Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19 | Signal Transduction ...
What Causes A Persistent Low-Grade Fever And How Is It Treated?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
Long-lasting low-grade fevers can occur with viral or bacterial infections, stress, or certain medications. Other conditions like thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases can also cause this symptom.
A fever is when a person's body temperature is higher than normal. For most people, normal is roughly 98.6° Fahrenheit (37° Celsius).
"Low-grade" means that the temperature is slightly elevated — between 98.7°F and 100.4°F (37.05°C and 38.0°C) — and lasts for more than 24 hours. Persistent (chronic) fevers are typically defined as fevers lasting more than 10 to 14 days.
A fever can mean a lot of different things, but most low-grade and mild fevers are nothing to worry about. Most often, an increase in body temperature is a normal response to an infection, like a cold or the flu. But there are many other less common causes of a persistent low-grade fever that only a doctor can diagnose.
A fever alone may not be a reason to call a doctor. Yet, there are some situations where you should get medical advice, especially if a fever lasts more than a few days. The presence of a fever can mean different things for adults, infants, and children.
AdultsFor an adult, a fever isn't usually a cause for concern unless it goes above 103°F (39.4°C). You should see a doctor if you have a fever higher than this.
If your fever is lower than 103°F, but lasts for more than three days, you should also visit a doctor.
You should seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:
For infants under 3 months old, even a slightly higher than normal temperature can mean a serious infection.
Call your pediatrician for a low-grade fever if your baby seems unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, a cold, or a cough. In the absence of other symptoms, you should also see a doctor if a fever lasts continuously for more than three days.
ChildrenIf your child is still making eye contact with you, drinking fluids, and playing, then a low-grade fever isn't likely a cause for alarm. But you should still visit a doctor if a low-grade fever lasts for more than three days.
Also call your child's pediatrician if your child:
Viral infections, like the common cold, are the most common cause of a persistent low-grade fever, but there are other less common causes to consider.
Respiratory infectionsYour body naturally raises its body temperature to help kill the bacteria or virus causing an infection. Colds or the flu are caused by viruses. Colds in particular can cause a low-grade fever that lasts more than a few days.
Other symptoms of a cold include:
Viral pneumonia and bronchitis are two other types of respiratory infections that can also cause a low-grade fever. Along with a fever, chills, and a sore throat, pneumonia and bronchitis come with a cough that persists for weeks.
In children, it's common to experience "back-to-back" viral infections. This can make it seem like the fever is lasting longer than it should be.
Treatment for viral infections involves rest and fluids until your body takes care of the infection. You can take acetaminophen for reducing a fever if your symptoms are really bothersome. Fevers are important in helping your body fight off certain infections, so sometimes it's best to wait it out.
If the infection is more serious, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications to help treat the infection.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)Persistent fever can signal a hidden urinary tract infection in both children and adults. A UTI is caused by a bacterial infection. Other symptoms include pain and burning while urinating, frequent urination, and bloody or dark urine.
A doctor can examine a sample of urine under a microscope to diagnose a UTI. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
MedicationsA low-grade fever can occur about 7 to 10 days after starting a new medication. This is sometimes called drug fever.
Drugs associated with a low-grade fever include:
If your fever is related to a medication, your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend a different drug. The fever should disappear once the medication is stopped.
Teething (infants)Teething usually occurs between 4 and 7 months of age. Teething can occasionally cause mild irritability, crying, and a low-grade fever. If the fever is higher than 101°F, it's not likely caused by teething and you should bring your infant to see a doctor.
StressA persistent fever can be caused by chronic, emotional stress. This is called a psychogenic fever. Psychogenic fevers are most common in young women and people with conditions often exacerbated by stress, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen don't actually work against fevers caused by stress. Instead, anti-anxiety drugs are the therapy used to treat a psychogenic fever.
TuberculosisTuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Though TB is more common in developing countries, thousands of cases are reported in the United States each year.
The bacteria can remain inactive in your body for years and cause no symptoms. When your immune system is weakened, however, TB can become active.
Symptoms of active TB include:
TB can cause a persistent, low-grade fever, especially at night, which can result in night sweats.
A doctor can use a test called the purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test to determine if you're infected with the TB bacteria. People diagnosed with active TB disease have to take several medications for six to nine months in order to cure the infection.
Autoimmune diseasesBody temperature has been found to be elevated in some people with chronic autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In one study, researchers learned that participants with a form of MS called relapsing MS who complained of fatigue also had a low-grade fever.
A low-grade fever is also a common symptom of RA. It's thought to be caused by inflammation of the joints.
Diagnosing RA and MS can take time and may require multiple lab tests and diagnostic tools. If you've already been diagnosed with RA or MS, your doctor will want to first rule out another viral or bacterial infection as the potential cause of your fever.
