Understanding My Daughter's Recurring Fevers: A Parent's Concern
My daughter is a 2.5-year-old girl who weighs 34 pounds and stands 3 feet tall. She hasn’t experienced any weight loss, nor have we observed swollen lymph nodes, bruises, rashes, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, excessive tiredness, or paleness. We have consulted multiple healthcare professionals, including an ENT specialist and three pediatricians (we’ve finally found one we trust). We've made two visits to the emergency room and have gone to urgent care as well. After the last ER visit, her pediatrician referred us to an immunologist to check her IGG levels. Unfortunately, the immunologist caused me a great deal of anxiety, suggesting that I should see a rheumatologist to exclude malignancy. This left me utterly bewildered. Below are the recorded fever episodes and blood test results: ********************* **November 2024** - WBC: 17.7 - RBC: 3.31 - Hemoglobin: 9.0 - Hematocrit: 26.3 - Platelets: 185 - MCV: 80 - MCH: 27.2 - MCHC: 34.2 - RDW: 14.3 - MPV: 6.0 - Neutrophils: 37 - Bands: 0 - Lymphocytes: 53 - Monocytes: 4 - Eosinophils: 1 - Basophils: 0 - Atypical Lymphocytes: 5 - Hematology comments: 1+ Hypo - elevated WBC with predominance of lymphocytes. ********************* **August 2025** She had a fever that appeared after experiencing a cold the previous week. At the ER, they diagnosed her with a UTI and positive Enterovirus. - WBC: 21.41 - Hemoglobin: 11.7 - Hematocrit: 34.8 - Platelets: 312 - MPV: 8.3 - RBC: 4.39 - MCV: 79.3 - MCH: 26.7 - MCHC: 33.6 The absolute neutrophil count was 15.18, making up 71% of the white blood cells, while lymphocytes were at 18.4%. Toxic granulation was noted, but RBC morphology appeared normal. - Sed Rate: 36 - C-Reactive Protein: 5.62 ********************* **September 2025** She developed a fever on August 27 that continued until September 2. - WBC: 18.2 - Hemoglobin: 11 - Hematocrit: 32.1 - Platelets: 374 - MPV: 8.2 - RBC: 4.23 - MCV: 75.9 - MCH: 26 - MCHC: 34.3 - C-Reactive Protein: 8.4 - Sed Rate: 66 ********************* **Fever Log** - Oct 2024 – Jan 2025: Started daycare - Nov 6, 2024 → 4 days of fever (CBC results: WBC 17.7) - Dec 24, 2024 → 2 days of fever - Jan 4, 2025 → 3 days of fever - Jan 23, 2025 → 3 days of fever - Jan – Jun 2025: Stopped daycare - Feb 2, 2025 → 3 days of fever - Mar 7, 2025 → 2 days of fever - May 11, 2025 → 1 day of fever - Jun 16, 2025 – present: Resumed daycare - Jul 7, 2025 → 1 day of fever - Jul 31 – Aug 2, 2025 → 3 days of fever - Aug 9 – Aug 12, 2025 → 3 days of fever - Aug 27 – Sep 2, 2025 → 5–6 days of fever (CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP, viral panel, blood culture performed). I grew increasingly worried, as it felt like the fevers were becoming more predictable, often showing up alongside other symptoms, although occasionally they occurred without any visible signs. I began documenting these occurrences since November 2024 after she started daycare in October 2024. Previous doctors never suggested the possibility of malignancy since she generally exhibits no alarming symptoms. She recovers between fever episodes, and most fevers coincide with symptoms such as a cough or nasal congestion. However, the most recent fever lasted six days without any accompanying signs. We still need to identify the source of her inflammation. Notably, a week before, she was diagnosed with a UTI and had a positive result for the enterovirus on her viral panel. Despite all of this, she remains a cheerful and playful child. The episodes of fever started when she was two years old and became more frequent after starting daycare in October 2024. Is there a doctor or hematologist here who could review these CBC results? I would appreciate any reassurance or guidance you could offer regarding the next steps we should take. We have previously consulted with ENT specialists and pediatric ER doctors, and no one raised any concerns apart from the immunologist/allergist, who appeared less experienced and kept deferring follow-up studies, which has contributed to my anxiety. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 7:11:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for providing such detailed information about your daughter's health. It's understandable to feel anxious given the repeated fever episodes and the complexity of her situation. Your proactive approach to seeking multiple opinions shows how much you care about her well-being.
Key Points:
- Recurring Fever Episodes: Your daughter has experienced several episodes of fever, often with respiratory illness symptoms.
- Investigations: Blood tests show variations in her white blood cell count and other markers, prompting consultation with various specialists.
- General Health: It's reassuring that she remains cheerful and playful between episodes, and there are no alarming symptoms such as weight loss or significant fatigue.
