What Causes Fever, Diarrhea And Unsteady Gait?

Posted on Thu, 24 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 Answered on

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My sister (age 70) has had a 103F temp on and off for 3 days; diarrhea, ears stopped up and very unsteady gait. I've been able to get her temp down, but it goes back up. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance need to be prevented.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Antibiotics would not help and irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. However she needs to be clinically examined. At advanced age like hers, electrolyte imbalance could also be there and other supportive measures might be needed.

If your sister has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to it bring down. If acetaminophen is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective [prescription medicine]. It is very important to give ORS (oral rehydration solution) to take care of the lost water and salts. Unless properly replenished, it may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The diarrhea may take a few days to subside.

I would not worry about the fever. But in cases of other untoward symptoms it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get her evaluated.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar