Can Inflammation Cause Fever? | Inflammation & Fever

Written on March 24, 2023 by Theresa Vuskovich, DMD. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• What is a fever?
• Everlywell can help with fevers and inflammation
• Related content

Fever and inflammation go hand in hand. Inflammation occurs when your body is faced with an injury or an infection. Heat, redness, swelling, and pain are the signs of inflammation [1]. Heat can refer to a fever, a systemic elevation of body temperature [2]. So, can inflammation cause fever? Yes, a fever can occur in response to inflammation [1-4]. This article provides insight into fever and how inflammation causes fever.

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What is a fever?

Fever is an elevation above normal body temperature. The average body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but everyone’s body temperature varies slightly [2-4]. A person’s body temperature is affected by age, medical conditions, location, and time of day [2-4].

You can check your body’s temperature in several places, such as your mouth, forehead, ear, or armpits [2,3]. Your temperature is lower in the morning and rises throughout the day as you become active [2]. A fever is classified based on its duration and degree of elevation.

Fever classification

A fever is classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on how long it lasts [4].

• Acute fever: An acute fever occurs for less than seven days.
• Sub-acute fever: A sub-acute fever occurs for less than two weeks.
• Chronic fever: A chronic fever lasts longer than two weeks and can persist indefinitely.

Fevers are also categorized based on the degree of elevation [4].

• Mild/low-grade fever: between 100. 5–102.2°F
• Moderate grade fever: between 102.2–104.0°F
• High-grade fever between 104.1–106.0°F
• Hyperpyrexia: equal to greater than 106.0°F

Fever causes

Below are some other common causes of fever [2-4]:

• Viral infection: Viral infections are one of the most common causes of a fever. COVID-19 and the flu are common viral infections that lead to fever. Infections activate your immune system and create inflammation, resulting in fever.
• Bacterial infection: Bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections or tooth abscesses can lead to a fever. As with viral infections, bacterial infections stimulate the immune system, creating inflammation and fever.
• Drug reactions: Your body may produce fever when it perceives a drug as an invader. Common drugs that can cause fever include beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), procainamide, and sulfa drugs.
• Immunizations: When you receive an immunization, the immune system becomes active and can create a fever. The influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines are two of the most common vaccines associated with fever.
• Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders create inflammation and fever within the body. Common autoimmune disorders that can cause fever include hyperthyroidism, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune disorders are often associated with low.
• Undiagnosed cancer: Cancer creates inflammation leading to fever. Blood cancers such as leukemia are associated with fever.
• Heat exhaustion: Excessive heat can cause heat exhaustion, causing your body to experience a fever because it cannot regulate its temperature.

Conditions with the word “fever”

Additionally, some conditions include the word “fever.”

Fever blisters: Fever blisters are commonly known as cold sores [5]. They are fluid-filled bumps around the mouth that eventually turn crusty. Herpes simplex virus (HPV) is responsible for fever blisters and can cause a fever [5].

Hay fever: Hay fever is another name for an allergic reaction to pollen or dust. There is no fever associated with hay fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF): People of Mediterranean origins, such as Iranians and Italians, are about 50% more likely to get this genetic disorder if they have a family history [6]. People with FMF have a gene mutation that makes their immune system less effective, resulting in recurrent fevers.

Fever of unknown origin (FUO): Someone with a fever of at least 101°F for several weeks without an obvious cause [7].

A fever does not always indicate a problem. A fever indicates that your immune system is actively fighting an infection rather than allowing it to win. People with low-grade to moderate fevers (acute fevers below 104° F) are generally not in danger unless the person is immunocompromised or experiencing severe fever symptoms [2].

