Low grade fever for over a month. Persistent Low Grade Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

07.12.202019.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of a persistent low grade fever. How can you recognize the symptoms of a prolonged low grade fever. What treatments are available for managing a persistent low grade fever.

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Understanding Low Grade Fever: Definition and Symptoms

A low grade fever is characterized by a slight elevation in body temperature, typically ranging between 100.5째F and 102.2째F. When this elevated temperature persists for more than two weeks, it is considered a persistent low grade fever. This condition often indicates that the body is actively fighting an infection or addressing another health issue.

The symptoms associated with a persistent low grade fever can vary from person to person. Some individuals may barely notice the change in their body temperature, while others might experience a range of discomforts. Common symptoms include:

Feeling warm to the touch
Sweating
Chills and shivering
Headaches
Muscle aches
Dehydration
General malaise

Is a persistent low grade fever always cause for concern? While it’s often a sign that the body is working to combat an underlying issue, the severity and duration of the fever can provide important clues about its cause. It’s essential to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if the fever persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs.

Common Causes of Persistent Low Grade Fever

A persistent low grade fever can stem from various underlying conditions. Understanding these potential causes can help in identifying the root of the problem and seeking appropriate treatment. Here are some of the most common causes:

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are a frequent culprit behind persistent low grade fevers. These can include common ailments such as colds or influenza, as well as more severe conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis. The fever typically lasts as long as it takes the body to fight off the infection.

Are there specific symptoms that accompany respiratory infections? Yes, alongside the fever, you may experience:

Coughing
Sneezing
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Sore throat
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections can also lead to persistent low grade fevers. These bacterial infections can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters. In addition to the fever, UTIs often present with:

Abdominal pain
A burning sensation during urination
Frequent urination
A constant urge to urinate
Dark-colored urine

Can UTIs resolve on their own? While some mild UTIs may clear up without intervention, most cases require antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which can lead to more serious complications.

Other Infections

Almost any type of infection has the potential to cause a fever, as it’s one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms against pathogens. Some other infections that may result in a persistent low grade fever include:

Food poisoning
Zoonotic diseases (transmitted from animals to humans)
Tuberculosis
Meningitis

How long should you wait before seeking medical attention for a persistent fever? If your fever lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medication-Induced Fevers: An Often Overlooked Cause

In some cases, medications can be the underlying cause of a persistent low grade fever. This phenomenon, known as drug fever, occurs as a side effect of certain medications. The fever typically develops within a week of starting a new medication and resolves quickly once the medication is discontinued.

Which medications are most likely to cause drug fever? While any medication has the potential to induce a fever, some common culprits include:

Antibiotics (particularly beta-lactams and sulfonamides)
Anticonvulsants
Antiarrhythmics
Certain antihypertensive medications
Some anti-inflammatory drugs

How can you distinguish between a drug fever and a fever caused by an underlying illness? Drug fevers often occur in the absence of other symptoms typically associated with infections. Additionally, they tend to resolve quickly (usually within 72 hours) after discontinuing the medication. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medication.

The Link Between Stress and Persistent Low Grade Fever

Chronic stress can have numerous effects on the body, including the potential to cause a persistent low grade fever. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “psychogenic fever,” is more commonly observed in young women, according to a 2015 research paper.

How does stress lead to fever? Chronic stress can disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation mechanisms. It can cause an increase in the production of certain hormones and inflammatory markers, which may result in a slight elevation of body temperature.

What are some strategies for managing stress-induced fever?

Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
Engage in regular physical activity
Ensure adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional
Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to develop coping strategies

Is stress-induced fever dangerous? While generally not harmful in itself, chronic stress can have other detrimental effects on health. If you suspect stress is causing your persistent low grade fever, it’s important to address the underlying stressors and seek professional help if needed.

Cancer and Persistent Low Grade Fever: When to Be Concerned

In rare instances, a persistent low grade fever with no apparent cause may be an early sign of certain types of cancer. While this is not common, it’s important to be aware of this possibility, especially if the fever is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

Which types of cancer are most commonly associated with persistent low grade fever? Hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, are the cancers most frequently linked to unexplained fevers. These cancers affect the blood and lymphatic systems and can cause a range of systemic symptoms.

What other symptoms might accompany a cancer-related fever?

Persistent fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Night sweats
Enlarged lymph nodes
Easy bruising or bleeding
Recurrent infections
Bone or joint pain

Should you be worried if you have a persistent low grade fever? It’s important to remember that cancer is a rare cause of persistent low grade fever, and many other more common conditions can cause similar symptoms. However, if you experience a prolonged fever along with other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Low Grade Fever

When faced with a persistent low grade fever, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic strategies to identify the underlying cause. The approach typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and targeted diagnostic tests.

What steps are involved in diagnosing the cause of a persistent low grade fever?

Detailed medical history: The healthcare provider will inquire about the duration and pattern of the fever, associated symptoms, recent travel, medications, and any known exposures to infectious agents.
Physical examination: A thorough physical exam can reveal signs of infection or other conditions that might be causing the fever.
Blood tests: These can help identify infections, inflammatory conditions, or other abnormalities.
Urine analysis: This can detect urinary tract infections or other kidney-related issues.
Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to visualize internal organs and structures.
Specialized tests: Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests such as blood cultures, tuberculosis tests, or biopsies may be necessary.

How long does the diagnostic process typically take? The duration can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. Some causes may be identified quickly through basic tests, while others may require more extensive investigation. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider throughout the process and follow up as recommended.

