What Causes Severe Joint Pain, Fever And Night Sweats?

Posted on Wed, 20 Apr 2016

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

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently traveled to Peru where I got food poisoning after eating shellfish and or ceviche. I became sick roughly 12 hours after eating and had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. I received and IV at a small clinic in Machu Picchu.

Upon returning home and approximately 2 weeks later I developed a sudden onset of severe joint pain, fever and night sweats listings 5 days.

I work at a medical squadron for the USAF reserves and had my blood drawn there. I still have severe joint pain and my ESR is 34. My age is 27. My MCV is 97.6 our resident doc who is a DO and practices wholistic medicine diagnosed me with gut dysbiosis. However the laboratory technicians urged me to get a second opinion. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like reactive arthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well your history and description of symptoms are suggestive of Reactive arthritis . Joint pains following fever and loose motion signify that only . I would like to see your blood reports and the treatment you have been taking . I can have a better understanding of your disease and guide you accordingly .

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (7 hours later)

Here is my blood report

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

I have seen your blood reports , ESR is raised but rest else is fine , nothing alarming You didn't send the list of medicines that you are taking because we need to know that .

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (12 minutes later)

I am taking no medication. I take a daily multi-vitamin. The joint pain however is persistent even after a month. It is hard to sleep because of it. The inflamation will not go away. Would you reccommend me seeing a doctor locally and if so what types of tests would you suggest they run? I have had an issue before where doctors dissmissed the idea of a larger problem because of my young age and otherwise good health.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

In most of the cases it should subside by itself and only NSAIDS are suggested to reduce the inflammation . So in my opinion you should take a course of Naproxen 500 mg twice daily for 5-7 days before we think of further testing . If it settles down well and good . You can discuss this with your treating Doctor if he agrees to it .

Dr .Shruti

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (43 minutes later)

It has been a month and i have used naproxen. It also flares up with certain foods. The laboratory technicians strongly urged me to see a doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Then get your inflammatory bowel disease work up , also HLAB27 typing needs to be done . You will need a rheumatologist to monitor this work up for you . Since its been more than a month it is highly advisable to undergo further testing .

Dr. Shruti

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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