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High grade fever range. High Grade Fever in Adults: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Medical Attention

What temperature is considered a high grade fever in adults. How long should a fever last before seeing a doctor. What are the common causes of fever with no other symptoms. When should you worry about a fever in adults.

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Understanding Fever: Definition and Purpose

Fever is a common physiological response to various conditions, primarily infections. But what exactly constitutes a fever, and why does our body initiate this mechanism?

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s the body’s natural defense mechanism against invading pathogens, as the increased temperature creates an environment less hospitable for these microorganisms.

Why do we get fevers?

Our bodies initiate fevers to:

  • Combat infections more effectively
  • Stimulate the immune system
  • Slow down bacterial and viral replication
  • Enhance the effectiveness of certain medications

Interestingly, it’s possible for adults to develop a fever without any other noticeable symptoms. This can occur due to various reasons, including viral infections like COVID-19, influenza, or even certain non-infectious conditions.

High Grade Fever: What You Need to Know

While any fever indicates an elevated body temperature, not all fevers are created equal. A high grade fever in adults is generally considered to be 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. This level of fever often signals a more serious underlying condition and may require medical attention.

Causes of High Grade Fever

High grade fevers can be triggered by various factors:

  1. Severe bacterial infections
  2. Viral infections like influenza or COVID-19
  3. Certain autoimmune disorders
  4. Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
  5. Some medications
  6. Malignancies

Can a high grade fever occur in vaccinated individuals? While breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in fully vaccinated people have been reported, they tend to present with milder symptoms, including lower-grade fevers.

When Should You Worry About a Fever?

While fevers are often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, there are circumstances when they warrant medical attention. Understanding these situations can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Seek Medical Attention If:

  • Your fever is high (103°F or above) and doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
  • The fever persists for several days or keeps recurring
  • You have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or a compromised immune system
  • You’re pregnant
  • You’ve recently returned from overseas travel
  • You’ve been bitten by a tick
  • You’re undergoing chemotherapy

Is immediate medical attention necessary for all high fevers? Not always. However, if you’re unsure or concerned, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional.

Measuring Body Temperature: Myths and Facts

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for determining whether you have a fever. However, some long-held beliefs about body temperature may not be entirely accurate.

The 98.6°F Myth

For centuries, 98.6°F (37°C) has been considered the “normal” body temperature. However, recent research suggests that average body temperatures have been falling over time. Today, a wider range of 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C) is considered normal.

Why has the average body temperature changed? Several factors may contribute:

  • Lower metabolic rates in modern populations
  • Reduced rates of infection due to improved hygiene and medical care
  • More accurate thermometers

Best Practices for Temperature Measurement

To ensure accurate temperature readings:

  1. Use an oral thermometer for the most precise results
  2. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking hot or cold substances before taking your temperature
  3. Avoid physical activity before measurement
  4. Take multiple readings to confirm results

How does the method of temperature measurement affect accuracy? Oral measurements are generally considered the most accurate for adults, while rectal temperatures are more reliable for infants and young children.

Fever Management: Home Care Tips

While high grade fevers often require medical attention, there are steps you can take at home to manage milder fevers and promote comfort.

Home Remedies for Fever

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
  • Rest and avoid strenuous activities
  • Dress in light, breathable clothing
  • Keep your environment cool but comfortable
  • Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed

Should you try to “sweat out” a fever? This is a common misconception. While staying warm and resting can help your body fight infection, intentionally trying to increase your body temperature is not recommended and can be dangerous.

Fever in Special Populations

While this article primarily focuses on fever in adults, it’s important to note that fever can present differently and have varying implications in certain populations.

Fever in the Elderly

Older adults may not always develop a fever in response to infection. This phenomenon, known as a “blunted fever response,” can make infections harder to detect in the elderly. Therefore, any change in body temperature or overall health in older adults should be taken seriously.

Fever During Pregnancy

Pregnant women with fevers should always consult their healthcare provider. Elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can potentially affect fetal development, especially in the first trimester.

How does fever impact fetal development? High fevers, particularly in early pregnancy, have been associated with an increased risk of certain birth defects. However, with proper medical care, these risks can be minimized.

Fever and COVID-19: What You Should Know

In the context of the ongoing global pandemic, fever has taken on new significance as a potential symptom of COVID-19.

