What Could This Be?

Updated on March 11, 2009
M.P. asks from Longmont, CO
44 answers

We've taken our son to THREE doctors, all who say they don't have an answer for us. I'm hoping one of you has experienced something similar and have some suggestion on coarse of action for healing.

Our five year old has had a severe fever (up to 104) for the past WEEK! We've taken him to the ER, weekend care, and regualr pediatrician (not our usual, he was out). They told us it is jut a virus since there were no other symptoms at that time. Since then, he has begun a mucus-ish cough, which he got from his brother. Today, as his fever is finally spiking and he's finally sweating it out down to 100, he is crying of mouth pain. I checked it out and he has clusters of white sores on his cheeks. We've called the nurse line and she said that since he does not have any sores on his hands or feet, she can not give us a definite answer.

So, Mamas, what could this be? It doesn't look like canker sores. His lips are chapped, but he is urinating regularly. He doesn't want to play or eat, just drink water.

Help!

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J.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It could be an yeast infection in the mouth. I think the correct terminology would be Thrush.

I know when my son had all the white spots in his mouth he didnt want to drink or eat.

Hope this helps.

JL

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B.D.

answers from Boise on

I agree with the other ladies that it could be hoof and mouth. Something you don't hear to much about in these modern times but is still out there. I know that the fevers seeme exstremely high but an infant can actually tolerate and do alright with a higher temp than an adult. It could also be meseals as the rash doesn't appear until the fever is over. Take heart as I think the baby will be fine just very scary. Keep up lots of water to help fluch the system.

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D.K.

answers from Denver on

I was told when my daughter got hand foot and mouth it didn't have to go in every spot, she had blisters on the inside and around the outside of her mouth and had them on her feet, never her hands. She had a high fever for a few days first too, the blistery sores scabbed over and she was still highly contagious until they went away.
Blisters can form even just due to the fever.
They can swab the sores to find out if in fact that is what it is, if so he has to stay in and away from every other child since it is so contagious.

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V.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

M.,

I don't know where the closest children's hospital is to you, but when in doubt and you've asked and been seen by several docs and no one has an answer. Go TO the specialists. Mommies know best and most children's hospitals will listen to mommies and put their minds at ease. I know they are spendy, but your son has had a severe fever in my un-educated, unmedical opinion.

Go and don't regret it.

V.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Denver on

Sorry if this comes through twice- my daughter just decided it was her turn on the computer and either erased what I wrote or send it prematurely :)

Have your doctor check for Kawasaki's Disease. The most telling sign is a high fever lasting more than 5 days. There are a whole host of symptoms, one of them being sores in the mouth that look like herpes. Most kids recover fine with some treatment, but the disease can affect some kids' heart. When caught early, most kids are fine. I wish you the best. It can be really frightening having a sick child, especially when you know something is not right and nobody can give you any answers.

S.K.

answers from Denver on

I would try to get him back into your regular ped and at least have a strep test done on the sores just incase. I know it is going around pretty strongly right now most of my family (extended) had it last week so far my kids seem alright. Strep can be really bad if left untreated. If that does come back negative ask about herpes and if that is highly doubtful then i would assume its a virus and keep pushing fluids. There isnt anything they can do for hand foot and mouth disease my son had it before he turned two and he was miserable but the spots (mainly on his bum) didnt show up until near the end of the illness. I think its different for everyone, I actually ended up with it and just felt run down and it felt like i had a popcorn kernel stuck in my throat and that was the extent of it. I know the co-pays really stink but i would recommend at least getting a strep test done.

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R.C.

answers from Denver on

My son has had the same thing and it started last Saturday. In addition, my son had a 2 day period where the palms of his hands and soles of his feet were bright red. We were told it was a viral infection. He has a lingering cough and runny nose now, but he is fine. It just had to run it's course.