In case of RA- or MS-related fever, a doctor will likely recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, remove extra layers of clothing, and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen until the fever passes.
Thyroid issuesSubacute thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause a low-grade fever in some cases. Thyroiditis may be caused by infection, radiation, trauma, autoimmune conditions, or medications.
Other symptoms include:
A doctor can diagnose thyroiditis with an examination of the neck and a blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels.
CancerCertain cancers — lymphomas and leukemias in particular — can cause a persistent and unexplained low-grade fever. Keep in mind that a cancer diagnosis is rare and a fever is a nonspecific symptom of cancer. Having a persistent fever doesn't usually mean you have cancer, but it can alert your doctor to run certain tests.
Other common symptoms of leukemia or lymphoma include:
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other treatments.
Fevers will usually go away on their own. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help to lower a fever, but sometimes it's better to ride out a low fever with fluids and rest.
If you decide to take an OTC medication, you can choose between acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
For infants younger than 3 months, call your doctor first before giving them any medication.
For children, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally safe for reducing fever. Don't give aspirin to children under 12 years old who are recovering from flu-like symptoms because it can cause a serious disorder called Reye's syndrome.
If your child is younger than 12 years of age, talk to your doctor before giving them naproxen.
For teenagers and adults, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are generally safe to use according to the instructions on the label.
Shop for acetaminophen and NSAIDs to help lower a fever.
Most low-grade and mild fevers are nothing to worry about.
However, you should call your doctor if you've had a fever for more than three days straight, or your fever is accompanied by more troublesome symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, rash, throat swelling, or a stiff neck.
It's hard to know when you should call a doctor for a baby or young child. In general, seek medical care if your baby is less than three months old and has any fever at all. If your baby is older than that, you don't have to see a doctor unless the fever runs above 102°F (38.9°C) or lasts continuously for more than three days.
Continue to monitor your child's temperature throughout the day. Rectal temperatures are usually the most accurate. Call your pediatrician's office if you're not sure what to do.
What Causes A Fever?
The main causes of a fever include illnesses and infections, such as a cold, COVID-19, or the flu. Other culprits might include certain medications, cancerous tumors, heat-related illnesses, and immunization.
You might have a fever if your body temperature is higher than usual. Your temperature slightly fluctuates throughout the day—from exercising to wearing too many layers—but it does not always mean a fever. Read on to learn about what causes a fever, how to treat it, and when to seek medical attention.
Paolo Cordoni / Getty Images
A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature, which is usually about 98.6 degrees. It's normal for your temperature to rise throughout the day, sometimes due to warm weather. You do not technically have a fever unless your temperature is 100.4 degrees or more. That's typically a sign that your body's working against an illness or infection. Of note: A fever in infants and young children depends on how you take their temperature. They might have a fever if their oral temperature is 99.5 degrees or their rectal temperature is 100.4 degrees. There are several causes of a fever, most commonly including illnesses and infections. Keep in mind that your temperature might rise slightly during the day but will not necessarily be a fever. You might have an elevated temperature after exercising, during your menstrual cycle, or while wearing heavy clothing. 1. Infection An infection—bacterial, fungal, or viral—is typically the most common cause of fever, Roshi Gulati, MD, a family medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, told Health. Your body reacts to those foreign invaders by raising your temperature. A higher-than-normal temperature creates an environment that makes it hard for them to persist. Cold- and flu-like infections that commonly cause fevers include: Bronchitis: Inflammation of the airways that send air to and from the lungs, or the bronchial tubes COVID: A respiratory infection caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 Ear infections: A bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear that causes it to fill with fluid and mucus Pneumonia: Inflammation of the air sacs, or alveoli, in one or both lungs Sinus infections: Fluid build-up in the sinuses, which are spaces in your cheeks, forehead, and nose that normally fill with air Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection of the lungs that can spread to the brain, kidneys, or spine A fever alerts your body's immune system, which helps protect you against harmful germs. Your body creates and releases antibodies and T cells (immune cells), which work together to get rid of germs that make you sick. 2. Inflammatory Conditions Inflammation is part of your body's immune response. You might notice short-term inflammation if you get a cut on your skin and it hurts, swells, and turns red. That reaction typically occurs if something, such as germs, heat, or trauma damages your tissues. In response, your tissues release chemicals that cause fluids to leak into your tissues, resulting in swelling. Inflammatory conditions, or autoimmune disorders, cause long-term inflammation. Autoimmune disorders happen if your immune system mistakenly targets and attacks its healthy cells. You might develop symptoms, including