Intermittent fever

Intermittent Fever is a type of fever characterized by periods of elevated body temperature alternating with normal or subnormal temperature. It is a common symptom in various diseases and conditions, including malaria, tuberculosis, and sepsis.

Definition

An Intermittent Fever is defined as a fever that returns to normal at least once in 24 hours. This pattern of fever can be observed in several diseases, most notably malaria. The fever typically recurs every second day or every third day, depending on the species of Plasmodium causing the malaria.

Causes

The most common cause of intermittent fever is malaria, a disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Other causes include tuberculosis, sepsis, lymphoma, and certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an intermittent fever involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by laboratory tests. These may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies. The specific tests ordered will depend on the suspected underlying cause of the fever.

Treatment

Treatment of an intermittent fever depends on the underlying cause. For example, malaria is treated with antimalarial drugs, while tuberculosis is treated with a combination of antibiotics. In some cases, the fever may resolve on its own without treatment.

See also

• Fever
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Sepsis