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

Understanding Persistent Low Grade Fever

A persistent low grade fever is a condition where the body temperature remains slightly elevated, typically between 100.5°F and 102.2°F, for more than two weeks. This prolonged elevation in body temperature often indicates that the body is actively fighting an infection or dealing with an underlying health issue. While a normal body temperature hovers around 98.6°F, it’s important to note that this can fluctuate throughout the day.

Recognizing the symptoms of a persistent low grade fever is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Common signs include:

• Feeling warm to the touch
• Sweating
• Chills or shivering
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Dehydration
• General feeling of unwellness

It’s worth noting that some individuals may barely notice these symptoms, while others might experience them more intensely. If you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms for an extended period, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Common Causes of Persistent Low Grade Fever

Several factors can contribute to a persistent low grade fever. Understanding these potential causes can help in identifying the underlying issue 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 infections can range from common colds to more severe conditions like influenza. The body’s immune response to these infections often results in an elevated temperature that persists until the infection is cleared.

Symptoms associated with respiratory infections include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Many respiratory infections resolve on their own with rest and proper care. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical intervention may be necessary.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections can also cause 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 fever, UTIs often present with:

• Abdominal pain
• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Constant urge to urinate
• Dark-colored urine

UTIs typically require antibiotic treatment. A healthcare provider can analyze a urine sample to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection and prescribe the most effective antibiotic.

Other Infections That Can Cause Persistent Low Grade Fever

While respiratory infections and UTIs are common causes of persistent low grade fever, various other infections can also lead to this condition. These include:

• Food poisoning
• Exposure to pathogens from livestock
• Tuberculosis
• Meningitis

Each of these infections can trigger the body’s immune response, resulting in an elevated temperature that persists until the infection is resolved. Is it necessary to seek medical attention for all infections causing persistent low grade fever? While many infections resolve on their own, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms don’t improve with rest and time, especially if they’re accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Medication-Induced Persistent Low Grade Fever

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. How can you determine if your medication is causing a fever? Check the information leaflet that comes with your medication for listed side effects, or consult with a pharmacist or your healthcare provider.

According to a 2018 review, if a medication is the cause of the fever, it typically resolves quickly – usually within 72 hours – once the medication is discontinued. However, never stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Stress-Related Persistent Low Grade Fever

Chronic stress can manifest in various physical symptoms, including a persistent low grade fever. A 2015 research paper noted that stress-induced fever is most common in young women. How does stress cause fever? The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the body’s stress response and its effect on the immune system.

If stress is the underlying cause of your persistent low grade fever, reducing stress levels may help resolve the issue. Some effective stress-reduction techniques include:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Adequate sleep
• Balanced diet
• Time management strategies
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

Cancer and Persistent Low Grade Fever

While rare, a persistent low grade fever with no apparent cause can sometimes be a sign of cancer. Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, Hodgkin disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, may present with a persistent fever as one of their symptoms.

Other potential symptoms of cancer that may accompany a persistent low grade fever include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakness
• Frequent headaches
• Recurrent infections
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Night sweats

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not unique to cancer and can be caused by many other conditions. However, if you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms along with a persistent low grade fever, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for proper evaluation.

Diagnosing and Treating Persistent Low Grade Fever

Diagnosing the underlying cause of a persistent low grade fever often involves a comprehensive approach. Your healthcare provider may:

1. Take a detailed medical history
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Order blood tests to check for infections or other abnormalities
4. Request imaging studies if necessary
5. Conduct specific tests based on your symptoms and potential causes

Treatment for a persistent low grade fever depends on its underlying cause. For instance:

• Bacterial infections may require antibiotics
• Viral infections often resolve on their own but may benefit from supportive care
• Medication-induced fevers typically resolve when the medication is discontinued or changed
• Stress-related fevers may improve with stress management techniques
• Cancer-related fevers will be addressed as part of the overall cancer treatment plan

In addition to treating the underlying cause, managing the symptoms of a persistent low grade fever may involve:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (under medical guidance)
• Cool compresses or lukewarm baths to help lower body temperature
• Dressing in light, breathable clothing

When should you seek immediate medical attention for a persistent low grade fever? If your fever is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, or seizures, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Prevention and Long-Term Management of Persistent Low Grade Fever

While not all cases of persistent low grade fever can be prevented, certain measures can reduce your risk and promote overall health:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly to boost your immune system
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill

For long-term management, especially in cases of chronic conditions that may cause recurrent fevers, working closely with your healthcare provider is crucial. They can help develop a personalized management plan that may include:

• Regular check-ups and monitoring
• Lifestyle modifications
• Medication management
• Referrals to specialists if needed

Remember, persistent low grade fever is often a symptom rather than a condition itself. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause, you can effectively manage this issue and improve your overall health and well-being.