Fever symptoms

Fevers can also cause other symptoms. Chills, tiredness, headaches, and muscle aches often occur when you have a fever. These symptoms are generally harmless. However, seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever and experience any of the following symptoms [2]:

• Confusion or a change in mental function
• Headache or stiff neck
• Blood under the skin can appear as flat, small, purple spots (petechiae)
• Low blood pressure (90/60 mm Hg)
• High heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Temperature over 104°F or below 95°F

Everlywell can help with fevers and inflammation

Virtual care visits via Everlywell are available to address common conditions associated with fevers, including the flu and UTIs. Additionally, Everlywell’s Vitamin D & Inflammation test provides insight into your body’s inflammation levels. With Everlywell, you can monitor inflammation over time. Using your test results, your healthcare provider can create a customized care plan for you.

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References

1. Hannoodee S, Nasuruddin DN. Acute Inflammatory Response. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. URL
2. Bush LM. Fever in Adults. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. URL. Accessed March 7, 2023.
3. Biology of infectious disease: Fever. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. URL. Accessed March 7, 2023.
4. Ogoina D. Fever, fever patterns, and diseases called’ fever’–a review. J Infect Public Health. 2011;4(3):108-124. doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2011.05.002. URL
5. Fever blisters & canker sores. Nih.gov. URL. Accessed March 8, 2023.
6. Bhatt H, Cascella M. Familial Mediterranean Fever. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. URL
7. Brown I, Finnigan NA. Fever of Unknown Origin. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. URL

The 99.8 Fever – What You Need to Know About Low Grade Fevers

Page Contents

What is a Fever?What is a Low-grade Fever? What are the different “types” of Fevers? What Typically Causes a Low Grade Fever?Other Possible Causes of a Low Grade FeverWhen Should You Worry About a Low Grade Fever?Treating a Low Grade FeverIn Closing

What is a Fever?

Generally speaking, a normal oral temperature for a resting, healthy adult is about 98. 6°F (37°C). However, “normal” can vary based on age, race, and other factors. For instance, in an individual > 70 years old, a normal temp could be lower at 96.8°F (36°C). Furthermore, a person’s temperature is actually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. It can also fluctuate based on one’s activity level (e.g. if one is exercising), one’s environment (hot, cold, etc.), hydration status, or even medications that he/she may be taking.

Fever is a sign of inflammation, meaning that it most commonly indicates that there is an underlying illness or even a bodily injury. As a result of this, we most often associate fevers with the flu or the cold. However, fevers may be seen with any type of infection (skin infection, pneumonia, etc.) and may also be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. Less commonly, it may be caused by certain medications that one is taking.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that a fever, in and of itself, is not a disease.

A fever appears to be one way your body fights an underlying illness i. e. your body raises its temperature via its internal thermostat (located within a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus) to help your immune system to defeat an infection.

The CDC defines a fever as a temperature over 100.4 (38). Please refer to this article for further information regarding fevers.

What is a Low-grade Fever? 

However, what if your temperature is only mildly elevated?

For instance, a temperature of 99.8, is oftentimes referred to as a low-grade fever (this range is typically 99 – 100.4).  

There really is no consensus agreement on how to manage a low-grade fever. In other words, we don’t have clear cut answers on how to manage or treat a low-grade fever. This is mainly because low-grade fevers usually are not a cause for alarm and most often are not associated with any serious conditions.

That being said, it is still important to understand low-grade fevers, what they mean, and what you can do about them.

What are the different “types” of Fevers? 

There’s a bit of a gray area when it comes to assessing fevers, particularly, low-grade ones. As was discussed prior, “normal” temperatures can vary based on age, race, and other factors. Furthermore, a person’s temperature can differ based on the time of day. For instance, temperatures are actually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. Temperature can also fluctuate based on one’s activity level (e.g. if one is exercising), one’s environment (hot, cold, etc.), hydration status, or even medications that he/she may be taking. Finally, temperatures can vary depending on where the temperature is being taken. Take a look at this table below:

Site	Low Grade Fever		Moderate Fever		High Fever
	Adult	Child	Adult	Child	Adult	Child
Axillary	98. 6-99.8	99.5-100.4	100.5-101.3	100.5-103.5	≥101.2	≥103.5
Temporal	99-100.4	99-100.4	100.4-101.3	100.5-103	≥101.2	≥103
Rectal	99-100.4	100-100.4	101.5-102.2	100.5-103	≥102.2	≥103
Oral	98.6-100.4	99.5-100.4	100.5-101.3	100.5-103.5	≥101.2	≥103.5
Ear	99-100.4	100-100.4	100.4-101.3	100.5-103	≥101.2	≥103.5

Keep in mind that when a child reaches the age of 36 months or three years, you should start using the adult fever readings to determine the presence of a fever.

