Persistent Fevers in an 18-Month-Old Boy
My son, who is now 18 months old, has been experiencing elevated rectal temperatures primarily in the afternoons and evenings for several months. He was born at full term and has no noteworthy health issues. Currently, he is doing well, weighing 30 pounds and measuring 34 inches tall, and he is up to date on vaccinations. He is not on any medication at the moment. Over the past few months, we have consulted our pediatrician several times, as well as specialists in pediatric rheumatology and hematology. The only abnormal finding has been a moderately low neutrophil count; thankfully, all other tests have returned normal results. I’m curious if anyone else has encountered a similar scenario with their child and whether they eventually found a resolution or explanation. Aside from feeling warm to the touch and occasionally having a flushed face, my son shows no other symptoms and continues to act normally, eating and drinking without issue. For my own peace of mind, I take his rectal temperature at night to monitor the ongoing fevers, which consistently range between 101 and 102 degrees. While the doctors have expressed little concern, I can’t shake the feeling that these temperatures are not typical for such a young child.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 5:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent fevers in a young child can be concerning for parents, and it’s understandable to seek clarity on this issue. Your son’s elevated temperatures, while consistent, appear not to be accompanied by other concerning symptoms, which is reassuring. It’s important to focus on whether these temperatures indicate an underlying condition or are simply a variation in how your child’s body regulates temperature.
Explanation
In children, especially toddlers, it’s not uncommon to experience fluctuations in body temperature due to a variety of factors. While a normal temperature ranges between 97°F and 100.4°F (36.1°C to 38°C) when taken rectally, some children can have what is known as "fever without a source" particularly in the context of mild infections, environmental factors, or other benign conditions. Your child’s activity level, diet, and hydration status show that he is likely healthy, which is encouraging.
The moderately low neutrophil count you've mentioned could warrant monitoring but often doesn’t indicate illness if your child is otherwise thriving, as noted in several studies. It’s good to hear you have consulted multiple specialists, and persistent fevers as reported, alongside normal test results, can sometimes be idiopathic or benign.
Next Steps
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Continue Monitoring: Keep a regular log of your child’s temperatures, including when they occur and any associated behaviors (like energy levels, eating, and sleeping). Note any patterns that may emerge.
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Hydration and Comfort: Ensure he remains well-hydrated and consider using a fan or adjusting clothing to keep him comfortable during episodes of warmth.
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Connect with Your Pediatrician: Since you’ve had multiple consultations, consider speaking with your pediatrician again about how you can monitor his health. They may recommend repeating blood tests after some time or suggest more specialized imaging or assessments if symptoms change.
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Consider Environmental Factors: Review if there are any environmental factors at home (like temperature, humidity, or exposure to allergens) that might contribute to these temperature changes.
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Trust Your Instincts: If you ever feel your son’s condition changes or worsens (additional symptoms, drastic behavioral changes), don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.
While it’s natural to feel unsettled about your child's health, keeping an open line of communication with healthcare professionals and focusing on monitoring and comfort can help you feel more at ease. If further concerns arise, don’t hesitate to ask for more specific evaluations.
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