a fever, as a result of that faulty immune response. Examples of autoimmune disorders include: Celiac disease: Causes damage to your small intestine in response to gluten, a protein in grains like barley and wheat Lupus: Might affect several body parts, such as your brain, heart, kidneys, and skin Multiple sclerosis (MS): Harms the protective material around the cells in your brain and spinal cord Rheumatoid arthritis: Involves painful, stiff, and swollen joints Type 1 diabetes: Causes your pancreas to stop making insulin, which helps move sugar (glucose) into your cells 3. Cancerous Tumor Your body usually regulates cell growth and stops damaged cells from multiplying. Tumors, or neoplasms, form if abnormal cells grow out of control. Some tumors are non-cancerous (benign), while others are cancerous. Neoplastic fevers sometimes occur with cancerous tumors. Some evidence suggests that the body releases proteins (cytokines) in response to abnormal cell growth. Those proteins signal your brain to raise your temperature, typically in response to an illness or infection. You might have a neoplastic fever if your temperature is 100.4 or higher daily for more than two weeks. 4. Immunizations Immunization is when you get a vaccine and develop an immune response that protects you from certain illnesses and infections. Your body produces antibodies, which help provide that protection after you get a vaccine. As a result, you might have a fever for one or two days after getting vaccinated. Fever is common in infants and young children who receive childhood vaccines that protect against measles, mumps, polio, and other infections. A fever may be a sign that a vaccine is working effectively. A study published in 2022 found that people who developed a fever after getting a COVID vaccine had more protective antibodies than others. 5. Certain Medications It's not exactly clear why medications may cause a fever. Having sensitivities to certain drugs might be a possible cause. Some medications may also affect the way your body regulates your temperature. Medications that might cause a fever include: Antibiotics Antihistamines Anti-seizure drugs Blood pressure drugs 6. Heat-Related Illnesses Hyperthermia is a general term that includes heat-related illnesses, which happen if your body cannot cool itself down properly. As a result, your temperature rises dangerously. The most severe type of heat-related illness is heat stroke, which causes a temperature of 106 degrees or higher. A low- to moderate-grade fever is usually a sign that your body's fighting off an illness or infection, which is a healthy response. Still, a high-grade fever—102.4 to 105.8 degrees—that lasts for a long period might risk organ damage if left untreated. Brain damage usually only happens if a fever is higher than 107.6 degrees. Fevers might cause a febrile seizure, or convulsions, in some infants and young children. Although scary, febrile seizures typically do not cause long-term problems. Keep a child safe during a febrile seizure by doing the following: Do not hold them down to stop convulsions. Do not put anything in their mouth to avoid them biting their tongue. Lay them on comfortable ground in a safe area, clear of furniture and sharp objects. Do not leave them alone. Make sure their clothing is not tight, specifically around their neck. Turn them onto their side or stomach if they vomit or have saliva and mucus in their mouth. You can usually treat low- and moderate-grade fevers at home. You might not require treatment if you feel fine and do not have other symptoms. In contrast, make sure that you get plenty of fluids and rest if you do not feel well. Here are some ways to help lower a fever: Keep your room comfortable and wear lightweight clothing. Do not bundle up in blankets and clothing if you have chills. Soak in a lukewarm bath to cool down. Do not take a cold bath or apply alcohol rubs or ice to your skin. Use a fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to any child younger than 18. Contact a healthcare provider if you have a fever of 105 degrees or higher that does not go away with at-home treatments. Talk to a healthcare provider right away if your infant is 3 months old or younger with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher or is 3 to 12 months old with a temperature of 102.2 degrees or higher. You'll want to take note of your other symptoms, Kathryn Boling, MD, a family medicine specialist based in Maryland, told Health. That can help clue a healthcare provider into what might be causing your fever. "COVID has changed everything when it comes to caring for patients who have fevers," said Dr. Gulati. "We usually test for COVID at the same time we're considering other causes of their illness." You'll also want to consult a healthcare provider if you have: A fever that does not go away after 24–48 hours (in children younger than 2) A fever that does not go away after 48–72 hours Fevers that go away and come back for one week or longer New bruises or rashes Pain while urinating Recently traveled outside of the country Symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or earache (in children) An underlying health condition (e.G., chronic lung problems, diabetes, and heart disease) A weak immune system Illnesses and infections are the main causes of a fever, which is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. You might also develop a fever from certain medications, cancerous tumors, heat-related illnesses, and immunization. You can generally treat a fever at home with supportive care. Make sure to get plenty of fluids and rest. Avoid bundling up in a lot of blankets and layers. See a healthcare provider if your fever is 105 degrees or higher or lasts 48–72 hours. Call 911 right away if you or your child cannot wake easily, complains of a severe headache, or has trouble breathing.What To Know About Fever In Babies
A fever may mean that a baby's body is fighting off an infection. This is a sign of a healthy immune system. However, because newborns have more vulnerable bodies, a baby fever can signal a serious infection.