Persistent low grade fever: Causes and treatments

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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:

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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The drugs listed in this article are available online:

• Ibuprofen
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What Is a Low-Grade Fever? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment │ Vicks

Achy, tired, warm skin, and just not feeling right? You may have a low-grade fever. Before you figure out how to treat your low-grade fever, understand where it might have come from and what role it plays in your body.

Your body is a complex and smart system that constantly works to keep you feeling your best, including maintaining the optimum internal temperature. Your internal temperature is subject to hormonal and brain activity and adapts to conditions of your environment. For your body to work properly, your optimum body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).¹ Sometimes, though, your body needs to elevate its temperature above that ideal level to, for example, fight off a cold or flu virus. In those cases, you might experience a low-grade fever.

Fevers are common, and they occur for a variety of reasons, often signaling that the body is working to protect itself.^2,4,5

Fevers happen for a variety of reasons and at different severity levels. Depending on your specific temperature, your fever may be categorized as low-grade fever, regular fever, or high-grade fever. The use of these terms highlights the importance of monitoring a fever.

What is a Low-Grade Fever?

A low-grade fever refers to a temperature slightly above what is considered a normal temperature. There is no standard for the specific temperature range corresponding to low-grade fever.

Regardless of the specific range that may be used to define a low-grade fever, the unifying factor for all low-grade fevers is that they represent temperatures above the ideal temperature but below what would be considered a fever. ⁸

Some experts define a low-grade fever as a temperature that falls between 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 100.3°F (38.3°C).^6,7 According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered to have a fever.³

What Causes a Low-Grade Fever?

Low-grade fevers can occur for several reasons and may be accompanied by other symptoms.⁹Colds and flus, for instance, are major contributors to fevers. Fevers occur more often in those who suffer from flus than in those who suffer from colds.¹⁰ However, fevers that occur in colds are more likely to be low-grade fevers, whereas fevers that occur with the flu can be low-grade or more severe.

Signs and Symptoms of Low-Grade Fever

The easiest way to determine if you have a low-grade fever—or any fever—is to simply take your temperature. However, in addition to a raised temperature, there are other signs of fever, like:³

• Warm skin
• A flushed face
• Glassy eyes
• Chills or Shivering
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle Aches

Depending on the underlying cause of the low-grade fever, the fever may also present with other symptoms, such as symptoms that commonly occur with fever-causing viruses like colds and flus. These symptoms—which may include coughs, sore throats, headaches, or other symptoms—can be used to help determine the reason for the fever and the best way to treat it.

How to Treat a Low-Grade Fever

The recommendations for treating a fever vary, and in the case of a low-grade fever, there are several things you can do to make yourself feel better if you are uncomfortable.¹¹ Some of these options are to:

• Rest¹²
• Drink fluids¹²
• Call a doctor if your fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms.
• Place a cold, damp washcloth on your forehead or the back of your neck while you’re resting.
• Take over-the-counter medication to treat the symptoms associated with your fever. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines treat multiple symptoms. Identify what other symptoms you are experiencing with a low-grade fever, if any, so you can choose a medicine that gives the relief you need. Medicines that contain acetaminophen help reduce fever. Some medicines with this active ingredient include:
• DayQuil and NyQuil: These liquid multi-symptom products also treat symptoms associated with the cold or flu, like cough, sore throat, and more. They also come in LiquiCap™ form.
• DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE: For relief of even more symptoms, try NyQuil SEVERE, which can also help with nasal congestion, or DayQuil SEVERE, which contains an expectorant to help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive.
• FluTherapy Day and Night: Drink in tasty honey lemon flavor and breathe in the soothing Vicks Vapors. Cold and flu symptom relief—including fever—can come as a comforting medicated hot drink, too, with Vicks FluTherapy.

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of the below:¹³

• If your temperature reaches 104° F or higher.
• If you have fever or cough symptoms that improve, then get worse.
• If your fever is accompanied by a severe muscle pain, mental confusion, or any other out-of-the ordinary symptoms.

