What would cause uncontrollable fever in a child?

Uncontrollable fever in a child can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions. Here are some possible causes:

- Infections: Certain infections, such as severe viral or bacterial infections, can lead to high fever that may be difficult to control. Examples include influenza, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and sepsis.

- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or Kawasaki disease, can cause persistent and high fevers.

- Drug reactions: Some medications, including certain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause adverse reactions such as drug-induced fever.

- Endocrine disorders: Abnormal function of the thyroid gland or adrenal glands can disrupt temperature regulation and cause high fevers.

- Malignancies: Certain types of childhood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can lead to unexplained fever.

- Genetic conditions: Rare genetic disorders, such as familial Mediterranean fever and periodic fever syndromes, can cause recurrent episodes of high fever without an apparent infection.

- Environmental factors: Heatstroke or severe overheating due to environmental conditions can result in dangerously high body temperature.

It's essential to seek immediate medical attention if a child experiences uncontrollable fever, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like rash, severe headache, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or seizures. The specific cause of the fever can be determined through proper medical evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies if necessary.