Explanation:
The episodes of fever, particularly after starting daycare, could be related to common viral infections, which are more frequent in young children due to increased exposure to pathogens. The increase in white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, may suggest a response to these infections. The elevated inflammatory markers (like CRP and ESR) indicate that there could be some ongoing inflammation, often seen in infections or other inflammatory processes.
The immunologist's suggestion to see a rheumatologist likely stems from a desire to rule out any underlying autoimmune issues, especially since there can be overlapping symptoms. However, your daughter's overall lack of concerning symptoms (e.g., no unexplained bruises, fatigue, or swelling) is a positive indicator.
Next Steps:
-
Monitoring: Continue to track her fever episodes carefully, noting any associated symptoms such as cough, congestion, or behavioral changes. Documenting this can be very useful for any future consultations.
-
Follow-Up Blood Tests: If a rheumatology assessment is conducted, advocate for thorough testing that includes checking for autoimmune markers. It's crucial to communicate your concerns and the pattern of her symptoms when you consult with these specialists.
-
Consultation with Trusted Pediatrician: Since you have found a pediatrician you trust, maintain close communication with them. Share your ongoing concerns and the results from the immunologist. Their insights and continuity of care may help ease anxiety and guide further steps.
-
Support Systems: Consider joining a support group or community for parents dealing with similar health issues. Sometimes, sharing experiences can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of community.
-
Self-Care: Focus on creating a supportive environment for your daughter, ensuring she receives a balanced diet, sufficient hydration, and plenty of rest, especially during and after fever episodes.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, but remember that many children experience recurrent fevers associated with viral infections, especially after exposure in daycare. The vigilance you’re showing will help ensure that she receives the appropriate care. Trust in the process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support whenever needed. Your attentiveness is a key factor in her health management.
Please keep documenting her symptoms, and when new information arises or if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Related Questions
Experiencing Unusual Sensitivity to Paracetamol
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a newcomer here, so please bear with me as I navigate this platform as well as the rules. I appreciate your understanding regarding my writing skills. I find myself in a situation that lacks sufficient information online, and I'm reaching out for insights from others. Currently, I have reasons to believe that I might be experiencing a unique sensitivity to paracetamol, and I’d like to share my timeline regarding this matter. Throughout my life, I generally had no issues with paracetamol. I used various brands multiple times and felt fine. However, starting in the fourth grade, I began to experience difficulties with it. My initial problems were respiratory-related, but soon they also affected my gastrointestinal system. I haven't had any formal testing yet, but I can safely use other pain relievers like NSAIDs without any adverse effects. Initially, I tolerated paracetamol relatively well; my early symptoms seemed like common side effects. Unfortunately, it escalated to severe reactions, including vomiting, tightening of the throat, blood in my mucus, and shortness of breath. In my confusion, I thought limiting my dosage could help, which it did temporarily, but eventually even the reduced amounts failed to be effective. I experimented with syrup formulations that contain less paracetamol or where it isn't the primary ingredient, and found those to be more manageable. Recently, however, even those have become problematic, making it necessary for me to seek alternatives to paracetamol, as it has become increasingly intolerable. Through my research, I discovered that such reactions often stem from cross-sensitivity to other medications or from preexisting respiratory conditions. I lack a history of asthma or other respiratory issues, so I’m inclined to dismiss that possibility, although I remain uncertain. Moreover, I have no known allergies, which adds to my confusion since my reactions only occur with this one particular medication while all others seem fine. It is difficult for me to process this change, especially since I used to have no issues with paracetamol. It is widely available and generally considered safe, so I struggle to understand the source of my suffering. Many people insist that these reactions are normal side effects, leading me to question whether I am overreacting. The immediacy of my reactions intensifies my concern; I don’t even need to swallow the medication completely before I notice my throat constricting, increased mucus production, and shortly thereafter, some blood in my mucus along with persistent coughing. This pattern has become consistent, whereas it used to depend on the dosage. Now, regardless of how much I take, the same symptoms occur. I’ve tried to dismiss it, not wanting to worry my parents or seek medical attention for a dosage safety test, fearing I’ve already pushed my body too much. However, I am considering discussing my concerns with my mother since she is increasingly worried about my use of this medication. I’m not seeking a diagnosis or medical advice—I understand I should probably consult a professional. I’m just interested in knowing if anyone else has faced similar experiences, as the confusion grows. What I once assumed were normal side effects now seem to signify something more concerning.
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.
Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.
Discomfort Under My Big Toe – Seeking Diagnosis
I’m a 22-year-old male. About a week ago, I noticed a minor ache in my big toe, which didn’t bother me too much at the time, so I decided to brush it off. However, by yesterday, the discomfort had intensified significantly. I also observed some swelling and a bit of discoloration, but I'm unsure whether this issue stems from a corn, a blister, or something else entirely. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying what might be going on.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!