Fever as a COVID-19 Symptom

While not all COVID-19 cases present with fever, it remains a common symptom. The CDC lists fever or chills as one of the primary symptoms to watch for.

Can vaccinated individuals develop fever from COVID-19? Yes, breakthrough infections can occur in fully vaccinated individuals. However, these cases typically present with milder symptoms, including lower-grade fevers, compared to infections in unvaccinated people.

When to Get Tested

If you develop a fever, especially if accompanied by other COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve been exposed to someone with the virus, it’s advisable to get tested. Many areas offer free or low-cost testing options.

How long after exposure should you wait to get tested? The CDC recommends testing 5 days after exposure, or immediately if symptoms develop.

Understanding Fever Patterns

Fevers can follow different patterns, which can sometimes provide clues about the underlying cause.

Types of Fever Patterns

  1. Continuous fever: Temperature remains above normal throughout the day and does not fluctuate more than 1°C in 24 hours
  2. Remittent fever: Temperature fluctuates more than 1°C during the day but never returns to normal
  3. Intermittent fever: Temperature returns to normal between fever spikes
  4. Relapsing fever: Fever-free periods of days or weeks, followed by recurrence of fever

Can fever patterns help diagnose specific conditions? While certain patterns can be associated with particular infections or diseases, fever pattern alone is not usually diagnostic. Other symptoms and diagnostic tests are typically needed for accurate diagnosis.

Complications of High Grade Fever

While fever itself is usually not harmful, prolonged high grade fevers can lead to complications if left untreated.

Potential Complications

  • Dehydration
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures (febrile seizures, more common in children)
  • Cognitive impairment

How can these complications be prevented? Proper hydration, fever management, and seeking medical attention for persistent high grade fevers are key to preventing complications.

When Fever Isn’t Infectious: Other Causes

While infections are the most common cause of fevers, there are non-infectious conditions that can also lead to elevated body temperatures.

Non-Infectious Causes of Fever

  1. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  2. Certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia)
  3. Medications (drug-induced fever)
  4. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
  5. Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid storm)

How can you distinguish between infectious and non-infectious fevers? The presence of other symptoms, duration of fever, and medical history can provide clues. Diagnostic tests may be necessary for definitive diagnosis.

The Role of Fever in Immunity

While fever can be uncomfortable, it plays a crucial role in our body’s defense against pathogens.

Benefits of Fever

  • Enhances immune cell function
  • Inhibits growth of some bacteria and viruses
  • Increases antibody production
  • Boosts the effects of interferon, a natural antiviral substance

Should you always try to reduce a fever? Not necessarily. Mild to moderate fevers can be beneficial in fighting infections. However, high grade fevers or those causing significant discomfort may need to be managed.

Fever Myths Debunked

There are many misconceptions about fever that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment.

Common Fever Myths

  1. Myth: Fever is a disease itself
  2. Fact: Fever is a symptom, not a disease
  3. Myth: All fevers are dangerous
  4. Fact: Most fevers are beneficial and self-limiting
  5. Myth: Fever always needs to be treated with medication
  6. Fact: Mild fevers often don’t require treatment if you’re comfortable
  7. Myth: The height of a fever correlates with the severity of illness
  8. Fact: The cause of the fever is more important than its height

How do these myths impact fever management? These misconceptions can lead to overtreatment of fevers and unnecessary anxiety. Understanding the true nature and purpose of fever can lead to more appropriate management.

Advanced Fever Diagnostics

When a fever persists or its cause is unclear, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying condition.

Diagnostic Methods

  • Blood tests (complete blood count, blood cultures)
  • Urine analysis and culture
  • Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI)
  • Lumbar puncture (in cases of suspected meningitis)
  • Specialized tests for specific infections or conditions

How do these tests help in diagnosing the cause of fever? These diagnostic tools can identify specific pathogens, inflammatory markers, or structural abnormalities that may be causing the fever, guiding appropriate treatment.

Global Perspectives on Fever

Fever is a universal human experience, but its perception and management can vary across cultures and healthcare systems.

