Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Fluctuating Body Temperature In An Elderly Person?

My brother is 78 and has had temperature fluctuations. goes from 97.7 to 103 at various times in the day. very hot feeling one minute to freezing some hours later. Also he has lost 14 lbs in 2 weeks. He is a farmer and works hard everyday. He was checked for Lyme disease but came back negative. He is concerned about a possible animal connection. He also has night sweats, soaked sheets, etc. almost every night.
posted on Sun, 21 Aug 2016
Twitter Mon, 8 Jul 2019 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 9 Jul 2019 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

He should consider being reassessed as soon as possible. A complete blood count and ESR (looks for inflammation in the body) would need to be done to help determine the cause of his symptoms.

Other tests would be affected by any findings on physical examination.

The feeling hot (fever) then freezing (chills ) are usually present in an infection though there are other causes as well.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Fluctuating Body Temperature In An Elderly Person?

Hi, He should consider being reassessed as soon as possible. A complete blood count and ESR (looks for inflammation in the body) would need to be done to help determine the cause of his symptoms. Other tests would be affected by any findings on physical examination. The feeling hot (fever) then freezing (chills ) are usually present in an infection though there are other causes as well. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician