recurrent fevers

[randy861]

I have had in the last 5 years 3 bouts of ongoing fevers from late winter to early summer consisting of  fevers that are often subgrade in the moring rising to 102 in the afternoon. The only thing that seems to help get rid of them is Steroids.During the bouts i get night sweats, lower back ache, and fatigue but no other symptoms.Usually they start as an apparent sinus infection but antibiotics do not work.The symptom that stays the entire time is pressure behind the eyes. I usually need 2-3 Steroid tapers to affect the problem. Exercise always bring them on the bouts and i usually get light headed at first. I recently have got fevers of unknown origin starting in early winter with no sinus issues. I got over the first 2 bouts with aspirin, 8 days and 4 days respectively. When i took steroids the 3rd time the fevers went away immediately. I have been tested for cancer, tick bites, rhuemtoid problems, allergies, sexual diseases and nothing significant has shown up in the 5 years. The only significant finding is i have an enlarged spleen which over the 5 years got smaller from 16 to 14cm. I also have been found to have too few red blood cells but not very low. they also found i am mold sensitive for which i am gettiing allergy shots.Where do i go from here? Why do i have a compromised immune system? I must have infection somewhere although no tests have found any thing significant. Should my hypothalamus be checked to make sure it is working correctly? All the rest of my body has been cat scanned.

[clvmjd]

You can look into Common Variable Immunodeficiency with an Immunologist - I was diagnosed with that in 2006 after having FUO for months!

[randy861]

I appreciated your comments but i have had everything you mentioned done. I need ways to build my immune system or an approach that could offer some hope of an answer.I forgot to tell you i did have pericarditis in the past which they thought could have been significant but nothing yet has been found directly to connect with this event.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It sounds like there has been a comprehensive workup done.  

At this time, I would consider a referral to an infectious disease specialist.  

Testing can include blood cultures - which can be indicative of endocarditis.  Tests for TB with a PPD can be done as well.

Imaging with a CT scan can evaluate for abscesses and lymphoma - which can cause fevers without an obvious cause.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with an infectious disease specialist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com