Rigors without illness?

Question

My Grandfather seems to be having rigors a couple of nights a week with no appearent illness. He is very tired and worn out the next day. Has anyone heard of anything like this? His doctors won't even address it.

Answer 1

Your grandfather most likely has a low grade infection. The rigors occur when the body temp is rising. The typical fever cycle of a low grade infection is a normal temperature during the day with a fever spike in the late evening or night. The elderly may not have enough immune response to have a really high fever, but will still have rigors. His fatigue is most likely related to the infection.

Check your grandfather's temperature about 30 minutes AFTER the rigors start. Use a mouth thermometer placed in the BACK of the mouth UNDER the tongue. If the thermometer is placed in front of the mouth, it may register inaccurately low, especially if your grandfather has been breathing out of his mouth or if he has been talking. Ear thermometers are only accurate if aimed directly at the eardrum, which is sometimes hard to do.

This is not normal. If these symptoms continue, take your grandfather back to his doctor and insist on blood cultures.

Answer 2

He needs new doctors. Call them on Monday and make an appointment for him to be seen. It could be something as simple as a urinary tract infection, or something as serious as pneumonia or a blood or kidney infection. Don't take no for an answer; it is affecting his quality of life and must be addressed.

Also, if his teeth are chattering, don't put a glass thermometer in his mouth. You can get one of those digital oral thermometers at a drug store and use that.

Answer 3

Get a new doctor.

Answer 4

It may be reactions to medications