Based on the chart above, a low-grade fever can be defined as a temperature that’s between normal body temperature and a fever.

Clear as mud, right?

In general, rectal temperatures are the most accurate and should be used to measure temperatures in infants. Otherwise, an oral temperature is usually the most accurate.

Most importantly, if you have any concern that you or your loved one has a low-grade fever, particularly if it is prolonged or associated with any concerning symptoms, you should call your health care professional to discuss the appropriate next steps.

What Typically Causes a Low Grade Fever?

Remember that a fever is a sign of inflammation, meaning that it most commonly indicates that there is an underlying illness or even a bodily injury. As a result of this, we most often associate fevers with the flu or the cold. However, fevers may be seen with any type of infection (skin infection, pneumonia, etc.) and may also be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. Less commonly, it may be caused by certain medications that one is taking.

It is important to understand that a fever differs from hyperthermia. A fever appears to be one way your body fights an underlying illness i.e. your body raises its temperature via its internal thermostat (located within a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus) to help your immune system to defeat an infection. On the other hand, hyperthermia happens because your body is overheating. This most commonly happens when you are exercising on a really hot day.

In this context, while a low-grade fever may indicate the beginning of our system’s defense against potential threats current research, while limited, suggests that in most cases, low-grade fevers are safe and do not indicate any significant underlying infection or injury.

That being said, if you have any concern that you or your loved one has a low-grade fever, particularly if it is prolonged or associated with any concerning symptoms, you should call your health care professional to discuss the appropriate next steps.

Other Possible Causes of a Low Grade Fever

Again, as mentioned above, in most cases, a low-grade fever is not concerning.

However, although uncommon, besides an infection there are a number of other causes for a prolonged low-grade fever. These include, but are not limited to:

• Arthritis
• Vasculitis
• Cancer
• Heat stroke
• Immunization rejection
• Stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Drug reaction
• Autoimmune disease

Again, if you have any concern that you or your loved one has a low-grade fever, particularly if it is prolonged or associated with any concerning symptoms, you should call your health care professional to discuss the appropriate next steps.

When Should You Worry About a Low Grade Fever?

Again, as mentioned above, in most cases, a low-grade fever is not concerning, particularly in the absence of any associated symptoms.

Even if accompanied by mild symptoms (cough, body aches, runny nose, etc.), as a general rule of thumb, simple steps like getting more rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter fever reducers (if you feel uncomfortable) is all that is needed until the fever resolves.

However, if you’ve been experiencing a low-grade fever for several days or have any of the following symptoms, you should call your health care professional or 911 to discuss the appropriate next steps:

• Chills
• Generalized weakness
• Vomiting
• Bloody stool
• Altered consciousness
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Body pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Skin color changes
• Rashes
• Seizures

Treating a Low Grade Fever

In most cases, a low-grade fever will not need treatment. Again, most often it is more the result of changes in your internal temperature versus the activation of your body’s defense mechanisms. However, as mentioned above, if it is accompanied by mild symptoms (cough, body aches, runny nose, etc.), as a general rule of thumb, simple steps like getting more rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter fever reducers (if you feel uncomfortable) is all that is needed until the fever resolves. Furthermore, there are a lot of over the counter home remedies which may offer some relief.

Here are a few simple treatment methods you can use to address a low fever in the presence of associated symptoms:

• Stay hydrated.
• If accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, an over the counter anti-inflammatory like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be helpful.
• Eat healthy
• Stay warm
• Humidifiers can help with symptoms of congestion (e.g. stuffy nose)

In Closing

In most cases, a low-grade fever is not concerning, particularly in the absence of any associated symptoms.