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C.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi M. - if he had a virus with a high fever then canker sores or blisters in the mouth don't surprise me really. Your doc can probably give you some input on what might make them less painful so that he can eat and drink something. Ibuprofen would probably help too. Dehydration would be my biggest concern so watch for symptoms. I would monitor the cough - make sure he has plenty of humidity in his room - he probably caught new bug from his brother. It's good that his fever is down but if he spikes another one, call your doc right away.

Also, your dentist might have some input on what could be causing the sores. They are very familiar with that.

Dont hesitate to call your doc, nurseline, ER, whomever, for any concerns. That's their job!

Hope that helps you!

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S.P.

answers from Great Falls on

When my son gets those, he has thrush or strep throat. I'd take him in again to the doc. Those are painful. No wonder he doesn't want to eat. Good luck and I hope he feels better soon.

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M.M.

answers from Pocatello on

My daughter was hospitalized for something similar when she was two years old. She was hospitalized because she wouldn't eat or drink. What it turned out to be was the herpes virus...the kind that you get cold sores from. The doctor said the very first time the virus flares up is the worst and some kids/people have a horrible case...like my daughters. She was on i.v.'s and in the hospital for three days to fight off dehydration and to give her some pain relief. You might ask about this, I have been told everyone carries the virus it just depends on the person whether or not they will suffer from cold sores during their life time.

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C.C.

answers from Billings on

My son went through something similar 2weeks ago. Severally high fever for 5days but no sores. We were at the Dr. 3x during that week! One Dr. suggested herpes virus 7 in his mouth and gave him a prescription. We chose not to get it filled because our son did not have the sores in his mouth.On day 6 his fever broke. Then within 24hrs he broke out in a rash all over his abdomen,face,and neck. On our third visit our regular pediatrician,who was out before, we got out answer right away. Roseolla aka baby measles. He was better in two days.Dont hesitate to take him back until they give you an answer! I know how agonizing it can be to see your child suffering and not know what to do. Good luck!

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C.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

M.,
Since the white sores are a new development, I would take your son in for medical advise. While my children were growing up too many times I would convince myself that the doctor had "already seen" my child and couldn't do anything.
Whenever there is a new development, especially when doctors have not been able to make a diagnoses, it is wise to revisit the doctor office.
It sounds like a reaction to something, so the quicker you can have him looked at while in that reaction the better to find the diagnoses. Its easier for medical professionals to actual see what is going on and not rely on descriptions.
Wishing you the best of luck figuring out what is going on.
With my whole heart, C.

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G.L.

answers from Denver on

It sounds like thrush (yeast infection). But could be a cullmination of things, as strep. I cannot believe the Dr. didn't do a culture! If it is yeast you can go to Whole foods for a canadidis remedy. To get his internal flora right. If it is strep try Phytolacca 30 C. GIve him 3 tablets in a clean mouth (nothing but water 30 min. before & after taking the remedy.)Repeat 3x a day. If symptoms persist it isn't the right remedy. But it sounds like thrush & or strep. Hope this helps. I hope your baby gets better soon. G

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R.M.

answers from Pocatello on

Hand foot and mouth??? Check his hands and feet for a rash, blisters......My son had this twice and it started with a fever 3-4 days long and then the rash. There is nothing you can do for this but motrin for the fever and pain. Cold popsicles for the mouth helped too! As far as the cough...this could be added to the hand foot and outh.

ALso, my little guy has had a fever of 102 for almost a week as well with a yucky mucous cough as well. Not eating, or drinking all that well. Doc stated this is a virus going around.

Good luck
Lisa

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J.S.

answers from Missoula on

M.,

Sounds like it could be hand foot and mouth disease.

Good Luck!

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C.M.

answers from Provo on

It sounds like strep throat. You should take him in to your pediatrician and have a throat culture. 5 of us in our home had that last year at this time. It only takes 3-5 minutes for results.

