OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Recurring High Fevers in My Healthy Toddler

I have a 14-month-old son who appears to be in excellent health but tends to create quite the medical drama. He weighs around 23 pounds and is well within the normal range for both height and weight. Currently, he is not on any medication. His medical history includes a global motor delay identified when he was just two months old, leading to an MRI, metabolic evaluations, and consultations with a neurologist, only to find out that the issues stemmed from reflux and torticollis. After a month of physical therapy and treatment with Pepcid, he was back on track. He has also experienced four episodes of petechiae, but comprehensive assessments from Boston Children's hematology confirmed that he is a healthy baby. The only slight anomalies detected over several months were atypically large lymphocytes and a marginally elevated hemoglobin, which were attributed to viral responses. Additionally, he has a milk protein intolerance but can consume all forms of dairy except for whole milk, so we opt for Ripple. Currently, we're facing an issue: over the past two to three months, he has had several episodes of significantly high fevers, reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by grunting and noticeable pulling in at his throat, but without other symptoms. Each instance of fever has been followed by negative tests for COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, with no ear infections reported. During the first occurrence, we went to the emergency room, where his oxygen levels were stable, and, despite a persistent fever, it eventually subsided after administering a higher dose of Tylenol than is typically recommended for home use. They monitored him for a day before we were discharged. The second episode occurred while we were uninsured, so we managed it at home, vigilantly keeping track of his fever with alternating doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen, cool baths, rags, and plenty of Pedialyte. This fever lasted about four days, but he eventually recovered. Now, after a brief respite of about three weeks, he is once again experiencing a high fever and grunting. This time, I took him to the pediatrician, who noted that his lungs sounded clear but expressed considerable concern regarding his grunting and throat pulling. They administered albuterol and performed a chest X-ray, which revealed no signs of pneumonia or anything seriously alarming, but did indicate lung irritation. We stayed at the office until his fever reduced and his grunting ceased. Now, just an hour before his next Tylenol dose, he's at 103.8 degrees, still grunting, and shaking due to the albuterol. When I contacted the on-call service, they advised me to bring him in tomorrow morning, stating that the emergency room was not necessary. My question is whether he should undergo a more comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of these repeated episodes. I feel somewhat traumatized by the extensive work-ups he has already received in the past, yet I'm starting to become genuinely concerned about this recurring issue.

Answers (1)

8/1/2025, 11:31:08 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about your son's recurring high fevers and the distressing symptoms he is experiencing. Repeated high fevers in a toddler can arise from a variety of causes, and your vigilance is essential in ensuring his well-being.

Key Points:

• Your son has a history of high fevers without clear infectious causes.
• Grunting and throat pulling could indicate respiratory distress or irritation.
• Ongoing evaluations have ruled out some severe conditions, but his symptoms are still concerning.

Explanation:

Given your son's previous medical history and the recent episodes of high fever and respiratory signs, it is important to continue monitoring his symptoms closely. The fevers may be due to viral infections, but the specific combination of high fever, grunting, and throat pulling necessitates careful consideration. The presence of petechiae and lymphocyte anomalies could previously complicate the diagnostic process, but they appear to have been deemed benign by specialists.

The focus should remain on any immediate changes in his condition as well as on supportive care. It's possible that your son could be experiencing recurrent viral illness, but the persistent severity of his symptoms would justify a thorough reevaluation.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of fever occurrences, including temperature readings, duration, accompanying symptoms (like grunting and throat pulling), and any triggers or patterns you observe. This will help the pediatrician assess the situation more effectively.

2. Supportive Care: Continue to manage the fever with appropriate doses of fever reducers like Tylenol or ibuprofen as per pediatric dosing recommendations. Keep him hydrated with fluids like Pedialyte.

3. Follow Up: Since the on-call service recommended you bring him in tomorrow morning, do so. Make sure to discuss all your observations, including the duration of high fevers, the effectiveness of treatments used, and any changes in behavior or appetite.

4. Consider Further Evaluation: Given the recurring nature and severity of his symptoms, it would be reasonable to discuss with your pediatrician the need for:

   • A referral to a pediatric specialist, such as a pediatric infectious disease physician or an allergist, to explore potential chronic infection or allergies causing these symptoms.
   • Additional tests beyond respiratory evaluations, possibly including blood tests to rule out inflammatory responses or autoimmune conditions.

It's essential to advocate for your child's health while balancing concerns about repeated investigations. Being attentive to his symptoms and maintaining an open dialogue with his healthcare providers can help you navigate these challenges effectively. You're doing a great job in managing your son's health, and continuing to gather information will equip you better during your next visit.