Even if accompanied by mild symptoms (cough, body aches, runny nose, etc.), as a general rule of thumb, simple steps like getting more rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter fever reducers (if you feel uncomfortable) is all that is needed until the fever resolves.

However, if you’ve been experiencing a low-grade fever for several days or have any concerning symptoms as mentioned above, you should call your health care professional or 911 to discuss the appropriate next steps.

what is it and how to live with it?

Contents

• 1 Prolonged subfebrile condition
  • 1.1 Subfebrile temperature: definition and causes
  • 1.2 What symptoms indicate prolonged subfebrile condition?
  • 1.3 How can prolonged subfebrile condition be diagnosed?
  • 1.4 What treatment helps with prolonged low-grade fever?
  • 1.5 Is it possible to use folk methods in the treatment of prolonged subfebrile?
  • 1.6 How to take care of your health in case of prolonged low-grade fever?
  • 1.7 Does prolonged subfebrile condition affect performance?
  • 1.8 How to maintain immunity and prevent the recurrence of prolonged low-grade fever?
  • 1.9 How to prevent prolonged low-grade fever?
  • 1.10 Can children suffer from prolonged low-grade fever?
  • 1.11 Prolonged subfebrile condition and covid-19: relationship and consequences
  • 1.12 Related videos:

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a condition in which a person’s body temperature is slightly above normal for a long time. In the article you will learn the causes of subfebrile condition, methods of diagnosis and treatment. What measures should be taken to cope with this condition and prevent possible complications.

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a condition in which a person experiences a prolonged period of elevated body temperature, but does not reach the level of febrile. Usually subfebrile temperature ranges from 37.2 to 38 degrees.

Low-grade fever can be caused by various factors: infectious and inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, tumors, and many others. The duration of subfebrile temperature can be both several days and several months.

Despite the absence of a high temperature, prolonged low-grade fever can lead to discomfort: weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and sleep disturbance. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and find out the cause of this condition, as well as find out what measures can be taken to improve well-being.

Subfebrile temperature: definition and causes

Subfebrile temperature is a slight increase in body temperature up to 37-38 degrees Celsius. It may be accompanied by minor symptoms such as weakness, headache, runny nose, and other signs of a cold.

With subfebrile condition, there may be an infection in the body, which is difficult to detect without additional research. Therefore, if you have symptoms of elevated body temperature, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious diseases and prescribe appropriate treatment.

It is important to remember that subfebrile temperature can persist for a long time and not bring significant discomfort. However, if the fever is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, respiratory failure and other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In general, in the case of subfebrile condition, it is necessary to monitor one’s health, strengthen the immune system and take measures to prevent possible diseases. Do not forget about proper nutrition and increased physical activity, which will help the body fight possible diseases.

What symptoms indicate prolonged subfebrile condition?

Prolonged low-grade fever is manifested by an increase in body temperature up to 37-38 degrees Celsius, which lasts for several weeks or even months. However, this is not the only symptom of this condition.

Also, prolonged low-grade fever may be accompanied by various symptoms, depending on the cause of this condition, for example, cough and shortness of breath in respiratory diseases, rashes and itching in allergic reactions, abdominal pain and indigestion in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

If you notice an increase in temperature for several weeks, as well as other symptoms mentioned above, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause of prolonged subfebrile condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.

How can prolonged subfebrile condition be diagnosed?

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a condition where a slight increase in body temperature in the range of 37-38 degrees Celsius is delayed for several days, weeks or even months. Diagnosing this condition can be tricky, as the symptoms are not as obvious as with a high body temperature.

To diagnose prolonged subfebrile condition, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state of the body. The doctor should ask the patient about the presence of concomitant symptoms, such as weight loss, weakness, joint pain, frequent headaches, and others. It is also necessary to conduct a medical examination and tests to exclude the presence of other diseases, such as infectious or inflammatory diseases.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the diagnosis of prolonged low-grade fever requires a complex approach and can be difficult. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of this condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination and the appointment of appropriate treatment.

What treatment helps with prolonged low-grade fever?