Cultural Variations in Fever Management

  1. Traditional Chinese Medicine views fever as a sign of imbalance in the body’s energy
  2. Some African cultures use herbal remedies and spiritual practices to treat fevers
  3. Western medicine typically focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of fever

How do these different approaches impact fever outcomes? While cultural practices can provide comfort and have potential benefits, it’s important to combine traditional wisdom with evidence-based medicine for optimal health outcomes.

Future Directions in Fever Research

As our understanding of fever and its role in health and disease evolves, new areas of research are emerging.

Promising Research Areas

  • Fever’s role in enhancing immune response to vaccines
  • Development of more targeted fever-reducing medications
  • Use of artificial fever (hyperthermia) in cancer treatment
  • Better understanding of the genetic factors influencing fever response

How might these research areas change fever management in the future? These advancements could lead to more personalized and effective approaches to managing fevers and leveraging their potential benefits in medical treatments.

In conclusion, while fever can be a sign of various health issues, it’s primarily a beneficial physiological response. Understanding when a fever is concerning and when it’s a normal part of your body’s defense mechanism is crucial for proper health management. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the significance of a fever, especially if it’s high grade or persistent.

Fever & Temperature In Adults: When To Worry

Karen Justiniano, DO, MS, Stamford Health Medical Group

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A friend of mine whose father is 70 years old told me her story. It went something like this:

“My father never gets fevers. Out of nowhere the other day, he developed a 103 temperature with no other symptoms. He is also fully vaccinated against COVID-19. My mother brought him to the emergency room. Did she do the right thing, or would he likely have been fine if he stayed home and let the fever run its course?”

As a physician who cares for a variety of people with a variety of conditions, I have to say of course she did the right thing! When in doubt or when concerned, seeking medical attention is the smart thing to do.

But the longer answer is a little more complicated than that. It all starts with breaking down the purpose of a fever, and when you should truly worry. Please note—fevers in infants or young children are sometimes a different story—what you are about to read relates to adults only.

What is a fever and why do we get them, and sometimes with no other symptoms?

Fever is an elevated body temperature which means your temperature is 100.4 degree F or higher. A fever is the body’s way of fighting an infection by naturally raising your body’s temperature to “kill the germ.” The medical community likes to say that fever is a “good thing,” in most cases.

And yes, it’s completely possible for adults to develop a fever with no other symptoms, and for doctors to never truly find the cause. Viral Infections can commonly cause fevers, and such infections include COVID-19, cold or the flu, airway infection like bronchitis, or the classic stomach bug.

That’s why you often hear the word “viral” as an explanation because these types of infections often go away on their own after a few days.

What is considered a high fever in adults?

A high-grade fever in adults is 103 degrees F or higher.

Is it possible that a fever could be a sign of a “breakthrough case” of COVID-19 even if the person is fully vaccinated?

Yes, but not highly likely. Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in fully vaccinated people have been reported, but symptoms tend to be milder than in non-vaccinated people, including fever.

First, make sure you are taking your temperature the right way. Taking your temperature by mouth is the most accurate method, and wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold. Get medical attention for your fever if:

  • Your temperature is high and has not gone down after taking Tylenol or Advil
  • Your temperature lasts several days or keeps coming back
  • You live in an area where people have COVID-19
  • You have serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia. (Non-infections like these can cause fever as well.)

You should also seek medial attention if you have a fever and you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Recently returned from travel overseas
  • Get infections often
  • Are on chemotherapy, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately if the fever lasts for more than one hour.
  • Have recently been bitten by a tick

Is 98.6 still considered “normal” body temperature?

Yes and no. You’ve probably always heard that the average body temperature is 98.6, but the truth is there’s a much wider range—from about 97 to 99 degrees F.

So why is 98.6 suddenly a myth after all these centuries? Research suggests body temperatures are falling overall. Doctors have a few ideas about why this is, including lower metabolic rates, lower rates of infection and more advanced thermometers.

A couple of helpful reminders:

  1. As the saying goes, “Don’t fear the fever.” A fever is your body’s first line of defense in fighting off an infection.
  2. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have developed a high-grade fever, please call your doctor right away.

Characteristics, Types, and When It’s Serious

A fever is a common side effect of illness like the flu. It happens when there is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever is usually a sign that your immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness.

In babies and toddlers even a slight fever may be a sign of a serious illness. In adults a fever is not usually serious or life-threatening.

