not a reason for this. Regards - Dr. Sumanth