Recurrent fever in children could signal serious illnesses

EPISODES WITHOUT COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS MUST BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED

- BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN

When two-year-old Lia was rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, her Jordanian parents assumed it was a common viral infection.

But with no signs of cough, cold, or flu and a worrying pattern of fever episodes returning every few weeks, doctors knew they had to look deeper.

"When a child has repeated episodes of fever and seems completely fine in between, it's time to consult a paediatrician," said Dr Danny Al Salloum, Consultant Paediatrician at Medcare Women and Children Hospital, who treated Lia.

Lia had no history of serious illnesses. Her vaccinations were up to date, and her developmental milestones were normal. But she had additional symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and poor oral intake, without any respiratory, dermatological or joint-related manifestations.

A detailed examination revealed enlarged and inflamed tonsils and cervical lymphadenopathy on the left side.

This case is a timely reminder for UAE parents to pay closer attention when fever keeps coming back in children, especially in the absence of typical cold or flu symptoms.

What is recurrent fever?