When does a raised temp become a problem?

[PurveyorOfBologna]

DS has had a high temp (38.5 centigrade) during the night for 3 nights now. He is mostly OK during the day a bit hotter a bit whingier and a bit off his food (but still eating/breastfeeding). At bedtime his temp goes up and seems to stay like that all night. I dress him lightly and give occasional Calpol/Calprofen but it doesn't seem to do much. He doesn't sleep very well (and consequently neither do I) and cries a lot.

There are no other particular symptoms like a rash or poorly tummy. He has a bit of a runny nose, but has had for weeks now.

DP has suggested I take him to the docs, but I'm struggling to think what they will say other than keep him cool. Is there a point at which I should take him in though? How long is it safe to give Calpol for?

Have toyed with the idea of calling NHS direct, but thought I might get a quicker answer from MN

He is 18 months BTW

No-one??

He's having a nap now BTW. Didn't eat lunch, but licked some grapes

It should go down with calpol.
If it doesn't you need to at least talk to someone. Call your surgery/NHS direct and see what they say. No one will say/think you are being silly.
You shouldn't be giving calpol without a doctor seeing for more than 3 days (thats what it says on the box.)
Hope he's better soon.

could he be teething? mine both did this.

does it react to the paracetemol? if so its unlikely to be too serious, but agree with the PP that more than 3 days should be a GP check over.

He has been on off teething recently (eye teeth coming through), but I know what that 'feels like' IYSWIM, this is definately something else.

3 days of Calpol you say. Hmmm, maybe I should try NHS direct. Thing is if I take him during the day he'll seem more or less normal and the doc will do this face

The temp itself is not a problem - he's obviously fighting something off but the fact he's had it for 3 days means you should get him seen just in case he needs antibiotics. I'm sure the doctor won't mind seeing him. Try to get an appt tomorrow so you don't have to worry over the weekend.

it might be something like an ear infection or something, that will be visible even without a temp? Take him just for a check over, eyes ears and throat and just to reassure you.

Thanks for the extra support. He has seemed brighter this evening, and his temp has stayed down since I put him to bed. I'll see how he does this evening, if there is any sign of a temp I'll take him in tomorrow. I don't want to risk some kind of hidden infection.