Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
A High Fever with no Other Symptoms | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
In the past year, my four-year-old son has had five episodes of high temperature over 105 degrees. These episodes last up to 10 days. He has no other symptoms. All his lab tests are normal! I am at the end of my rope, please help.— Patric in Roseville, CA | | | ANSWER |
October 21, 2000 | | | Dear Patric,
Five episodes of fever over 105 degrees is indeed a lot! Unfortunately, fever alone, without any other symptoms, doesn't give us much guidance as to what's going on with your son.
Some children tend to get higher fevers with routine infections than others, including their own brothers and sisters. In these cases, the fevers usually are accompanied by symptoms such as a cough, a runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea. Certain types of infections routinely cause higher fevers than others, including urinary tract infections, which can be symptomless except for the fever and can result in great harm to a child's kidneys if left untreated. In addition, other kinds of illnesses besides infections can cause a child to run a high fever, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
With recurrent fevers like these, you need to work closely your child's healthcare provider until the fevers go away or the cause is identified. For your part, you should note your child's appearance, behavior, and any symptoms that might develop while he has a fever. In between these episodes, keep an eye on his general activity level--if he seems to fatigue more easily than he used to or is no longer able to keep up with his peers, you should inform his doctor. This will help guide her diagnosis and let her know when she should turn to a pediatric subspecialist, such as a pediatric rheumatologist or a pediatric infectious diseases expert.
— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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