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Causes of Childhood Fevers
Local Practitioners
There are many causes of fevers that can be divided into two general categories: Acute, which is of a short duration in which its end is clearly defined; and chronic, which is a fever that occurs repeatedly over time.
The following are some examples of the most common and best known causes of fever from the Boston Children's Hospital New Child Health Encyclopedia:
Acute, bacterial infections - these include ear aches, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Viral infections, colds, chicken pox and influenza, allergic or toxic reaction to certain drugs or poisons, heat strokes which can be a life threatening fever, dehydration which often occurs in children as a result of diarrhea and vomiting.
Chronic - chronic inflammatory diseases of connective tissue such as arthritis and lupus erythematosus which is characterized by fever, swelling, redness, pain and some loss of function. Chronic inflammatory disease of the GI tract such as chromes disease and ulcers. Infections commonly associated with cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, tumors and cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Whether to call your physician for medical assistance can depend on a number of factors. The symptoms of the illness, the apparent seriousness of the fever and the child's temperature. Age should also be given some consideration since the child's age can be a big factor in fighting off an illness. It is a good idea to consult with your physician if the condition persists as the treatment for different diseases can vary. Fever cannot be prevented, however some specific diseases that cause fever can be prevented by vaccinations, medicine, nutrition as well as proper methods of sanitation.
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Usage terms: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Medical information is constantly changing and some information here may be out of date. Site users are also bound by our usage policy.
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