Persistent fever – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Infections:
  • Viral Infections: Some viral infections, like mononucleosis or certain viral fevers, can cause prolonged fevers.
  • Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, or sinusitis, can lead to persistent fevers.
  • Other Infections: Less common infections, like Lyme disease, malaria, or tuberculosis, can also cause prolonged fevers.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause persistent fevers.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) can sometimes present with fevers.
• Cancer: Some cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can cause fevers as a symptom.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause drug-induced fever.
• Other Causes: Less common causes of persistent fever include heat exhaustion, dehydration, or certain genetic conditions.

Diagnosis:

• Medical History: A thorough review of the patient’s symptoms, past illnesses, travel history, and any medications they are taking.
• Physical Exam: A comprehensive physical examination to look for any signs of infection or other underlying conditions.
• Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) and other blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
• Urine Tests: A urinalysis to check for a urinary tract infection.
• Imaging Tests: Chest X-ray, CT scans, or ultrasounds may be used to look for infection or other problems in the lungs, abdomen, or other areas.
• Other Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, other tests may be necessary, such as tests for specific infections or autoimmune diseases.

Treatment:

• Treatment of Underlying Cause: The most important aspect of treating a persistent fever is to identify and treat the underlying medical condition causing the fever.
• Fever Reducers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and discomfort. However, these medications do not treat the underlying cause.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important, especially when you have a fever. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or broth.
• Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help the body recover.

Important Considerations:

• Seek medical attention if you have a persistent fever, especially if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as severe headache, stiff neck, rash, confusion, difficulty breathing, or abdominal pain.
• Do not self-treat a persistent fever without consulting a doctor, as the underlying cause needs to be identified and treated appropriately.