Low-grade fevers can come from common viruses like a cold or the flu. Taking your temperature is the easiest and most direct way to determine if you have a low-grade fever, but other signs and symptoms can also point to an increased likelihood that you are experiencing a low-grade fever.

Maintaining your health through good habits such as getting enough rest and fluids can help to minimize a fever or to reduce its duration by, for instance, supporting your immune system. In the case that you opt for medication to help relieve symptoms and reduce a low-grade fever, consider appropriate options that contain acetaminophen, a fever reducer, like DayQuil, NyQuil, and FluTherapy.

Take care of yourself, and feel better soon!

1. How is body temperature regulated and what is fever? nih.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279457/. Published 2009. Accessed June 11, 2020.

2. Soszyński D. [The pathogenesis and the adaptive value of fever]. Postepy Hig Med Dosw. 2003;57(5):531-554.

3. Reporting: Symptoms definitions. cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/air/reporting-deaths-illness/definitions-symptoms-reportable-illnesses.html. Accessed June 11, 2020.

4. Torreggiani S, Filocamo G, Esposito S. Recurrent Fever in Children. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(4):448. doi:10.3390/ijms17040448

5. Moltz H. Fever: causes and consequences. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1993;17(3):237-269. doi:10.1016/s0149-7634(05)80009-0

6. Thompson HJ. Fever: a concept analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2005;51(5):484-492. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03520.x

7. Affronti M, Mansueto P, Soresi M, et al. Low-grade fever: how to distinguish organic from non-organic forms. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(3):316-321. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02256.x

8. Chughtai AA, Wang Q, Dung TC, Macintyre CR. The presence of fever in adults with influenza and other viral respiratory infections. Epidemiol Infect. 2017;145(1):148-155. doi:10.1017/S0950268816002181

9. McGregor AC, Moore DA. Infectious causes of fever of unknown origin. Clin Med. 2015;15(3):285-287. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-3-285

10. The difference between cold and flu. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm. Accessed June 9, 2020.

11. El-Radhi ASM. Fever management: Evidence vs current practice. World J Clin Pediatr. 2012;1(4):29-33. doi:10.5409/wjcp.v1.i4.29

12. Fever treatment: Quick quide to treating a fever. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/in-depth/fever/art-20050997. Accessed June 11, 2020.

13. Flu: What to Do if You Get Sick. cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm. Accessed June 26, 2020.

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Prolonged subfebrile condition – causes of the disease, which doctor treats, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Description

Prolonged subfebrile condition describes a condition when a person’s body temperature is kept below 38 ° C, but at the same time above the norm (about 36.6 ° C) over a long period of time, usually several weeks or months. Usually, subfebrile temperature can be noted during the day, especially in the evening, when it can rise to 37.2-37.5°C.

This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating and weakness. Although prolonged subfebrile condition is not necessarily a sign of any serious illness, it may indicate the presence of an underlying inflammatory process or other disease.

Possible causes of prolonged low-grade fever include: infections (eg, tuberculosis), diseases of the immune system (eg, rheumatoid arthritis), cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases (eg, Crohn’s disease), and stress and depression.

If you have a prolonged low-grade fever, it is recommended to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may recommend various tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, and others, to identify the cause of the condition and determine the necessary treatment.

Why is prolonged low-grade fever dangerous? The cause of this condition can be serious, and if it is not detected and treated in time, various complications can occur, depending on the cause.

For example, if prolonged low-grade fever is caused by an infection, it can progress to more serious consequences such as sepsis or complications of the lungs, liver, or kidneys.

If the cause is a disease of the immune system, destruction of tissues and organs can occur, leading to complications of the corresponding disease.

Also, prolonged low-grade fever can be associated with stress and depression, which in turn can lead to other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diseases of the digestive system.

Therefore, if you have prolonged low-grade fever, it is recommended that you see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment in order to rule out serious causes and prevent possible complications.

Physiological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition

Physiological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition may include:

1. Periods of increased activity of the immune system, such as inflammation or tumor growth. In this case, subfebrile temperature can be caused by an increase in the production of cytokines, proteins that are involved in the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory processes.

2. Menstrual cycle. In women, low-grade fever may occur before and during menstruation due to changes in hormone levels.

3. Physical activity. With active training or heavy physical exertion, subfebrile temperature may be observed.

4. Elevated ambient temperature. In hot weather or high humidity, body temperature may be slightly elevated.

5. Early morning. For most people, body temperature can be slightly below normal in the early morning.

Although the physiological causes of prolonged low-grade fever may be harmless, if you notice such changes in body temperature, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious causes and complications.