Prolonged low-grade fever is often the result of chronic diseases. Therefore, in order to deal with this condition, it is necessary to first identify and eliminate the cause. Treatment may include:

• Treatment of the underlying disease: If prolonged low-grade fever is the result of another disease, then its treatment should be carried out as a priority.
• Proper nutrition: It is recommended to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, proteins and water in the diet. You should also limit your intake of fatty, salty and sugary foods.
• Daily routine and rest: It is important to keep track of your daily routine, ensuring enough physical activity and restorative sleep.
• Physiotherapy: The use of physiotherapy methods such as ultrasound, magnetotherapy and others can improve the condition.
• Medication: In some cases, a drug may be prescribed to improve the patient’s condition. To do this, you need to see a doctor.

It is important to understand that prolonged low-grade fever is not an independent disease, but only a sign of a disease in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive treatment aimed at eliminating the cause, and not the symptom.

Is it possible to use folk methods in the treatment of prolonged subfebrile?

Prolonged low-grade fever is a condition in which the body temperature for a long time is at the level of a slightly elevated value, usually up to 38 degrees. To treat this condition, you must consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to use green tea with ginger and honey, as well as an infusion of ginger root, placed overnight in a thermos with hot water. However, before using any prescriptions, you need to make sure that the patient does not have allergic reactions to any components.

You can also use bee pollen, which contains many vitamins and microelements that improve the functioning of the immune system. Perga can be added to food or taken in capsules.

However, it must be understood that traditional methods should not replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor. Treatment of subfebrilitis should be comprehensive and based on the doctor’s recommendations. The use of folk recipes can only be an additional way to improve the general condition and strengthen the immune system.

How to take care of your health in case of prolonged low-grade fever?

Prolonged low-grade fever is a condition in which body temperature remains slightly elevated (up to 37.5 C) for several weeks or months. In this case, a person may feel weakness, fatigue, headache and other unpleasant symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with long-term low-grade fever or are just worried about fever, the following tips will help you take care of your health:

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Fluid loss can make low-grade fever worse, so make sure you get enough water and other drinks throughout the day.
2. Eat right. Try to eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid fatty, spicy and salty foods that can make you feel worse.
3. Rest and get enough sleep. Don’t overwork yourself and set a sleep schedule.

If your condition does not improve, be sure to see a doctor. Subfebrile can be a sign of a serious illness that requires diagnosis and treatment.

Does prolonged subfebrile condition affect performance?

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a condition when the body temperature is elevated, but does not reach the level that usually accompanies an infection or inflammation. Consequently, the body is in constant tension to fight this condition, which can lead to a decrease in performance.

A persistent increase in temperature may cause feelings of fatigue, weakness and loss of concentration. Patients often complain of insomnia and poor mood. In addition, prolonged low-grade fever can cause muscle and joint pain, which can make it difficult to perform physical tasks.

When working at a computer or other stationary work, prolonged low-grade fever may impair vision and cause headaches. The role of prolonged subfebrile condition in problems with the musculoskeletal system and diseases of the cardiovascular system is also being studied.

In general, prolonged low-grade fever can reduce performance and quality of life, so it is important to see a doctor to find out the cause of this condition and find ways to improve health and performance.

How to maintain immunity and prevent the recurrence of prolonged subfebrile?

Observe the schedule of work and rest . Prolonged low-grade fever often occurs due to overload and fatigue of the body. You need to monitor your regimen and strive for a healthy balance between work and leisure.

Proper nutrition helps support the immune system and protect the body. It is important to include fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods (meat, fish, eggs) and healthy fats (nuts, oils) in your diet. It is also necessary to drink enough water and exclude harmful foods (chocolate, carbonated drinks, etc.) from your diet.

Sports activities help to strengthen the immune system and keep fit. Regular physical activity will help to avoid repeated manifestations of prolonged low-grade fever.

Avoid stressful situations which can weaken the immune system. Try to manage your emotions and learn to relax. Try meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, or other ways to reduce stress and tension.