However, sometimes a fever in adults can be a warning signal that something is not right. A high or persistent fever might be a sign of a serious health condition.

A fever is normally a short-term rise in temperature that helps your body get rid of illness. A fever begins when your immune system makes more white blood cells to fight an infection. The increase in white blood cells triggers your brain to heat your body up.

This causes a fever. In response, your body tries to cool itself off by tightening up on blood flow to your skin and contracting muscles. This makes you shiver and may cause muscle aches.

Your normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). You may have a fever if your temperature rises above this.

Adults typically have a fever if their body temperature increases to 100.4°F (38°C). This is called a low grade fever. A high grade fever happens when your body temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or above.

Most fevers usually go away by themselves after 1 to 3 days. A persistent or recurrent fever may last or keep coming back for up to 14 days.

A fever that lasts longer than normal may be serious even if it is only a slight fever. This is because a recurrent fever might be a sign of a more serious infection or health condition.

Common fever symptoms in adults include:

  • sweating
  • chills (shivering)
  • headaches
  • muscle pain
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • weakness

Call your doctor immediately if you have a high grade fever — when your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Get medical help if you have any kind of fever for more than three days. Let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse or if you have any new symptoms.

Serious symptoms

A fever may be a sign of serious illness if you have:

  • a severe headache
  • dizziness
  • sensitivity to bright light
  • stiff neck or neck pain
  • skin rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • frequent vomiting
  • dehydration
  • stomach pain
  • muscle cramps
  • confusion
  • seizures

Other signs that a fever may be serious are:

  • pain when urinating
  • not urinating enough
  • passing dark urine
  • passing urine that smells bad

If you have serious fever symptoms, let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to a different country or attended an event that had lot of people. This may help your doctor find out the cause.

Common causes of a fever in adults are:

  • viral infection (like the flu or a cold)
  • bacterial infection
  • fungal infection
  • food poisoning
  • heat exhaustion
  • serious sunburn
  • inflammation (from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis)
  • a tumor
  • blood clots

Some adults may have a higher risk of getting a fever. If you have a chronic health condition or have been treated for a severe illness, you may be more likely to get a serious fever.

Let your doctor know about any fever symptoms if you have:

  • asthma
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • diabetes
  • Crohn’s disease
  • heart disease
  • sickle cell disease
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • chronic lung disease
  • cystic fibrosis
  • cerebral palsy
  • stroke
  • multiple sclerosis
  • muscular dystrophy
  • HIV or AIDS

Some medications and treatments can also lead to a serious fever, these include:

  • antibiotics
  • blood pressure drugs
  • seizure medications
  • DTaP vaccine
  • pneumococcal vaccine
  • steroids
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation treatment
  • methotrexate
  • azathioprine
  • cyclophosphamide
  • post-transplant medications

A fever is not normally harmful on its own. Most fevers go away within a few hours to days as your body defeats an infection.

Help yourself feel better with these at-home flu remedies:

  • stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as:
    • water
    • juice
    • soup
    • broth
  • eat light foods that are easy on the stomach
  • rest
  • use a cool compress, like a damp towel
  • take a warm sponge bath
  • dress in light, comfortable clothing
  • turn down the temperature in your room

Over-the-counter medications can help ease your fever and symptoms, like headaches and muscle pain:

  • ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

You may need treatment from your doctor for more serious causes of a fever. The treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat serious infections:

  • antibiotics
  • antivirals
  • antifungals

A fever may be a sign of serious illness. A high fever can also cause serious side effects.

Emergency Symptoms

Get emergency medical attention by going to the ER or calling an ambulance if you have any of these symptoms:

  • seizure or convulsions
  • fainting or loss of consciousness
  • confusion
  • hallucinations
  • severe headache pain
  • stiff or painful neck
  • difficulty breathing
  • hives or a rash
  • swelling in any part of the body

A fever in adults is usually not harmful on its own. It is a sign that your body is dealing with an infection or other illness. In some cases a high or long-lasting fever can be a sign of a serious illness. You may need urgent medical treatment.

Do not ignore a fever. Get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body heal. See your doctor if you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days or if you have other severe symptoms.

If you have a chronic condition or have been treated for a serious illness, let your doctor know if you have any kind of fever.