Treatment Strategies for Persistent Low Grade Fever

The treatment for a persistent low grade fever primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Once the root issue is identified, targeted therapies can be implemented to resolve both the fever and its source.

What are some common treatment approaches for persistent low grade fever?

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections such as UTIs or certain respiratory infections
Antiviral medications: For viral infections, when appropriate
Over-the-counter fever reducers: Such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage symptoms
Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
Rest: Allowing the body time to recover and fight off infections
Stress reduction techniques: For stress-induced fevers
Medication adjustments: If the fever is drug-induced, changing or discontinuing the causative medication under medical supervision
Targeted therapies: For more serious underlying conditions, such as cancer

Is it always necessary to treat a low grade fever? Not always. In many cases, a low grade fever is a sign that the body is effectively fighting an infection. However, persistent fevers or those accompanied by other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine if treatment is necessary.

When should you seek immediate medical attention for a fever? While low grade fevers are often not emergencies, you should seek immediate medical care if:

The fever is very high (above 103째F or 39.4째C)
The fever is accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
You have a compromised immune system
The fever persists for more than a few days without improvement

Remember, while this information provides a general overview, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and treatment.

Persistent low grade fever: Causes and treatments

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Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections can cause a persistent low grade fever. Some of the most common respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, may cause a low grade fever that lasts for as long as the body takes to fight off the infection.

Other symptoms that may indicate a respiratory infection include:

coughing
sneezing
a stuffy or runny nose
a sore throat
chills
general fatigue
lack of appetite

Many simple respiratory infections do not require treatment, and the symptoms will go away in time.

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may also be the underlying cause of a low grade fever. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria multiply anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters.

In addition to a low grade fever, the person may experience symptoms such as:

pain in the abdomen
a burning sensation while peeing
frequent urination
a constant urge to urinate
dark urine

Most UTIs are simple to treat with antibiotics. The doctor may analyze a urine sample to determine the precise type of bacteria causing the infection to ensure that they prescribe the right treatment.

Other infections

Share on PinterestA person should talk to their doctor if they experience any symptoms of infection alongside a fever.

Almost any infection can cause a fever. A fever is one of the body’s natural responses to foreign invaders. The body may keep its core temperature elevated while it is fighting off the infection.

Other sources of infections that may cause a low grade fever include:

food poisoning
exposure to pathogens from livestock
tuberculosis
meningitis

Anyone experiencing symptoms of infection alongside a fever should see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve with rest and time.

Medications

Some medications can cause many different side effects, which may include a low grade fever. People can check the information on side effects and interactions that comes in the packaging or seek advice from a pharmacist.

As the author of a 2018 review notes, if the medication is the cause, the fever should go away very quickly — typically within 72 hours — once the person stops taking the drug.

Stress

Chronic stress may cause a low grade fever. A research paper from 2015 notes that a fever due to stress is most common in young women.

Reducing stress levels may resolve the fever in these cases.

Cancer

In rare cases, a persistent low grade fever with no known cause may be a sign of cancer.

A persistent fever can be a symptom of leukemia, Hodgkin disease, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The person may also experience other symptoms of cancer, including:

persistent fatigue
weakness
headaches
infections
lack of appetite
excessive bruising or bleeding
unexplained weight loss
enlarged lymph nodes
excessive sweating at night

Many of these symptoms are not unique to cancer, however.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms along with a low grade fever should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Chronic disorders

Many other chronic disorders may cause symptoms such as a low grade fever, including:

thromboembolic disease
arthritis
lupus
gout
thyroiditis
serum sickness-like reactions
serotonin syndrome
neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Diagnosing a persistent low grade fever may involve several different tests to eliminate potential causes.

The doctor will generally carry out a physical examination and question the person regarding additional symptoms and whether they have any chronic conditions.

The doctor may also ask about any medications that the person takes so that they can eliminate them as a cause of the fever.

They may order blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to get an overview of the person’s health. The results may help them decide which other tests, if any, they need to order.

If the doctor suspects that the person has a UTI, they may ask them for a sample of their urine to test.

Share on PinterestOTC drugs may help treat a low grade fever at home.

Treatment for a persistent low grade fever will depend on the cause. For instance, minor infections may not need treatment at all, whereas issues such as cancer require extensive treatment.

To alleviate the symptoms of a low grade fever at home, a person can try over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

A fever can cause dehydration, so it is vital to drink plenty of water.

It is important to treat a low grade fever in children, who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. Using children’s versions of OTC drugs may help control the fever while waiting to see a doctor.

A persistent low grade fever is a sign of an underlying issue, such as a mild infection or chronic condition. The fever may persist while the person is fighting off the infection.

For the most part, persistent low grade fevers are not a cause for concern. However, it is important to monitor the fever to see whether it gets worse.

Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or experiences a persistent low grade fever for more than 10 days should see a doctor.

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Persistent low grade fever: Causes and treatments

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Was this helpful?

The normal human body temperature is about 98.6°F, but it fluctuates throughout the day. A low grade fever is when the body temperature rises slightly, usually between about 100.5°F and 102.2°F.

The fever is persistent when the body temperature stays in this range for more than 2 weeks.

A fever is commonly a result of the body trying to fight off an infection or another illness. However, some cases are more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a persistent low grade fever.

Share on PinterestIf the body is fighting off an infection, a person may experience a persistent low grade fever.

Some people may hardly notice that they have a low grade fever. However, others may experience various symptoms, including:

feeling warm to the touch
sweating
chills
shivering
headaches
muscle aches
dehydration
a general feeling of being unwell

A persistent low grade fever is typically a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or another health issue and has raised its temperature to help these efforts.

These underlying issues can include: