Note that a fever below 101 degrees is considered low grade and is no reason for concern. Only when a fever rises above 101 degrees do we in the medical profession consider it a symptom that may need intervention.
Occasionally, however, both children and adults can develop a fever in which the body temperature is particularly high, long-lasting or reappears at frequent intervals. The fever doesn’t seem to fit with any easily detected illness, such as conditions associated with a cough, ear pain or pain with urination. This condition is called “fever of unknown origin.”
The Search for Causes
Typically, fevers respond to anti-fever medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cool compresses, fluids and rest. When those measures prove ineffective, the search is on for underlying conditions that may trigger the body’s fever response.
At Pediatric Care Centers, our pediatricians will conduct a thorough physical examination and order a series of tests to rule out possible causes. Blood tests, a urine test and a chest x-ray are the first to be performed. If those do not solve the mystery, further testing may be carried out on an outpatient basis. If a cause still cannot be found, the child may be hospitalized for more advanced laboratory and imaging studies.
The Usual Suspects
Eventually, most testing turns up a cause of the persistent fever. Some of the more common causes are infection, connective tissues disease, parasites, or a neurological problem.
Sometimes, however, the mystery is never solved and the fever of unknown origin goes away on its own.
Conclusion
Be reassured that fevers of unknown origin do not occur frequently. If your child does develop a fever, our pediatricians are highly trained in detecting the causes underlying simple fevers or ones that accompany a more complicated illness.