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T.F.

answers from Billings on

Just an idea, but have them swab his sores and test them for Herpes Simplex 1 (cold sore virus) It is extremely painful, hard to eat or drink and sores all in mouth and sometimes on lips and around mouth - I had a horrible outbreak of them(1st time exposed) when I was 29 and my daughter who was 2 at the time caught it too. They treated her with an anti-viral medication, she too ran a high fever.. ect. and was goopy.
Even if it is not this- you can find out what is causing the sores by having them tested.
Good Luck- trust your mommy instincts and go back to your pediatrician's office.
They can also give a mouthwash or swish that has pain releiver in it that you can use right before he tries to eat or drink. Nothing acidic too hot ect.. use a straw and position it so he can swallow without having the liguid touch a lot of the sores ect..

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T.M.

answers from Denver on

I don't know what it could be, but I would take your son back to the doctor and demand more tests to be done. A person doesn't have a temper for no reason and now he has sores in his mouth.

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S.K.

answers from Denver on

I have not ready your responses yet, but my son had a high fever last night and we took him to the doc today. He mentioned Roceola? Not sure if that is how you spell it. He said it is a rash that will appear after having a fever for a few days. Maybe this is what your son has?? Just a thought, good luck!

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B.L.

answers from Pocatello on

My son just got over this. His was herpes simplex or the first outbreak of the herpes virus. He is 6. I have no idea where he would have gotten it from. No one else in the family became sick. The Dr. ordered liquid lidocaine for him to swish inside his mouth and told me to keep him hydrated. There was nothing else to do for him, the virus had to run its course. He was in sever pain for about 10 days and then the mouth sores ( which covered his tongue, inside his lips, etc) disappeared and he started to eat. SOOOO...hang in there. good luck.

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B.R.

answers from Denver on

Hi M.,
My daughter had hand/foot/mouth disease just a couple months ago. She had a really high fever and sores at the back of her throat and inside her mouth. She never got any sores on her hands or feet, so the doc said it was just a "mild" case. She said that there really isn't anything that they can do except give Tylenol to try to keep the fever down and lots of liquids. The sores make it hard for them to swallow so soft foods. I would ask your doctor about that . . .
Good luck! I know how awful it is when they are feeling bad and you can't do anything! :(

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L.W.

answers from Provo on

I can't remember the exact name for it (some said it was foot/mouth disease, but the doctor refuted that when I went to see him), but both my son and I have had a similar virus before. I've had it two years in a row now. When I got the sores, they were inside my mouth on the back of my throat. Looks like strep (red and white irritating spots on the back of the throat), but isn't. The virus is a two-week virus or so. You feel like you can't move, high fever, and throat kills. You don't want to eat because it hurts so bad just to swallow. By the time the sores appear, however, you are near the end of the virus. Within 4 days, they should clear up, and he should be feeling better. The doctor just told me to take ibuprofen for the pain.

If this doesn't sound like the symptoms, the white sores could be fever blisters. Anyway, I hope this helps somewhat, and I hope he's feeling better soon.

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H.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

He needs a strep test. They can be negative and literally 2 hours later be positive....
good luck.

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D.C.

answers from Boise on

Ok, i have never seen this but just watched a program on this. they said that this symptoms can be kawasakis deases. this is the thing that john travoltas son had. I would see another doctor and have your child checked for this. good luck.

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S.S.

answers from Provo on

Sounds like strep. Have you had a culture taken?

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D.A.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have no real idea, but what about the possibility of trench mouth. All I remember from having had it myself as a child is that it was extremely painful. The sores went down my throat and were all over my mouth. We used Gentrin Violet to fight it, but my mouth was purple for 2 weeks. I could not eat or drink while the sores were in my mouth though as it was extremely painful. You might want to check it out. They suspect I caught it from a drinking fountain at my school back then.

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M.M.

answers from Denver on

From what I understand and this has happened to my little one, is that the virus needs a way to escape so it's possible it's escaping through canker sores in his mouth. This exact thing happened to my daughter when she was two. She was in a ton of pain and wouldn't eat or drink. I was able to give her Tylenol though. Give it a little bit longer and I'm sure he will be OK. Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Fever blisters? That would be my guess. I'm one of the crazy moms who i swear is in the doctors weekly. (I'm really not so crazy). Not long ago my kids had the same high fever, no blisters but as well no explanation. I really do believe it is just a virus... But good luck!

