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Does anyone have periodic fever episodes that last less than 12 hours?
For the past 3 years, I have had unexplained fever spikes that last a short period of time. Usually less than 12 hours. They always start between 4 and 6 A.M. I have body rigors and temperature that spikes sometimes as high as 102.5. I generally take 2 tylenol and go back to bed and fall asleep for a couple hours. When I wake up, my temperature is usually less than 100 degrees, but not down to normal. Lasting effects are sore muscles from the excessive shivering from the rigors. But that's it.
I can generally go about my normal business once my temp falls below 100. Other than that, I have no other symptoms.
I have had extensive blood work ups and everything is normal. My gall bladder was removed but no difference. No doctors can seem to find a cause. I suspect it may somewhat related to times of elevated stress, but not always. Food and drink don't affect when it happens. In the beginning I was having them once a month, and a couple months, twice a month. Lately, it's been a few months between episodes.
Trying to find others who may have these fever episodes. I feel so alone. And the fact the doctors can't seem to find anything, doesn't help.
Any insight is appreciated. Thank you.
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Hello @taonamission, I don't really have any answers for you but I am struck by the similarities of your post with those in the following discussion -- Autoimmune Disease? Adult Onset Still’s Disease? EBV?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-disease-adult-onset-stills-disease-ebv/
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3 ReactionsThanks @johnbishop . I looked over your links. Not sure I really fit into the Still's category. I'm hoping at some point to find someone, anyone, suffering from these short term fever episodes, so I won't feel so alone and freaky.
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1 ReactionMy grandson started having periodic very high fevers when he was about two years old. Temps went dangerously high and he was hospitalized numerous times. His parents took him to many different hospitals and tests showed nothing irregular. Finally, after nearly a year of continuous tests and hospitalizations they took him to Mayo in Rochester, MN. Within hours a diagnosis was made.....PFAPA. It is an autoinflammatory disease, with at that time, no known cause. It almost entirely occurs in children, and though it happens, it is rare in adults. My grandson was prescribed prednisone, which he is given immediately when his temp starts to rise. Works promptly and cancels out the temperature spike. He is now seven years old and though he still has an occasional episode, they are much less frequent. Reports are that most children outgrow it eventually. In any case, PFAPA certainly may have nothing to do with your temperature spikes, but thought I'd just share my grandson's story with you and perhaps you might want to research PFAPA a bit and and also some of the other reasons that could cause temperature to rise periodically.
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2 ReactionsThanks for your reply @cherriann . I did some more research on that and other similar things this weekend. Most periodic fevers start in young children. There was only one thing I found with adult onset. I'll keep researching.
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1 Reaction@taonamission I also did a little research and, you’re correct, most of these fevers are in children.
https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/recognize-diagnose-periodic-fever-syndromes-adults/
Have you tried a Google scholar search? On the Google search bar, type in Google scholar. This will take you to a new search bar where you can find more in depth articles. Let us know what you find!
Yes, I have had this problem for years. It starts early in the morning with terrible chills. Then I get into a VERY HOT bath. I stay there until the shuddering and chills stop. I get out and my fevers are between 102-104. I take an NSAID and eventually the fever subsides. I have had multiple tests including the heart ultrasound. There is no diagnosis. The periodic cycle is 20-60 days, typically 30 days.
Today it was only two days. After several Internet searches there is no reliable diagnosis. My life goes on hold when these hits. I wish we knew the cause!
I also have chronic pain. It took 1-1/2 years to find the cause of it. Rigours has taken longer.
The timing of your episodes is interesting - between 4 and 6 am. I have several autoimmune diseases including PMR and GCA, so I have researched the inflammation associated with those diseases. I've read that cytokines, one of the main inflammatory substances in the body, are released around 4 am. Here is some output from Google:
"According to research, the peak release of many cytokines, particularly pro-inflammatory ones, tends to occur in the early morning hours, often around 4am, aligning with the natural circadian rhythm and making this timeframe a potential peak for cytokine release in the body.
Key points about cytokine release and the circadian rhythm:
Morning peak:
Studies show a significant rise in cytokine levels, like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, during the early morning hours, including around 4am.
Sleep and immune function:
During sleep, the body naturally produces cytokines that play a role in immune response and tissue repair.
Circadian clock regulation:
The body's internal circadian clock influences the production and release of cytokines, leading to fluctuations throughout the day. "
Love the Mayo Clinic, just wish I didn't live 1600 miles away!
Hey. I definitely understand what you are talking about. I get random fevers but mine don’t really follow a set time. I have noticed this each time I am usually really tired, maybe from not sleeping enough, over done things, or I am in a lot of pain. Sometimes during these events I will have inflammation.
I am sorry I can not really give you a technical answer but maybe this will help you.
I was diagnosed with RRMS 1-17-18 it has advanced to SPMS 9-23.