On and off Fever for My 17 Month Year Old.

Updated on May 21, 2010
L.M. asks from Claremont, CA
9 answers

My little girl has been getting a fever for the last 3 days. The fever only seems to show up when she's sleeping, and when it does come about it is ruthless. It makes her wake up, everything on her body is hot and she's delirious. When she's not sleeping it seems she's absolutely fine!!! Do i give her tylenol before she falls asleep? I hate to give her medication if it's not needed. How long do I let this go on before I see a doctor? Any thoughts?

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So What Happened?

I made an appointment with the doctor as most of you suggested and it turned out to be a little flu. Wish I would have waited a little longer, but better safe than sorry. After the fifth day she was fine, just a runny nose was left. It was the first time she has ever gotten sick and certainly not the last. Thank goodness for this site and all of your prompt responses. THANK YOU!

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'd call the doctor and ask if they would like to see her. Without medical training, none of us knows what may be the cause, and I'd hate to speculate, so I think it's best suited for them to make an educated decision on how to move forward.

If it were my child, I'd want her seen ASAP.

Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

take her to the Doctor.
Its been 3 days already.
What is her temperature?

Take her to the Doctor.
Dont' guess and give her something unless your Doc says so or diagnoses her.

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J.S.

answers from San Diego on

Our child had the same thing about a month ago, he was 22 months at the time. Fever was on only when he slept at night and lasted a few days. He was drooling a lot and wouldn't eat. We found out he contracted hand, foot, mouth disease from day care. You can't treat it...it eventually goes away. Definitely go to the doctor to get it checked out.

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D.S.

answers from Miami on

Any undiagnosed fever that persists beyond the three day mark nees to be seen by a pediatrician. This could be an infection, a virus, or god forbid....something worse. You just don't know. I always gave my kids the 3-day rule unless they were under age two. If a fever or an illness related symptoms lasted more than 3 days.....we are going to the doctor's. Under age two.....when fever struck, we were in the pediatrician within a day or two at best. Once you know what the fever is from and you have medicine or were told to ride it out, you really need to give Tylenol or Children's liquid Advil to control the temperature. Children's Advil lasts 6-8 hours and I always found that it worked much faster and better. fevers can spike to ungodly high numbers at night and you may never know that this is happening because you are all asleep. It's just what happens when the body goes into a rest period and a fever is present. Try tepid baths, a cold compress or Kool-Aid Fever Patch on the forehead as well. Avoid heavy blankets or bundling your child in clothes that are too warm and push as much liquid as your child will take to prevent dehydration. Tylenol and Children's Advil are not harmful when used within reason and for short durations. Don't be afraid to use these valuable medicines to alleviate the fever and also the discomfort that comes with them. My mother is a Trauma Surgeon and an experienced doctor. I took this advice from her and I've always used it on my own kids. I am lucky to have such a gifted and smart woman as her for when the chips are down and my kids have been ill. I'm passing the wisdom on to you now. I hope your baby feels better soon!

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

HI L.,

Check her mattress and her bedding. It is extremely possible her body is trying to fight off something she is reacting to. With so many things made in China these days (and their lack of standards) many more neurotoxins are getting into our homes. Is there any synthetic latex in her mattress? Do her bedclothes have elastic? If you are not using a non toxic laundry detergent, it could be the same thing. Even things as "gentle" as Dreft have toxins that are simply less toxic than chlorine bleach but not good for little ones.

I don't know if this is the cause but it would eliminate one stimuli if not. The symptoms coming and going are almost too obvious for it not to have something to with this. Even if this is not the cause, it could be weakening her immune system so that she reacts more violently when she is in the bed.

Don't medicate her until you have determined this or not. Meds can weaken or contraindicate if they are not specifically called for in a situation. She needs her own defenses for whatever it is.

God bless,

M.

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T.G.

answers from St. Louis on

You didn't say how high her fever goes. I find it wierd it is only at night. How is the temp in her room? Is she over dressed or does she have blankets in her room? After you rule out environmental issues then it might be time to call the triage nurse at your pediatricians office!

Tylenol treats the symptoms but doesn't relieve the problem. If you are giving tylenol, make sure it's the proper dosage and if it continues, call the doctor.

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S.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Take or at least call her doctor. She might not really be having a fever if it is only when she sleeps. She might be having night terrors or something which can make her sweat and come out of it kinda of delirious or out of it for lack of a better word. That might explain why it is only at night while she is sleeping and why she wakes up in the middle of the night. Plus after three days the doctors say call or come in. keep a record of her temps and when she wakes up so you can tell the doctor...especially if it continues after the doctors visit. Sometimes the littlest detail can make the difference. By the way if you dont get her in today try the tylenol tonight and see if she still wakes up. one night of it isnt gonna hurt plus it might help figure out what is wrong. Good luck

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

I agree. Call the doctor. Better safe than sorry. When she wakes up and you take her out her crib does she cool down? If your not sure I would check just to ensure she's not too hot in her room. Otherwise to me it sounds like it could be an ear infection. My daughter has had a ton and she's fine during the day but when night hits she gets fever and wakes in the night. She isn't fussy but does wake up. It's something about night time and laying down the irritates ear infections. But instead of guessing call your doc. Teeth could also be an issue. My daughter is 17 months and getting her 18 month molars! No fun! I would give her tylenol or motrin in the meanwhile. If her sleep has been disturbed for 3 days she could probably use a good night rest. I'm sure you could to and it's not going to hurt. Good Luck!

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L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try motrin before bed. It works better on higher fevers. It could just be a virus but go to the doctor as soon as you can just to be sure.

Good luck!

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