Adult Fever Symptoms, Remedies, and When to Reach Out for Medical Assistance
**Understanding Different Types of Fever: A Focus on Remittent Fever**
Fever, a common symptom of many illnesses, can manifest in various ways. One such type is remittent fever, characterised by a fluctuating temperature that remains above normal throughout the day but can vary by more than 1°C within a 24-hour period.
Remittent fever is often associated with infectious diseases such as infective endocarditis and brucellosis. Symptoms typically include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and poor appetite. Unlike sustained or intermittent fevers, remittent fever does not return completely to normal temperature between episodes.
**Distinguishing Remittent Fever from Other Types**
Sustained fever, on the other hand, maintains a consistent elevated temperature over a period, usually with little variation. Intermittent fever involves periods of normal body temperature alternating with episodes of fever, with the temperature returning to normal between episodes.
Remittent fever fluctuates significantly within a day, whereas sustained fever remains consistently high. In contrast, remittent fever does not return completely to normal temperature between episodes, whereas intermittent fever does.
**Causes and Concerns**
Severe illness can cause extremely high temperatures in adults, with a high-grade fever defined as 104.1-106.0°F (40-41.1°C). Prolonged periods of internal temperature at these levels can lead to hyperthermia.
Fever is a symptom of COVID-19, with studies showing that 43.8% of confirmed cases had a fever upon admission to the hospital and 88.7% developed a fever during hospitalization. If a person suspects they have COVID-19, they should call a doctor or health department for further testing.
**Preventive Measures and Treatment**
Preventive measures for avoiding fever include covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, washing hands immediately after sneezing or coughing, refraining from sharing personal items, avoiding contact with sick people, maintaining good hygiene, and learning proper handwashing techniques.
Treatment for a fever may include fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. However, it's important to note that a low-grade fever can be the body's protective measure.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of fever, their causes, and their symptoms can help in early detection and treatment of various illnesses. Always consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Remittent fever is not exclusive to infectious diseases; it can also be linked to other medical-conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, atopic dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
- Hepatitis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, bipolar disorder, and depression are among the health-and-wellness issues that do not typically exhibit remittent fever as a symptom.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can lead to fever, but its presence is more often associated with advanced stages of the disease.
- Predictive models in science are being developed to help identify patterns of fever with certain medical-conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis and COPD.
- Obesity is not directly linked to remittent fever, but being overweight may further complicate fever symptoms and recovery times.
- AQ (Air Quality) index readings do not cause or affect fever symptoms. Instead, poor air quality can exacerbate certain respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
- In some instances, remittent fever may indicate a less severe medical condition, like the flu or a common cold. However, it's still crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Fevers are not just a sign of infectious illnesses; they can also be symptoms of chronic diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Healthcare professionals may use the presence of remittent fever, along with other symptoms, to help make a diagnosis or rule out various medical-conditions in the early stages.
- Patients who have underlying medical-conditions like HIV/AIDS might experience unique fever patterns and should follow their healthcare provider's guidance for monitoring and managing fevers.
- Understanding that remittent fever can be a symptom of various diseases underscores the importance of seeking medical care when experiencing fever symptoms, as prompt intervention can lead to improved outcomes.