• Support your immune system with vitamins and minerals found in fresh fruits and vegetables, green vegetables and herbs, fish, meat, eggs and more. Do not forget about prebiotics and probiotics, which help strengthen the intestines and normalize the functioning of the body as a whole.
• Maintain good hand hygiene and make sure you are free from infectious diseases. If you are in public places, do not forget about masks and other personal protective equipment. Also, remember about regular ventilation of the premises.

Call your doctor if you suffer from prolonged low-grade fever. A healthy lifestyle and proper treatment will help you recover faster and protect against recurrence of the disease.

How to prevent prolonged low-grade fever?

Keep a daily routine: Try to spend time outside, play sports or physical activity, establish a sleep and wake schedule.

Eat right: include foods rich in vitamins and microelements in your diet, limit fatty and sugary foods.

Avoid stress and psycho-emotional overload: include minutes for relaxation and meditation in your daily routine, take breaks from work and engage in hobbies.

Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Get your checkups: Seek medical advice and guidance, get regular medical checkups, monitor your health and illnesses, if any.

Take immunomodulators: If you have low immunity or are at risk of a disease that causes low-grade fever, consult your doctor, take your medications and take recommended immunomodulators.

Lead a healthy lifestyle: don’t panic and don’t forget that health is our main asset. Strive for an active and healthy life, do not forget prevention, seek advice from doctors and do not forget about your psycho-emotional health.

Can children suffer from prolonged low-grade fever?

Yes, children can also suffer from prolonged low-grade fever. It mainly occurs in children who attend kindergartens or schools, where they can become infected with viruses or bacteria. Parents should pay attention to any change in the health status of their children and be sure to consult a doctor if the child has a low body temperature for a long time.

It is important to note that in children, prolonged low-grade fever may be accompanied by other symptoms, including loss of appetite, increased fatigue, decreased activity. These symptoms can become serious problems and negatively affect the health of the child.

Parents can encourage a healthy lifestyle in their children to help them fight low body temperature. Regular hygiene care, proper nutrition, adequate rest and physical activity can improve overall health and recovery from low-grade fever.

If necessary, the doctor may order additional tests and examinations to determine the cause of prolonged low-grade fever in a child. In any case, it is necessary to monitor the health of your children and provide them with the right care and treatment if necessary.

Prolonged low-grade fever and covid-19: relationship and consequences

Prolonged low-grade fever is one of the symptoms that can accompany covid-19 infection. It is characterized by a slight increase in body temperature, which can persist for a long time – from several weeks to several months.

Such a symptom may mean that inflammatory processes continue to develop in the body, which may be associated precisely with the consequences of covid-19 infection. Some studies show that low-grade fever can occur even in patients who have already recovered from coronavirus.

In addition, prolonged low-grade fever can affect the patient’s quality of life, cause fatigue, irritability, and apathy. It can also be accompanied by pain in the muscles and joints, coughing, sleep disturbances and digestion.

Given these consequences, patients suffering from prolonged subfebrile condition should definitely consult a doctor and undergo additional examination. For them, individual treatment can be prescribed, including drug therapy, physiotherapy, recommendations on nutrition and daily routine.

In any case, it should be remembered that it is necessary to follow the preventive measures and recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor to prevent infection with coronavirus, in particular, wear masks, keep your distance, wash your hands often and ventilate the premises.

Related videos:

Rheumatoid arthritis after coronavirus – symptoms, causes, signs and treatments in adults at the SM-Clinic

This disease is treated by Rheumatologist

• What is it?
• About disease
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnostics
• Expert opinion
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Rehabilitation
• Q&A

About the disease

Rheumatoid arthritis after coronavirus can:

• debut for the first time as a severe chronic disease;
• manifest with a previously latent (asymptomatic) course;
• be transient.

Musculoskeletal manifestations are inferior in frequency to cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal manifestations. According to statistics, complaints of pain in the musculoskeletal system occur in 50-90% of patients. But usually they are not osteoarticular, but muscular discomfort. It is associated with a violation of microcirculation and tissue nutrition with blood, which quickly passes and does not require treatment. Joint pain persists longer, weeks or months, but is statistically much less common.

