The problem of persistent and low-grade fever

Have you ever felt like you're constantly feverish? Sometimes, it's just a feeling of warmth, and sometimes it is more intense. Our normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). When it goes up somewhere between 98.7°F and 100.4°F (37.05°C and 38.0°C), it is called a low-grade fever. Any fever turns persistent or chronic when it continues beyond 02 weeks.

When the fever is low, some people hardly notice it. There is hardly anything except a warmness to touch. They will feel a little down but still go through daily life as usual. For others, there may be additional symptoms like shivering, sweats, headache, muscle pain, dehydration, etc.

These fevers are often uncomfortable more than anything else. Many causes have been identified. The most common is viral infections. Flu or common cold, especially during the season, is the commonest culprit. Bacterial infections, e.g. urinary tract infections, can sometimes cause this. However, usually, such infections produce a high-grade fever.

There are other non-infectious causes. Autoimmune conditions like thyroid diseases are one. Someone suffering from chronic stress is also prone to this, which is known as psychogenic fever. Researchers from Japan's Kyushu University demonstrated that psychogenic fevers are more common in young women. A more severe cause of persistent low-grade fever is cancer. Certain cancers, e.g. leukaemia and lymphoma, may manifest only as a low-grade unexplained fever for many months.

For kids suffering from persistent fever, there is a term called recurrent fever syndrome. This encompasses several non-infectious causes, characterised by frequent bouts of low-grade fever, sometimes associated with other symptoms. The primary pathology is autoinflammatory conditions. Medication or drug fever may also account for a small percentage of persistent fevers. This could happen 1-2 weeks after starting some medicines, e.g. penicillin. Not all medications, however, cause drug fever.

We must remember that fever is part of our body's defence to fight off infection. So, whenever a pathogenic organism is inside us, the body temperature will rise. Once the infection subsides, the fever will go away. What we need during that time is rest and hydration. If the fever is high, medicines can help. For low-grade fever, rest and fluids will suffice.

There are certain instances when a persistent fever can indicate something more serious. Immediate medical attention is needed if the body temperature goes above 103°F (39.4°C). It is also advisable to consult the doctor if the fever lasts more than a week. If fever is accompanied by seizures, mental confusion, neck stiffness, severe vomiting, blood in cough, breathlessness, severe headache, etc., it is recommended that a physician is consulted. For kids, any fever more than 3 days should be checked. Additionally, if there is repeated vomiting, blood in stool, severe diarrhoea, irritability or features of mental confusion, expert help is required.

The management of persistent low-grade fever relies on the underlying cause. It is a minor infection; adequate rest, proper hydration and the right medication can take care of the patient.

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