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

I don't remember which one, but Hand, Foot and Mouth, and Fifth's Disease can cause a high fever followed by sores a) in the mouth for one, b) on the cheeks for the other. I'm sorry I don't remember which one. When I worked in the doctor's office, and again when my son had one of them, we told people to push liquids (water's great) and keep them away from others until the symptoms are gone. Whichever one my son had, he also got sores in his diaper area.

The other thought I had was Strep. Have the doctors looked or tested for that? It can spread and cause visible sores and coughing since the throat hurts.

Anyway, I hope he gets better really soon. I know it's scary when no one will help you.

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T.T.

answers from Denver on

My guess would be hand, foot and mouth disease. Watch for a rash on his arms and legs. My son had it when he was really little and it just has to go away on it's own. The rash looks like tiny little red bumps. But it doesn't always show up. After my son got it, my mom got the sores in her mouth but not the rash. I got the rash, but not the sores in my mouth. So I guess it all depends. Just keep him comfortable. And my nurse line told me that mylanta would ease the pain of the sores. The liquid stuff. Just about a teaspoon and have him swish it around in his mouth a little bit. If he's already been sick a week, you should be nearing the end of it.

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S.T.

answers from Denver on

The sores in his mouth could be as a result of such a high fever - hopefully you'll get to the doc today.

Hope you all feel better soon!

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M.B.

answers from Boise on

This sounds like something called Kawasaki disease. I just saw an episode of "The Doctors" where they talked about it. I am not a medical professional, but you might want to check into it. I'm sorry! Being a mom can be so stressful! Good luck and God Bless.

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R.S.

answers from Denver on

Bring him in again.

Did they test him for strep?

Pneumonia is going around the US, we have lost herd immunity for a particular strain....So check for that too --have his lungs and oxygen levels checked.

FYI. Strep can travel around your body and show up on your bottom, in your uterus, you name it.

It is awesome he is drinking, but give him pedialyte or watered down gatorade (if he won't take pedialyte). Try popsicles that will help with the fever and the hydration issue.

IF you aren't already use a humidifier.

Be persistent!
R.

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K.S.

answers from Denver on

How scary! A few months ago my 3 yr old got a fever that was 102-105 5 days. She had never had a fever before and then this! She didn't have any other symptoms which was more confusing. My Ped. put her through a whole bunch of test, checking pee, streep, chest XRay, Flu and the worst was a blood count (because of the toe prick). We went in for 3 days to have her blood count done day 1 it was elevated a little, day 2 was even higher (they were starting to get more worried here) and day 3 the counts started back down... which is all meant it was indeed an infection and we were on the road to recovery. Even though going to the Dr for 3 days straight and the blood count test was rough I am glad we got such good care and a little releif. Everyone was really surprised she didn't get a rash after the fever broke. Well I guess I don't have any advice such a story to here. Good Luck!

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M.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi M.,

Although I'm not a doctor, it sounds like it possibly could be hand, foot and mouth. Viruses are funny things... I would take him back to the doc and have him checked out again. My littlest one also had a fever of 105 for almost a week (while on motrin/tylenol)and it also was a virus just passing through. Good luck, and I hope he feels better soon!

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J.L.

answers from Pocatello on

It sounds like hand, foot, and mouth disease to me. It also sounds like that is what the nurse is alluding too. The sores do not need to be on their hands and feet and mouth. They can manifest themselves in just one of those locations. Both of my daughters had this when they were very little. My baby got it first and only ever had sores on her knees (she was crawling so they were on her knees instead of feet). My other daughter got it a few days later and only ever had sores in her mouth, just like the ones your son has. It is a virus, but it seems like they were able to give my daughter with the sore mouth something to help. Take your son into the doctor.