Summarizing the obtained statistical data on patients who went to the doctor with complaints of joint pain after suffering coronavirus of any severity, including asymptomatic, we can summarize:

• patients are in the range of 30-50 years;
• women experience reactive arthritis more often than men;
• the first symptom of RA occurred on average 6 weeks after the onset of coronavirus infection;
• the disease debuts abruptly, the symptoms increase rapidly;
• usually the pain is localized in the knee, hip, ankle joints.

These data are approximate: there is not yet a sufficient observational base of patients from different groups (by age, sex, medical history, type of covid course) to draw unambiguous conclusions and accurately characterize reactive arthritis after coronavirus infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic pathology that affects the articular tissue.

The disease is characterized by a severe and continuous course, severe pain syndrome and a high risk of patient disability. The autoimmune nature of arthritis makes it practically incurable: the doctor’s efforts are aimed at slowing down the development of the pathological process, maintaining the patient’s motor activity and reducing unpleasant symptoms.

Coronavirus-associated RA does not always proceed in its classical form. It is often a post-COVID syndrome that may go away on its own within one year.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of postcovid rheumatoid arthritis includes manifestations characteristic of RA of any etiology:

• joint pain;
• swelling and redness of the skin in the area of ​​the affected joint;
• stiffness in the body after waking up;
• general weakness, subfebrile condition.

The disease affects the joints symmetrically. An important feature is the absence of external manifestations of arthritis (edema, redness) and functional disorders (limitation of movement, lameness) in 30-40% of cases.

Pain is the main symptom of the disease and occurs in all patients with post-COVID RA, but in most cases the discomfort is described as moderate or mild.

Causes

Today, the most likely mechanism for the development of the inflammatory process in the articular tissue after suffering covid is a malfunction of the immune system.

• The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus infection binds in the body to the ACE-2 enzyme, which is present in many cells. Penetrating into the intracellular space, it multiplies and destroys the cell.
• The immune system, which reacts to the appearance of an antigen in the body, produces proteins to destroy them. Since the virus is inside the cells, the body cannot destroy it without affecting the cell. It is this process, associated with the destruction of a dangerous virus, that causes a severe course of the coronavirus.
• Even with a favorable course of the disease and recovery, the consequences of massive cell destruction during the active work of the immune system leads to degenerative and dystrophic changes. Their symptoms are called “post-COVID syndrome” or “Long COVID”.

Post-COVID complication of rheumatoid arthritis is more likely to occur after a mild or asymptomatic infection. In this case, the disease has a similar mechanism of development associated with the work of the immune system and, presumably, an unrealized “cytokine storm”.

The risk of complications is higher with osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases and previous trauma.

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

Request a call back
Book online

Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical recommendations

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

4

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis

The main problem in the development of post-COVID syndrome is the complexity of differential diagnosis. Today, the information received from practitioners and scientists is not enough to develop a clear algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after coronavirus. Having identified RA markers after suffering COVID, it cannot be argued that there were no changes before infection if the patient did not undergo the necessary laboratory and functional studies. The subclinical course of arthritis in the early stages of development with a delayed sharp increase in symptoms is characteristic of this disease.

After consultation and history taking, the doctor prescribes blood tests to identify signs characteristic of RA:

• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – increased, indicates an inflammatory process;
• C-reactive protein – exceeds the normal value (up to 5 mg / ml) several times, indicates acute or chronic inflammation;
• rheumatoid factor – increased, indicate an autoimmune reaction when the body attacks its own tissues;
• ACCP or anti-CCP (antibodies to cyclic citrulline peptide) are present in the biomaterial even at an early stage of RA.

Ultrasound, MRI, X-rays are used to visualize arthritic joints. They show the degree of damage, localization of inflammation and deformation of the articular tissue.

Depending on the clinical picture and symptoms accompanying rheumatoid arthritis after coronavirus, other studies may be required: blood clotting, kidney and liver function, vitamin D supply. These data are needed to prescribe the most accurate and safe treatment.