Understanding the temperature of fever in babies and what can cause fever can help with knowing how to care for the baby and when to seek medical advice.
This article examines the causes of fever in babies, what it means, and when a parent or caregiver may want to take the baby to a doctor. It also discusses how to care for a baby with a fever.
When taking a baby's temperature, a rectal thermometer generally gives the most accurate results.
What is fever in babies?A typical temperature in a child under the age of 12 months is an average of 98.6°F (37°C) when using a rectal thermometer. In the morning, this temperature can be as low as 96.8°F (36°C) and go up to 100.3°F (37.9°C) later in the day. This is a normal range for an infant at this age.
Fever in a child depends on the method of taking the temperature:
By itself, a fever does not necessarily signal a serious illness. If the baby is behaving as they would, they are likely to be fine. However, if a baby under 3 months of age has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, a parent or caregiver should call a doctor.
Additionally, the severity of a fever does not always indicate how unwell a child is at the time. The body temperatures of babies can rise for many reasons other than illness, including extended crying, sitting in the hot sun, or spending time playing. Their temperature may also slightly rise when they are teething. None of these things causes a fever.
A baby's body is also less able to regulate temperature than an adult body, meaning it can be more difficult for them to cool down during a fever. Their bodies are naturally warmer than an adult's body because they are more metabolically active, which generates heat.
A fever is a symptom of an illness, not the illness itself. Fever occurs due to the immune system fighting against infections, which can be bacterial or viral. Viral infections are much more common.
Common causes of fevers in babies include:
Despite common beliefs, teething does not cause a fever.
Fevers are a sign that the baby's immune system is fighting infection, so the fever itself is not dangerous. What may put the baby at risk is the underlying infection, if it is serious.
Should parents be worried?Some parents and caregivers may worry that fevers are dangerous. However, except in rare cases, these fevers themselves are rarely serious.
Fevers of up to 105°F (40.5°C) are common in babies and children whose temperatures often get much higher than an adult's temperature. Where there is a viral infection causing this fever, they may just need to run their course. Some bacterial infections may require treatment with antibiotics, but the fever itself is just a symptom.
Additionally, treating the fever will not make the infection go away. Instead, parents and caregivers should simply carefully monitor the child for signs of complications.
However, a doctor needs to examine babies younger than 3 months for any signs of fever. This is to check for underlying conditions, as certain infections are more common and can be more dangerous in newborns.
Fever complicationsSome parents or caregivers may hear about fevers causing brain damage. However, this can only happen if the temperature rises above 107°F (41.6°C), which is very rare. When an infant's temperature is below this, there is no need to take drastic measures, such as ice baths, to lower the child's fever.
For 2–5% of children aged between 6 months and 5 years, a fever can cause a seizure, which can be worrying but is not typically harmful. Doctors call them febrile seizures.
Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage or increase a child's risk of epilepsy. Even long seizures, or those that last longer than 15 minutes, usually have a good outcome. However, prolonged seizures may mean a child is more likely to develop epilepsy.
The biggest risk of febrile seizures is that a child may fall, hit their head, or suffer a similar injury. Therefore, parents and caregivers should monitor children during a seizure to prevent injury and call 911 or emergency services for any seizures in a baby that continue for longer than 5 minutes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents and caregivers make their babies comfortable if they have a fever, rather than focusing on lowering their temperature.
To look after a baby with a fever, parents and caregivers can:
Call a doctor or seek medical care if a baby has a fever and one of the following:
Go to the emergency room for a fever if a baby:
A fever in a newborn may be a sign of a serious medical condition. Newborns are more vulnerable to infections, so it is important to take any signs of infection seriously. Call a doctor if a newborn has a fever or other signs of illness.
One concern with newborns is respiratory illness. Newborns breathe more through their noses than older infants and children, so congestion can make breathing appear more difficult. They also have smaller airways.
A lack of oxygen can seriously injure a newborn. If a baby has trouble breathing, call a doctor, even if their fever goes down.
Signs that a newborn is having trouble breathing include:
If a baby has breathing problems and a fever, a parent or caregiver should take them to the emergency room immediately.
Young children and babies sometimes experience fevers, but this is usually not a cause for concern when infants are behaving as expected.
Parents and carers can use a child's behavior as a cue. If a baby seems fine but has a fever, the illness is probably a minor one that will soon pass.
Lethargy, excessive crying, and other signs of serious illness are important to address, even if a child's fever is fairly low. A fever means that the immune system is working hard to fight an infection.
Parents and caregivers do not need to treat the fever itself, but they can comfort the baby and treat the symptoms instead. If they are unsure whether a baby's symptoms are serious, they should consult with a healthcare professional.
Comments
Post a Comment