Question

What are the possible factors or causes of back pain in children after a fever?

Answer

Back pain in children after a fever may be related to nephritis. Nephritis typically refers to glomerulonephritis, a disease that affects both kidneys, most commonly occurring in school-aged children, particularly those between 6 and 9 years old. It usually develops secondary to bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, but it is not directly caused by the infection itself. Instead, it is caused by kidney damage resulting from an autoimmune response triggered by the infection. Common complications include heart failure, hypertension, encephalopathy, and acute kidney failure. Symptoms may include eyelid and lower limb edema, reduced urine output, and hematuria. The child may also experience high blood pressure. Treatment methods include seeking medical attention promptly, using medications prescribed by a doctor, and taking Chinese herbal medicine or formulas under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment. During the recovery period, the child may need medications to strengthen the spleen and Qi. Precautions include early bed rest, controlling protein intake, adhering to a low-salt diet, and keeping a record of urine output. Severe complications such as heart failure, hypertensive encephalopathy, and acute kidney failure require immediate treatment. The acute symptoms of pediatric nephritis usually resolve within 1-4 weeks, but full recovery may take up to a year. It is recommended to rest in bed for at least 2 weeks, students should rest for 8-12 weeks, avoid vigorous exercise for 6-12 months, and actively prevent and treat infections.