fever every 4 weeks or less (102 or higher)

[rosiekaye]

Hello,

   My son who is 3 1/2 yrs. old has been getting a fever every 2-4 weeks. This is his only symptom. The fevers usually last about 4 days and usually are 100 to 104 degrees. Blood work was done at the last doctor visit,but nothing was found. They keep telling me that it is a virus and to let it run its course. I just think it has to be something else. I just want to put my mind at ease. Are there any tests I should be asking the doctor to perform or a specialist that I should take him? Thanks for your help.

[Shicks]

Hi, I began noticing the pattern of my daughter's fevers when she was in kindergarten.  She had fevers before that but I never realized a pattern.  She is now entering the fifth grade and I believe that she may (just recently)have finally gotten over them.  She hasn't had a fever since February.

She too would get a fever (that would reach 104) about every four weeks.  They were so predictable that I would schedule her doctors visit a month ahead of time, letting the nurse know that I knew she would have a fever during the scheduled time.  They performed may tests and never found an answer.  One doctor told me that they had done all the test they could and that the next set of test (that would need to be done elsewhere) would be very painful for my daugther.  Since her health did not seem to be deteriorating, I did not further the tests.

Just like you stated, my daughter would have no other symptoms to go along with her fever and she soon could tell immediately when her fever was beginning.  This was helpful, because I could give her Tylenol right away so that her fever wouldn't spike.  I would alternate every four hours with Advil or Motrin so she wouldn't get too much of the same type of medicine (acetametaphin/ibuprofin).  

Another thing I noticed was that her fevers were definitely more regular between the months of January and May.  For a few years, she would begin her fevers in January and the regular pattern would end around May.  During the other months, she would only have a fever every so often (about once every two months).  The last two years, the pattern of fevers continued throughout the whole year.

I am sorry I don't have any answers for you but I hope it is helpful just to hear of someone else who experienced something similar and to let you know that after several years, my (almost 11 year old) daughter is still very healthy and strong.  I hope that the fevers are truly over and that they have not harmed her in any way.  However, I must say, that recently, we discovered a small cluster of raised dots under the skin of her arm that seem  to relocate every couple of weeks or so.  I have no idea what they are and I was looking for an explanation of that when I came across your concern.  Let me know if you've ever heard of such a thing.

I'll be praying for your son, and let me know if you find any answers.

Sheila

[rosiekaye]

Thanks so much for replying to my question. It helps to hear that I am not crazy. I hope that you find the answers you are looking for regarding your daughter. We are just starting another round of fevers and hopefully with a little monitoring and paperwork I can predict when my son will be getting his fevers and we can work our vacations and schedules around this. Thanks

Cathy

[ozark]

Has he had his urine tested or has he had any kidney xrays? have they done an immunology test or has he seen an infectious disease dr...these 2 things come to mind with that many fevers in a toddler.  good luck

[rosiekaye]

They performed a urine test and it was negative, I am not sure what tests they performed with the 3 tubes of blood they drew from him. I will look into those areas. Thanks

[littlears]

what about a urine culture my dauhghter went through the same thing until they started doing urine cultures to see whst bacteria were present she was in and out of the hospital and had so many spinals by the time she was one then she finally had ivp test for kidneys and ureters to see it took 2 tests and 2 specialists together to find that she had vesecouretal reflux where the urine backs up in to the kidneys they usually wait until five to do the surgery she had this at the age of 2 and now she is 14 and doing great.  something to check out though good luck.

[ElviraBoris]

Hi,

sorry for my english. My son is 2.5 years old. I was nursing him for 2 years. He has fever every 1.5 and 2 month. We changed doctor once as every time when I brought my child with fever the doctor said there is nothing I can do. We finally found a great doctor and i really trust her. My sister-in-low graduated nursing courses and she adviced to refer my boy to a Fresno hospital. I do not know what we will find out with my husband and I am really scared but if anyone can respond why those little kids have a problem such that I will very appresiate.Two month ago I took my boy for a blood test on iron and valley fever and result did not show anything. Is anybody know what kind problem this is it?I could not find any streight answer on this forum.

Thank you,

ElviraBoris

[LindsayH]

My son is turning 5 tomorrow and he has ben diagnosed with PFAPA.  He has had fevers since he was an infant.  He was diagnosed with everything from viral tonsilitis to Rosiola due to his high fevers.  He suffers from all the symptoms.  Mouth sores, abdominal pain and of course the ridiculously high fever ( 106.2 anyone?).  About a year ago I started noticing the pattern and decided to keep a journal of the dates, times and temps of his fever episodes and sure enough they come every 20-25 days like clock-work.  He was tested for everthing and anything the pediatrician could think of, but nothing was wrong other than the fever.  We finally got in with the Infectious Disease division at San Diego Children's Hospital and I approached him with the PFAPA possibility.  He said that because of my diligent logging, he was almost certain it was PFAPA.  My son went through weekly blood test for about 6 weeks.  When nothing came up, his doctor gave the diagnosis of PFAPA.  We are currently on Cimitidine which he takes 2 times a day.  The fevers still come but now last only 2 1/2 days instead of 5.  The other treatment we are considering is having his tonsils removed as this has helped in many of the PFAPA patients.  Now that he is in scholl, we need to get this under control.  Also, steroids have been shown to get rid of a fever with in a couple hours but they still come back for the next round.  Other than the Tylenol and Motrin, there isn't much to do during these awful fevers but love your child.  I hope this helps.

[personality]

My son is 4 and we have noticed reoccuring fevers with no other symptoms. this has been going on for about 2 months. Last time  his eyes got puffy. I keep being told it is probably something viral and it will go away, I am just concerned that something more is going on that needs to be found. If anyone has any information on what could be going on I would appreciate it.

[Jellis21]

my daughter is 18 months old and has a fever every two weeks usually to the day.  she starts out at 99 then it spikes to 103.  It always lasts for five days.  She has absolutely no other symptoms.  We have had allergy tests and immune testing and it is all fine.  I don't know what to do with her.  If anyone knows a doctor who specializes please let me know.

[Sophia101]

I'm 25 years old and between 2002-2004 I had a fever every fortnight like clockwork. Saw an Infectious Diseases Specialist, who was at a loss to explain it. Blood tests showed elevated CRP levels. Was booked to have a test where they inject isotopes into my blood to find the source of the infection. While waiting for the test I had my wisdom teeth removed for cosmetic reasons. My dentist said he found an infection under one of the teeth. After the removal I fell extremely unwell and ended up being admitted to the ER where I was immediately put onto intravenous antibiotics. Three days later I walked from the hospital and have not had a fever since. I believe that it was the infection under my tooth that was causing my symptoms. I never once even had toothache! So my advice would be, check your child's teeth.