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T.J.

answers from Pocatello on

My daughter did something similar a year ago. No fever, but huge white sores all over the inside of her mouth. The doctors said it was a virus, nothing they could really do, but they did prescribe something they call "miracle mouthwash". It's a combination of several different pain meds to help with the mouth pain. It worked wonders on her pain, otherwise it was just a wait it out deal. Maybe you could check into the "miracle mouthwash". Good luck, hope your son is feeling better soon.

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R.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

IT sounds so me like it might be something they call THrush or Thresh i can't remember the exact spelling. My Oldest had it when he was younger. The fever can go on for days wiht the sores appearing in the final stages. If it is Thresh they treat with an antibiotic and a gel for the pain applied directly to the sores. they will Recommend alot of had washing it is very contagious in the first few days, use disposal or cups plastic forks etc until all signs are gone. It takes several more days to heal. I would return him to the Pediatrician as soon as possible as it has to be something if he fever has gone on this long. Best of luck.

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S.K.

answers from Denver on

The white spots in his mouth may be thrush. Your doctor should be able to identify that. If it is, there are antifungal meds he can take (mouthwash type or a systemic medicine) - you should also give him good quality yoghurt with active cultures (something like Mountain High or Stonyfield farm). Swishing the yogurt in his mouth before swallowing can help too. Eating raw garlic can also help thrush (at least a clove a day). Thrush can happen as a result of weakened immune system, and can accompany a lot of other conditions.

As far as his primary problem, the one causing the fever and all -- I don't know. Sounds like you need to be persistent about it, though, if your son doesn't get better.

I wish you the best hope he feels better soon. If you need more info about thrush you can email me.
S.

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T.L.

answers from Denver on

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/impe...

M.,

I remember having impetigo when I was a kid. It started with a fever caused by a virus and then I got red sores. Check out webmd to see if it is a match. You can also type in skin problems and it has pictures for you to compare with. I hope this helps and I really hope it is not impetigo. It was very uncomfortable and I have scars on my underarm. Keep up with the water and hang in there.

T.

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S.L.

answers from Denver on

Hi M.,

Sounds to me like your son may have thrush which is a yeast infection in his mouth. Pretty unsual for an older child but with his high fever it maybe what it is. I would take him back into the doctor. The other thing it maybe is step. Either way they can give him something to make his mouth feel better. Good luck and I hope you find out whats going on.

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E.B.

answers from Provo on

hello!
It sound like hoof and mouth to me. Have you doctor check him for it. When I had it as a little girl, I didn't have the sores on my hands or feet. Just around my mouth and in my throat. Swallowing wasn't comfortable and the only thing I could get down was Lipton Noodle soup. Was not fun. Anyway, it is a viral thing, like chicken pox, so you just have to wait it out, but until then, I would just let the doctor have a look with that in mind to see what else you can do to help him be comfortable. GOOD LUCK!

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J.M.

answers from Denver on

M.,
This sounds like it could be his initial herpes infection. Does anyone else in your household suffer from cold sores and have they had them recently? This sounds very similar to what I had when I was a child(35 years ago)...at the time they told us it was trench mouth. In retrospect it was my initial herpes infection. Now days the doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication that does help with the duration of the lesions and frequency of the outbreaks. I remember being miserable. I couldn't keep any food or liquids down, and had lesions all over the inside of my mouth and had braces at the time. Hope that this helps. When I worked in a dental office our doctor would prescribe a concoction for canker sores that might help, but your doctor would have to write the prescription for it. It was 1/3 liquid Benadryl, 1/3 either Pepto Bismal or Keopectate and 1/3 viscous topical anesthetic. Swish with the solution (about 1-2 tsp.) and spit out prior to eating. Oh, don't give him anything acidic...it is painful. Also, make sure he is brushing his teeth but with just water. Hope he gets better soon, and don't give up.

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S.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Sounds like maybe Roseola also known as sixth disease.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/roseola.html

My children have had this. It is scary with such high fevers for almost a week. Until the fever breaks, you wont see the rash that accompanies it. But it is a virus and nothing can be done, but treating symptoms. I hope it is nothing more serious. Could be a combination of two things also with the severe sores. Good luck. Update us when you figure it out.

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