Q: My 7-year-old child with chronic rhinitis has had a recurrent fever three times this week. Could this be a serious illness?

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:

Hello, my 7-year-old child always struggles with chronic rhinitis. Last Friday, they had a fever of 38.4°C for half a day, but it went down by the evening. I gave them prescribed pediatric medicine for two days and stopped because they seemed fine. However, a mild fever started again on Tuesday, reaching 38.2°C. It went down immediately after taking medication, which I then stopped on Thursday evening. Now, today (Saturday), their nose is stuffed again, and they have a mild fever of 37.7°C along with cold feet. This is the third time this week!

Could this be a symptom of a serious disease? A blood test done a few months ago showed no abnormalities. I will give them the leftover medication for now, but what further steps should I take? I am very worried.

Answer:

Hello! I understand how worried you must be seeing your 7-year-old child experience recurrent fevers three times in a single week.

Based on the situation you described, it is actually quite common for children with chronic rhinitis to show a pattern of recurrent fevers. Children with allergic rhinitis can easily catch frequent colds, especially during changes in seasons when their immune system may be more vulnerable.

Evaluation of the Current Situation:

• The fever is in the low 38°C range and responds well to medication, which is a reassuring sign.

• The recent blood test was normal, making the possibility of a serious underlying disease very low.

• The combination of a history of rhinitis, nasal congestion, and mild fever strongly suggests recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (common colds).

Recommended Actions at Home:

1. Use a humidifier: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% to help clear the nasal passages.

2. Nasal irrigation: Use a normal saline solution to gently wash their nasal passages 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Ensure sufficient hydration: Have your child drink plenty of warm water frequently.

4. Practice strict hand hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing at home and at school to prevent further viral infections.

When to Visit a Doctor:

Please seek an in-person medical evaluation if you notice any of the following signs:

• The fever reaches 39°C or higher and persists.

• Coughing worsens, or the child has difficulty breathing.

• Symptoms last for more than 5 days.

• The child complains of ear pain (which may indicate a middle ear infection).

Chronic rhinitis can sometimes lead to complications like sinusitis or otitis media (middle ear infection). If the symptoms keep recurring, I highly recommend visiting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or your pediatrician for a thorough physical examination. For now, this appears to be a case of frequent colds rather than a severe illness. Please monitor your child closely and follow up with a doctor if symptoms persist!

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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