Continuous fever

Continuous Fever refers to a prolonged state of elevated body temperature lasting for several days without significant fluctuation. Unlike intermittent fever, where the temperature returns to normal at least once every 24 hours, continuous fever remains consistently high. This type of fever is often indicative of specific types of infections or medical conditions.

Causes

Continuous fever can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, bacterial endocarditis, and certain types of viral infections.
• Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• Neoplasms or cancers, particularly those involving the blood or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of continuous fever is a body temperature that remains above the normal range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) for an extended period. Other symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause and can include:

• Fatigue
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of continuous fever involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by specific tests. These may include:

• Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or signs of cancer.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to identify any abnormalities in the body.
• Cultures of body fluids to identify bacterial or fungal infections.

Treatment

Treatment for continuous fever depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Antiviral medications for viral infections.
• Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammatory diseases.
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancers.

Prevention

Preventing continuous fever involves managing risk factors and underlying conditions. This includes:

• Staying up to date with vaccinations.
• Practicing good hygiene to avoid infections.
• Regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage chronic conditions.

See Also

• Fever
• Intermittent Fever
• Infectious Diseases
• Inflammatory Diseases

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