Fever

The state of the body, characterized by a rise in body temperature above normal, is called fever. Normally, the temperature of the human body is maintained at a level of about 37 ° C, however, in some (often infectious) diseases, a protective and adaptive reaction occurs, which is based on an increase in body temperature with the obligatory preservation of the thermoregulation mechanism. This property is a hallmark of fever from hyperthermia (overheating). Pyrogens cause fever – substances that enter the body during infection (exogenous pyrogens) or are formed by cells of the immune system as a result, for example, of inflammation (endogenous pyrogens).

Fever always passes in three stages:

  1. Rise in temperature – blood vessels constrict, skin becomes pale, chills, muscle trembling, metabolism in muscles increases. At this stage, heat production is much higher than heat transfer.
  2. Temperature retention – the mechanisms of heat production and heat transfer are balanced – the temperature can be fixed for hours, days or weeks. Skin vessels dilate, the skin ceases to be pale and becomes hot to the touch, chills and trembling go away. At this time, a person experiences a feeling of heat.
  3. Drop in temperature – both sudden and gradual decrease in body temperature is possible. At this stage, heat transfer significantly exceeds heat production, profuse sweating occurs and diuresis increases. This stage begins in case of exhaustion of exogenous reserves or cessation of production of endogenous pyrogens.

There are several types of fever:

  • Remittent (laxative) type is characterized by diurnal changes in temperature, which does not drop to normal;
  • Intermittent (intermittent) type characterized by rapid diurnal fluctuations in temperature, which falls to normal and rises again;
  • Constant fever – slight fluctuations in elevated temperature during the day;
  • Relapsing fever – constantly elevated temperature for one or more days, then its reduction to normal and repeated increase;
  • Perverse fever – a rise in temperature in the morning is characteristic;
  • Incorrect fever – temperature fluctuation during the day occurs without any dependence.

Most often, fever indicates the presence of an infectious disease, but it can also be a symptom of cancer.

Fever is treated by identifying and eliminating the source of the infection. If necessary, fever is removed with the help of antipyretics: Nurofen, Aspirin . For children, Nurfen suspension , Panadol suppositories are recommended. Also, to reduce the temperature, you can use alcohol compresses or cold lotions, body wraps and immersion in a cold water bath.

Pankratova Evgenia Igorevna

The material is for informational purposes only. Medicinal products, biologically active supplements and other products are indicated as an example of their possible use and / or application, which in no way constitutes a recommendation for their use. Before using drugs, dietary supplements and medical equipment and other products, be sure to consult a specialist.

Temperature in oncology, what is the temperature in case of cancer in an adult in the early stages?

Is there a fever in cancer? Yes, an increase in body temperature in oncological diseases is a common phenomenon, and its causes are different. The temperature in cancer does not belong to the typical signs of a malignant process, only in rare cases, cancer cells are able to independently initiate a temperature reaction by releasing, as expected, active substances. One cannot but agree that an oncological patient has more reasons for an increase in body temperature, both internal and iatrogenic – arising as a result of therapeutic measures.

Causes of fever

There are several reasons for fever in a cancer patient, but most often the temperature in oncology is a consequence of some processes:

  • Vital activity of tumor cells producing biological products. This leads to systemic hyperthermia, which occurs in some types of lung adenocarcinoma, when a paraneoplastic syndrome develops with debilitating fever and joint pain. After removal of the tumor, all pathological manifestations disappear.
  • Existence of a cancer conglomerate in tissues. Due to a decrease in local immunity and impaired blood supply, inflammatory changes develop, for example, with lung carcinoma or lung metastases.
  • Reactions of the body to the absorption of toxic substances from a decaying cancer node.
  • Aggressive therapeutic measures. As a rule, these are complications of immune suppression after a course of chemotherapy. From this list, we can conclude that fever is most common in metastases, when malignant cells have spread throughout the body and the disease requires more aggressive treatment.

In all cases, it is necessary to quickly understand, without an accurate understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of the temperature reaction, it is impossible to prescribe adequate treatment. Sometimes the identification of causal relationships requires more effort than the diagnosis of a malignant tumor.

