Wisdom fever - Chienetsu

A fever of unknown cause seen in infants around 6 months of age. Recently, the cause of the fever is often clear, and this term is no longer used. Infants at this age show remarkable motor and intellectual development and are known as "wisdom babies." At this time, they are also prone to fevers, so the fever has long been called "wisdom fever," as it is a fever associated with intellectual development. Recently, it has become clear that this is a period when the mother and child are more susceptible to infections due to a decline in their immune system, and fevers are often caused by pharyngitis or the common cold. Therefore, it is advisable to see a pediatrician rather than dismissing the condition as a wisdom fever.

[Hoashi Eiichi]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

生後6か月前後の乳児にみられる原因不明の発熱。最近は発熱の原因が明らかになることが多く、この用語は用いられなくなっている。この時期の乳児は、運動機能や知的な発達が目覚ましく、いわゆる「知恵づき」といわれ、また、同時に発熱しやすくなる時期でもあるため、知能発達に伴う発熱として、昔から知恵熱と称されてきた。最近は、母子免疫の低下に伴う感染症を生じやすくなる時期ということが明らかとなり、発熱の原因も咽頭炎(いんとうえん)や感冒などによることが多い。したがって、知恵熱と称して放置することなく、小児科医の診察を受けることが望ましい。

［帆足英一］

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