Pathological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition

Pathological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition may be associated with various diseases and conditions, including:

1. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, cytomegalovirus infection, etc.

2. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.

3. Various types of tumors, including lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, etc.

4. Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.

5. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism.

6. Autoimmune diseases such as adult Still’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, etc.

7. Chronic bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, etc.

8. Hematopoietic disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome, etc.

9. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism.

10. Other diseases and conditions such as diseases of the nervous system, systemic diseases of the connective tissue, etc.

In any case, if you have a prolonged subfebrile condition, you need to see a doctor who can conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Accompanying symptoms

Accompanying symptoms of prolonged subfebrile condition depend on the cause of this condition. In general, in addition to elevated body temperature (usually up to 37.2-38 °C), the following symptoms may be observed:

1. Fatigue and weakness

2. Headache

3. Pain in muscles and joints

4. Loss of appetite

5. Weight Loss

6. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness

7. Sore throat

8. Cough

9. Nasal congestion

10. Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

If prolonged low-grade fever is associated with a chronic disease, specific symptoms characteristic of this disease may also be present. For example, with hepatitis, there may be jaundice and pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and with systemic lupus erythematosus, skin rashes and lesions of internal organs.

If you have prolonged low-grade fever with any additional symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the scenarios

Prolonged subfebrile condition can have different scenarios depending on its causes.

1. Improved condition. If prolonged subfebrile condition is due to physiological causes, for example, fatigue or stress, then after the elimination of their effects, an improvement in the condition may occur. Also, if the infection has been treated adequately, the patient may also experience improvement.

2. Status continuation. If prolonged low-grade fever is associated with a chronic disease, then this condition can continue for a long time. In this case, the patient may be offered treatment for the underlying disease and measures to reduce the temperature.

3. Development of complications. If prolonged subfebrile condition is caused by an infection, then complications may develop, such as sepsis or meningitis. Therefore, with prolonged subfebrile condition, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to identify the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

4. Development of new symptoms. Some diseases that can cause prolonged low-grade fever may lead to the development of new symptoms or complications over time. Therefore, it is important to monitor your condition and seek medical attention in a timely manner if new symptoms occur or existing ones worsen.

What diseases can cause prolonged subfebrile condition

Prolonged subfebrile condition can be associated with various diseases, including:

1. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, malaria, hepatitis and others.

2. Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory myopathy, and others.

3. Oncological diseases, including lymphoma, leukemia, sarcoma and others.

4. Chronic bowel diseases such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis.

5. Hormonal disorders, eg hypothyroidism.

6. Chronic liver disease, eg cirrhosis of the liver.

7. Rheumatic diseases, eg rheumatic fever.

8. Other chronic diseases such as chronic heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes and others.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and prolonged low-grade fever may be associated with other diseases or factors, such as drug side effects or subclinical infection. In the presence of prolonged subfebrile condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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What examinations to undergo

In case of prolonged subfebrile condition, the doctor may prescribe a number of examinations to identify the cause of the symptom. Depending on the preliminary diagnosis and clinical manifestations, the following tests may be prescribed:

1. Complete blood count, which may show inflammation or infection.

2. Blood chemistry, including liver function, kidney function, glucose and hormone levels.

3. Urinalysis for infection or other abnormalities.

4. Bacteriological examination such as sputum or feces for the presence of infectious agents.

5. Immunological tests, for example, for autoantibodies in suspected autoimmune disease.

6. X-ray examinations, such as a chest x-ray for suspected infection in the lungs.

7. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis.

8. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected cancer.

All these studies will help to identify the cause of prolonged subfebrile condition and determine the necessary treatment. It is important to consult a doctor with prolonged low-grade fever so as not to miss a possible symptom of a serious illness.

How to remove

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a symptom, not an independent disease, therefore it must be treated by eliminating the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis.

For example, if prolonged low-grade fever is caused by a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics may be required. If the cause is inflammation or an autoimmune disease, then anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids, or immunomodulators may be prescribed.

In some cases, prolonged subfebrile condition can be caused by a deficiency of vitamins or minerals. In such cases, the additional use of appropriate drugs can help eliminate the symptom.

