What if your child experiences fever every few weeks, lasting a few days and then disappearing, with no other symptoms? Could it be periodic fever syndrome? How is it diagnosed, and does its treatment differ from regular childhood fever?
Doctors confirm that your child might have periodic fever syndrome. But what is it, and why does the child get it?
Normal body temperature averages around 37°C (98.6°F), but can range from about 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F) depending on activity level and time of day. In many periodic fever syndromes, the temperature remains normal for weeks, then suddenly rises to a high fever (sometimes up to 39°C or 102.2°F), lasting a few days before resolving on its own.
Types of recurrent fever in children
One common type of periodic fever syndrome is PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis). Children with PFAPA experience recurrent episodes of fever every 3 to 5 weeks, often accompanied by sore throat, mouth ulcers, and swollen glands in the neck. It usually starts before the age of five and is the most frequent cause of regularly recurring fever in children.
Causes of recurrent fever
The exact cause of PFAPA is unknown. Factors may include immune system irregularities or viral triggers. Important points:
- Children with PFAPA do not have infections during fever episodes (unlike typical fever).
- Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen often have little effect.
- Children usually drink fluids but often refuse to eat during fever episodes.
- Each fever episode resembles the previous ones closely.
Diagnosis of recurrent fever
Children with PFAPA are generally healthy between and even during fever episodes. Laboratory tests during episodes may show elevated white blood cells or increased markers of inflammation (like ESR). There is no specific blood test for PFAPA, but tests may be done to rule out infections or other rare periodic fever syndromes.
Treatment of recurrent fever (PFAPA)
Treatment usually involves a single dose of corticosteroids such as prednisone (2 mg/kg) at the start of an episode, which often resolves fever within hours. Sometimes preventive treatments like cimetidine or tonsillectomy may help some children.
Prognosis and advice for parents
- PFAPA does not cause long-term health problems.
- Fever itself is not harmful; problems usually come from infections or other illnesses.
- The syndrome causes discomfort but no hidden infections.
- Most children outgrow PFAPA without treatment.
- Regular treatment is recommended to avoid frequent absences from school or daycare.
- Healthy children generally need basic blood tests during evaluation, and further tests only if additional symptoms exist.
In summary:
If your child has recurrent high fevers every few weeks with no other symptoms, PFAPA or a similar periodic fever syndrome might be the cause. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by lab tests during episodes, and treatment usually involves corticosteroids. Unlike typical fevers caused by infections, PFAPA fever is benign and self-limited, with most children eventually outgrowing it.
Post a Comment