Temperature indicators in cancer

Does the temperature always rise in oncology? A fever in an oncological patient, as well as a decrease in the thermometer below 35.5 ° C, is an abnormal condition, the body temperature in cancer should be normal, and this should be strived for when choosing a treatment.

Daily fluctuations in heat transfer are natural in healthy people, the difference between morning and evening thermometer readings can reach up to one degree. Active movements and eating, nervousness and a nightmare also change degrees, but this is imperceptible to a person.

Failure of adaptive mechanisms in a cancer patient slows down the normalization of temperature fluctuations, stretching in time. Even a slight change in heat transfer affects the work of all organs: the nervous system is depleted, the cardiovascular system reacts, immune mechanisms and reparative processes are inhibited.

The normal range is two degrees between 35.5° and 37.4°, the rest is pathological.

Subfebrile temperature in cancer

Subfebrile body temperature in oncology is limited to 37.5°C to 38°C. This is a pre-febrile condition, but it is believed that short-term subfebrile condition does not require therapeutic intervention.

A prolonged increase – more than 5-7 days without a tendency to normalization will not be resolved without the complicity of a doctor, its cause may be inflammation and even sepsis, requiring the appointment of antibacterial drugs.

When a zone of reduced blood supply appears in the center of the cancer conglomerate with the formation of necrosis – the collapse of the tumor tissue can begin with local hyperthermia – local heating of the soft tissues above the focus, and with an increase in the volume of decay products absorbed into the general bloodstream, lead to persistent low-grade fever.

High fever in cancer

High temperature or febrile fever is detected when the thermometer is above 38°C. On the one hand, this indicates a protective reaction of the body, but the temperature after chemotherapy is usually an unfavorable consequence of a significant decrease in neutrophilic granulocytes, a subtype of leukocytes.

Fever with a decrease in immune cells in eight out of ten cases is due to a septic condition in the absence of “classic” signs of blood poisoning and requires emergency treatment.

Quite often, a prolonged fever slightly above 38°C manifests multiple liver lesions with cancer metastases with the development of liver failure.

A high temperature can manifest a malignant brain tumor located near the center of thermoregulation, or perforation into the abdominal cavity of a carcinoma of the colon or stomach.

Low temperature in cancer

Is there a temperature below normal in oncology? Yes, it happens, and it is also dangerous. A decrease in the thermometer below 36 ° C with an increase or decrease in the number of leukocytes, along with persistent tachycardia or shortness of breath, can also be a manifestation of systemic inflammation syndrome – sepsis. Moreover, low body temperature in oncology does not necessarily have to be accompanied by a pronounced decrease or increase in the number of leukocytes, less than 4 thousand or more than 12 thousand is enough, but functionally incapable of an adequate fight against infectious agents.

Temperature during chemotherapy

Chemotherapy requires a normal body temperature – a marker of the normal state of the body at a given time. Any deviations of thermoregulation from the norm can be a manifestation of sluggish inflammation or intoxication. Chemotherapy for a decaying cancer conglomerate can aggravate the pathological process and cause internal bleeding.

An increase in temperature during chemotherapy and the development of a feverish state a week after the course indicates hematological complications that are life-threatening in case of insufficient immunological protection.

Is it necessary to bring down the fever in oncology?

To begin with, let’s figure out what temperature is acceptable for oncology. Do not needlessly ask the question: “What temperature is not dangerous for cancer?” – in a malignant disease, any violations of heat transfer are unfavorable. In part, degrees above the norm are not even important, it is enough that there is a temperature in cancer when it should not be.

If the temperature rises due to oncology: what to do? You can reduce the temperature reaction by taking NSAIDs if it is hard for the patient’s body, but it is more correct to immediately consult a doctor. Primary differential diagnosis is carried out at the patient’s bed, the main thing is to exclude blood poisoning against the background of a malignant process.

The development of cancer without an increase in temperature is quite possible, but at different periods of the disease, its increase may be a complication of the treatment or progression of the tumor lesion. It is necessary to quickly figure out if the patient has a temperature with cancer, and most importantly, accurately diagnose and offer the best solution to the problem. Euroonco has all the conditions for adequate medical care for any patient and at any time of the day.

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References

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  2. Ptushkin VV/ Treatment and prevention of infections in patients with neutropenia// Mater. III Ross. oncol. conf.; 2003.
  3. Sakaeva D.