DIAGNOSTIC PITFALLS IN A CHILD WITH FEVER

Fever is the most common symptom in pediatric practice. 30% of all office visits is due to fever. Those who provide health care for children do receive innumerable phone calls daily for fever. Majority of fever cases get better even without proper diagnosis. Some of them develop complications due to pitfalls in diagnosis and irrational management. Appropriate diagnosis is the prerequisite for rational management. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination are mandatory for reaching the diagnosis. Sound analysis and interpretation of history, physical examination and basic investigations is the key of diagnosis in most cases of fever. Pitfalls in any of these steps may lead to disaster. Common diagnostic pitfalls in a case of fever observed in daily practice are discussed here.