In any case, self-medication is not recommended. If you have prolonged low-grade fever, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Where to see a doctor

If you have a prolonged subfebrile condition, you should see a general practitioner. The therapist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and determine further directions for examination and treatment. If necessary, the therapist may refer you to another specialist, such as an infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, oncologist, etc., depending on the suspected cause of prolonged low-grade fever.

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Diseases

Subfebrile condition causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis.

Subfebrile condition in children, women, men, pregnant women

Subfebrile condition – this medical term refers to a constantly elevated temperature (not more than 38 ° C) of the body for a long time – from several weeks to several years.

Subfebrile symptoms

The main symptom of subfebrile condition is, of course, an increase in body temperature from 37.1 ° C to 38 ° C. Along with fever, there are other symptoms. The person becomes lethargic, feels constant weakness, his appetite disappears. There may be indigestion, excessive sweating, redness of the skin, rapid pulse and breathing, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia.

Forms

Depending on changes in temperature indicators, subfebrile condition is classified as follows.

Intermittent fever – the temperature first drops slightly and then rises again, and this alternation lasts for several days.

• Remittent – during the day the temperature fluctuates by more than 1°C.
• Fluctuating fever – the patient has an alternation of normal temperature with a constant and remitting state.
• Constant fever – they talk about it when the temperature is constantly elevated, and practically does not change during the day.

There is also a fever of unknown origin (genesis), the causes of which doctors cannot find out. In this case, there is an increase in temperature up to 38 ° C for a period of three weeks or more for unknown reasons.

Fever of unknown origin (genesis) is divided into the following types:

• the so-called “classic” fever of unknown origin – it includes all cases of infectious diseases that are difficult to diagnose, absolutely unusual for the area in which the patient lives, or have atypical forms;
• a sharp decrease in the blood of special elements that are responsible for human immunity can also lead to a fever of unknown origin;
• hospital fever – it occurs in a patient after hospitalization during the day;
• cytomegalovirus infection, histoplasmosis, mycobacteriosis are classified as HIV-associated fever.

Causes

There are many reasons for the occurrence of subfebrile condition. First of all, these are, of course, infectious processes occurring in the human body. Any infection, whether viral, chlamydial, bacterial or intestinal, can cause low-grade fever. When a person is infected with intracellular or protozoan parasites, subfebrile temperature is also observed. A constantly elevated temperature is also characteristic of oncological diseases of various etiologies in men and women. Subfebrile condition may be caused by sarcoidosis. Chronic fatigue syndrome, which occurs due to constant stress, lack of sleep, overwork, is also among the causes of subfebrile condition. If we talk about newborns and infants, then due to imperfect heat transfer, any infection can give a persistent fever. In pregnant women, subfebrile condition proceeds without any special manifestations, but it is necessary to find out the cause of the temperature as soon as possible. Since many infectious diseases are fraught with serious consequences for the fetus and unborn child.

Diagnostics

Subfebrile condition does not occur from scratch, and is often a harbinger of a fairly serious illness. To find out the causes of a constantly elevated temperature, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Diagnosis of subfebrile condition begins with the collection of anamnesis and complaints about the state of health. The doctor will study the patient’s medical history, ask about previously transferred and current diseases. The presence of diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, HIV, various types of blood and liver diseases, as well as surgeries, are one of the reasons for the persistent rise in temperature. When diagnosing subfebrile condition, it is also necessary to identify the possibility of infection with bacterial endocarditis and hepatitis during medical procedures, visits to the dentist, blood transfusion, unprotected sex. An epidemiological survey is also being conducted – the doctor will ask questions about which countries the person has recently visited, whether he has traveled to areas that are characterized by certain infectious and parasitic diseases.

This is followed by a visual examination of the patient. The doctor examines the skin, mucous membranes, joints, lymph nodes, makes palpation of the abdominal cavity, mammary glands in women, auscultation of the chest cavity, examines the ENT organs, urogenital organs and the rectum. To find out all the causes of subfebrile condition, laboratory tests are prescribed, which include a general urine test, blood tests, serological and biochemical tests, sputum and cerebrospinal fluid tests.

Instrumental diagnostics is also mandatory: ultrasound, radiography, CT, echocardiography. Consultations of various specialists are appointed: a gynecologist (for women), a neurologist, an oncologist, a hematologist, an infectious disease specialist, a phthisiatrician – all patients, men, women, children, pregnant women with subfebrile condition, must be tested for tuberculosis.

Subfebrile condition treatment

Having found out the exact cause of subfebrile condition, a treatment plan is drawn up, which depends on the underlying disease.