Reocurring Fever

Yes, my youngest just turned a year old and has run a fever of 102 or higher three times since she has been born. We were sent to the ER one night. Every time they do urine and blood cultures, check her ears and throat, and they have even sent us for chest x-rays - never finding anything. I just worry becuase my oldest daughter used to get seizures wtih a high fevers. But so far the baby's fevers have been nothing. They always assume it is viral and it runs it's course and is over in a few days. She is rarely fussy with it, you wouldn't even know she was sick if you didn't feel her warm skin. Hopefully in your case it is the same kind of thing.

J.,

TRY to remember that when they have a fever they are fighting off something. My girl who is 8 now used to get 103-104 when she was that age. No other symptoms at all. I think we grew up in a generation of people very scared of fever when actually your body is doing its job. Talk to you pediatrician which I am sure you have. Maybe keep a journal of when her fevers come on. I am sure she is just catching a virus. Just try and keep your hands washed although she is putting everything in her mouth anyway.

The only way that you're going to know what's causing the fever is to take her to the hospital and have them run blood and urine tests. They can actually test to see if she has a bacterial infection or a viral infection although the test won't say what exactly is infected. If they come back with Viral Syndrome, that means that she tested posative for a virus and they don't know what it is. I got that alot with my older kids.

It's not uncommon for children to have the occasional fever. It's usually just a virus.

A fever of 102 isn't that high for a baby/toddler. My kids have both had fevers up around 105 and when we go to the ER they aren't rushed in because they aren't lethargic. A fever is a good thing... it means the body is doing what it's supposed to be doing -- fighting some bad bugs. As long as the kid is acting normal there's nothing wrong. When the child is lethargic (explained to me as not getting any response after 30 minutes of trying... even just playing with a button your shirt is a response and not reason to worry). The activity level matters more than the numbers... kids who are lethargic with fever of 102 are way more sick than one running around acting normal with a fever of 104.

-D.

Is she possibly teething? I would notice my daughter a bit warm some days, then feel around on her gums & she would cry out sometimes, leading me to believe it is her teeth moving. When this was happening, she would also seem to be more restless during her sleeping.

If it isn't too often or for just a day, I wouldn't worry too much. I don't blame you for being concerned, though!

Hi J.,

My daughter, now 21yrs old, had the same problem from the time she was born until she was about 3-4 yrs old. The doctor never found out why even though several tests were done. I am very happy to report she is a healthy girl now and has not had this problem since she was little. I don't know if your daughter has anything wrong, but I know with my daughter it was not a problem. Good Luck.

My 2 yr. old has done this since the day she was born. She has just always ran a temp for no apparent reason. In fact, last Friday (of course after all dr. offices were closed) she started with a 102.9 fever. By eleven pm she was asleep but burning up. Granted when they sleep it tends to get higher, but hers jumped to 103.7 (not laying on that ear) and 104.7 (laying on that ear). I got her up, gave her more Motrin and got her to drink some fluids. She went back to bed when the fever came down and woke up the next morning perfectly fine.

I've learned through all the kids that fevers are just fevers and are typically not something to jump about. In my opinion, just let the fever do it's "job" if your little one is acting fine otherwise. In general, I never take my kids to the doctor for a fever unless they are noticable very very sick. I don't even give Motrin unless the fever gets in the high 102's. But if it worries you and you would feel better, then by all means take her to the doctor. ((((HUGS))))

She could be teething, could very well have just picked up a bug. If it's some kind of virus there is no way to treat it other than to let it run it's course. Youc an alternate doses of Tylenol and Ibuprofen every 4 hours to keep here comfortable if she needs it, but it doesn't sound like it's bothering her.
A fever is the body's way of ridding itself of disease. If she's fine otherwise, I wouldn't worry a bit unless it starts to last for more than a few days and she is overall just not feeling well (lathargic, won't eat, won't play, etc).