Q: My child got a fever again while taking antibiotics for bronchitis. Should we go to the doctor immediately?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My child is currently taking antibiotics for bronchitis. I thought they were almost fully recovered, but now they have a cough and a fever again. Do I need to go to the doctor immediately to change the medication? I still have some of the previously prescribed medicine left, so I am wondering if I can observe them for another day and go to the clinic tomorrow, or if a new fever means I need to go right away.
Answer:
It is completely understandable to be worried when a fever returns while your child is already on antibiotics. It must be frustrating to see the symptoms reappear just as you thought they had almost recovered from bronchitis.
When a fever returns during antibiotic treatment, it is important to evaluate a few key factors at home: how many days the antibiotics have been taken, how high the fever is, and whether your child is having any difficulty breathing (such as the chest pulling in when inhaling).
When to visit the hospital immediately (or ER):
• Respiratory distress or wheezing while breathing.
• High fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher accompanied by severe lethargy.
• Symptoms are worsening despite taking the antibiotics for 3 or more days.
When it is okay to observe and visit the clinic tomorrow:
• Mild fever under 38°C (100.4°F) with normal activity levels.
• The child has a cough but is breathing comfortably.
• The child is still able to drink fluids and eat.
A recurrent fever during antibiotic treatment could indicate that the current medication is not effective against the specific bacteria, or there might be a new, overlapping viral infection.
If your child falls into the second category and is doing well overall, you can manage the fever with fever reducers today and continue to observe them. However, if their condition worsens during the night, please take them to the emergency room. When you visit your pediatrician tomorrow, be sure to bring the prescription or inform them of the exact name of the antibiotic your child is currently taking and how long they have been taking it.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
