Q: Why isn't my child's fever going down after 3 days in the hospital despite taking multiple antibiotics?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child is currently hospitalized, but the fever just won't go down. The doctor mentioned that my child's condition seems worse than the pre-admission test results and suggested repeating the blood tests. Only pneumococcus came back positive on the respiratory panel. It is the third day of admission, and the fever hasn't broken. Furthermore, the inflammation in the ears, throat, nose, and mouth isn't improving at all. My child is receiving three different antibiotics through both oral medication and IV fluids, but there is absolutely zero improvement. Why is this happening?

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be very worried, especially since your child is on three different antibiotics and the fever still hasn't gone down after three days of inpatient treatment.

If the respiratory panel tested positive for pneumococcus but there is no response to the current treatment by the third day, there are a few medical possibilities:

* Antibiotic resistance: The specific strain of the bacteria might be resistant to the antibiotics currently being used.

* Co-infection: There could be another bacterial or viral infection present at the same time that was not initially detected.

* Complications: A localized abscess or another secondary complication may have developed, which often causes persistent fever and inflammation.

* Treatment adjustment needed: The dosage or the specific class of antibiotics may need to be modified based on how your child's body is processing them.

Your attending doctor's recommendation to repeat the blood work is a very appropriate and necessary clinical decision. Reviewing new blood cultures, performing additional imaging tests, and potentially changing the antibiotic regimen are standard next steps when a patient does not respond to initial therapies.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

Please alert the nurses or doctors immediately if you notice any of the following:

* Worsening difficulty breathing

* Decreased level of consciousness or severe lethargy

* A sudden, sharp decrease in urine output

Please continue to communicate closely with your attending medical team regarding the new test results. If the situation does not improve or if the clinical uncertainty persists despite medication changes, you may want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of transferring your child to a higher-level pediatric specialty hospital for more intensive evaluation and care.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us