Children suffer from fevers and headaches from time to time. The underlying cause for these fevers and headaches however is not very concerning even though they might cause the child a lot of pain and misery. Still, it is compulsory for a parent to investigate the cause of the headache and fever to make sure that it is nothing serious.
Possible Causes & Treatments for Headache and Fever in Child
The following are some of the common disease in which a child can have a fever and a headache. Most of them disappear within a few days without requiring any kind of treatment, but a few of them don’t go away so easily and have to be treated by a physician. Thus, it is necessary that you assess the symptoms of your child correctly so that he gets the treatment he needs.
1. Common Cold
Common cold is a viral infection that targets the upper respiratory tract. It is among the most common infectious diseases, which affects both children and adults. Rhinovirus is usually the cause of common cold. This virus is present in the air in the shape of tiny droplets and can enter the body through the nose when we breathe.
- Other symptoms
Common cold is accompanied by sneezing and coughs and a severe headache. Sometimes a sore throat is also among the symptoms of this disease. In extreme cases of cold, a child might have a mild fever, start having pain in his muscles and lose his appetite as well.
- When to see a doctor
Most cases of common cold go away after a week. However, if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks then it is best to call the doctor. Visiting a physician becomes also necessary if your child has a fever of over 103 °F, is having trouble breathing, has swollen lymph nodes in his neck and is coughing up large quantities of mucus.
2. Influenza
Influenza is an infectious disease which is caused by a virus named influenza. It is commonly known as flu and usually targets the throat, lungs and nose. Children are more likely to contract this virus during winter. If not treated at an early stage, this disease can turn into a life threatening one.
- Other symptoms
The common signs of flu are headache and fever in child which occur suddenly, body pain sore throat, fatigue and lethargy, cough which is dry at first but becomes moist later on, runny nose and shivering. The symptoms of influenza are very similar to that of common cold. However, the symptoms of this disease last much longer than that of common cold.
- When to see a doctor
You should seek immediate medical attention for your child if he is having flu and is less than a year old, had a premature birth or had just been discharged from the hospital. Contact your physician immediately if you find that your child is not eating properly and has blue lips.
For treatments for influenza, watch the video:
3. Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcal infection. In the beginning no signs are observed, but after the passage of a fixed time period which can be between one to four days, the symptoms begin to appear. The initial symptoms of scarlet fever are similar to that of strep throat and might include sore throat, fever and headache.
- Other symptoms
Chills, malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck are some of the other symptoms associated with scarlet fever. A characteristic symptom of this disease is the development of a skin rash on the body.
- When to see a doctor
You must call the doctor immediately if your child has a sore throat which is accompanied by both fever and a skin rash. Avoid giving any medication to the child on your own as this disease requires prescription medicines which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
4. Sinus Infection
Sinus infection or sinusitis is a disease in which the sinuses become inflamed. It is a common problem in children that is usually caused due to allergies and can be treated with ease. Headache and fever in child is common symptom.
- Other symptoms
The common symptoms of sinus infection include a stuffy nose and a mild fever. Severe headache is one of characteristic symptoms of sinus infection which is also accompanied by coughing, foul breath and pain in the ears.
- When to see a doctor
Take your child to a doctor immediately if his symptoms do not improve after a week or start to worsen even after providing allergy medication.
For more treatments on sinus infection, watch the video:
5. Meningitis
Meningitis is generally of two types; one is viral meningitis which is caused by a virus and the other is bacterial meningitis which is caused by abacterial infection.
- Other symptoms
The symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever and stiffness in the neck. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and disorientation are other signs of this disease. In extreme cases, the usual symptoms of meningitis are accompanied with coma and seizures too.
- When to see a doctor
If you suspect that the symptoms of your child are indicative of meningitis then you must take him to a doctor immediately.
6. Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a rare disease that has symptoms similar to that of flu and cause headache and fever in child.
- Other symptoms
The common symptoms of encephalitis include headache, fever, fatigue and muscle pain. Babies suffering from this disease may experience vomiting, nausea, bulging of fontanels and irritability.
- When to see a doctor
It is important to seek medical care immediately if you find your child suffering from symptoms of encephalitis. You must also consult a doctor urgently if you are having a severe headache which is accompanied with altered consciousness.