Expert opinion

Pain in muscles, bones and joints after recovery from coronavirus, as well as other consequences of an infection, are common. But the patient should not self-medicate or wait for the discomfort to go away on its own. Firstly, chronic pain syndrome affects the quality of life, performance and even psychological health of a person. Secondly, without an examination, it is impossible to say for sure whether the symptoms are manifestations of the post-covid syndrome, or infection with COVID-19caused the rapid development of the disease, which previously proceeded slowly and hidden.

Without treatment, the patient may experience complications in the musculoskeletal and immune systems.

Karabaeva Aiganym Sundetovna

Rheumatologist of the highest category, arthrologist, PhD, head of the Rheumatology Center

Treatment

Coronavirus related reactive arthritis requires careful attention. In most patients, it resolves on its own, so symptomatic measures will be enough to keep the patient in good health.

Clinical cases where the patient received heavy therapy, such as immunosuppressive hormonal agents, often resulted in complications from the digestive, endocrine and immune systems. Surgery to remove the synovial membrane of the joint or prosthetics is also required only in the aggressive course of the disease.

In case of post-covid rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist: a rheumatologist. It takes into account the clinical picture, concomitant diseases, the duration of symptoms and the dynamics of the condition.

• Medical appointments. Standard drugs for the relief of pain and inflammation are intramuscular glucocorticoid injections, oral cytostatics (immune suppressants), and specific antirheumatic drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually not effective.
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation. As an additional measure, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed to speed up recovery, as well as massage, therapeutic exercises, and swimming.

In extremely severe cases and in the absence of the effectiveness of first-line drugs, which is rare in post-COVID syndrome, genetically engineered biological therapy is prescribed.

Prevention

It is not yet possible to predict the risk of developing post-covid complications in the joints. COVID itself has not yet been sufficiently studied, and the effects on the musculoskeletal system are infrequent.

An effective way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis after covid is to prevent infection with the coronavirus infection itself:

• vaccination;
• wearing protective masks;
• use of topical antiseptics;
• avoidance of crowded places.

An important measure to prevent covid and its complications is to maintain immunity: giving up bad habits, proper nutrition, eliminating foci of chronic infection, regular medical examination.

Rehabilitation

Recovering from a coronavirus infection can take several months.

You can speed up the return to an active full life and prevent complications with the help of:

• symptomatic and vitamin therapy;
• correct daily routine, sleep hygiene;
• a balanced menu based on lifestyle and test results;
• physical therapy, regular walks in the fresh air;
• massages, physiotherapy.

The patient is advised to visit the attending physician regularly to monitor the condition and correct prescriptions.

Q&A

The vaccine does not contain an active virus, but due to the stimulation of the immune system, it can cause various reactions in the body. During the use of modern vaccinations, only a few cases of exacerbation of RA after vaccination were identified, which was quickly stopped by medication. The consequences of infection with a coronavirus in a person who has not been vaccinated are much more dangerous.

Without therapy, pain may persist for more than one year. A properly drawn up treatment plan will instantly remove all unpleasant symptoms, and then stop their cause – the inflammatory process in the articular tissue.

Ch.T. Baimukhamedov, A.K. Botabekova, G.N. Dosybaeva, Sh.A. Makhmudov. “Rheumatoid arthritis and post-covid syndrome” // Scientific and practical rheumatology, volume 60 No. 3, 2022.

Clinical recommendations “Rheumatoid arthritis” from the Russian Association of Rheumatologists.

B.S. Belov N.V. Muravieva G.M. Tarasov. “COVID-19: rheumatological aspects” // Effective Pharmacotherapy, Volume 16, No. 16, 2020.

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Diseases referred to Rheumatologist

Adhesive capsulitis
Ankylosis
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Arthrosis of the ankle joint
Shoulder arthrosis
arthropathy
Bechterew’s disease
Raynaud’s disease
Vasculitis
myasthenia gravis
Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis)
Osteoporosis
Pericarditis
Gout
rheumatic heart disease
Marfan syndrome
Scleroderma

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