Fever: symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment of the disease

Diseases

Fever, as a symptom, can be a sign of a number of different diseases, from infectious to inflammatory. It serves as an important indicator of pathological processes in the body and can signal that the immune system is actively fighting an infection or another disease. Depending on the cause of the fever, its accompanying symptoms may vary, so it is important to have an understanding of the diseases associated with this symptom.

The most common diseases that cause fever include:

• Infectious diseases (influenza, acute respiratory viral infection, pneumonia);
• Bacterial infections (angina, osteomyelitis, meningitis);
• Viral infections (COVID-19, herpes, hepatitis);
• Gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, cholecystitis);
• Inflammatory diseases (arthritis, vasculitis);
• Cancerous diseases (leukemia, lymphoma);
• Allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome).

Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying disease causing the fever are key aspects for effective treatment and prevention of complications. If the fever lasts more than three days or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Which doctor to consult

When fever appears, it is important not to ignore this symptom, as it may signal the presence of a serious illness. Usually, when temperature rises, especially if it persists for a long time or is accompanied by other alarming symptoms, it is advisable to consult a therapist. This doctor can perform an initial examination, ask clarifying questions, and determine possible directions for further investigations and treatment.

If the cause of the fever is not obvious or requires further diagnostics, the therapist may refer you to other specialists. Depending on additional symptoms, you may need to consult an infectious disease specialist, a pediatrician (if it concerns children), a rheumatologist, an oncologist, or another specialized doctor. It is important to remember that self-diagnosis and self-treatment can exacerbate the condition, so it is best to trust professionals.

• Therapist
• Infectious disease specialist
• Pediatrician
• Rheumatologist
• Oncologist
• Cardiologist
• Endocrinologist

Types of Fever

Fever is a protective reaction of the body to infection, inflammation, or other pathological processes. There are several types of fever, which differ in their characteristics and causes. The main types include continuous, intermittent, hectic, and remittent fever. Each of them can indicate various diseases and requires careful examination.

Continuous fever remains at a constant level and does not decrease for a long time, which is often observed in chronic infections. Intermittent fever is characterized by alternating normal temperature with periods of elevation — this is often a sign of infections such as malaria. Hectic fever is marked by sharp spikes in temperature and is usually associated with severe infections or sepsis. Remittent fever differs in that the temperature does not reach normal levels, remaining elevated, and may indicate various systemic diseases.

• Continuous fever
• Intermittent fever
• Hectic fever
• Remittent fever

Common Related Pathologies

Fever is a symptom that can accompany many diseases. Most often, this condition arises in response to infectious processes in the body; however, there are other factors that can provoke an increase in body temperature. One of the most common pathologies associated with fever is acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). The viruses that cause ARVI often lead not only to an increase in temperature but also to symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and general malaise.

Another common cause of fever is bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, or cystitis. These diseases require specific treatment, and ignoring fever can lead to serious complications. Along with infections, fever can also occur as a result of inflammatory processes, such as arthritis or colitis, and may be a consequence of allergic reactions and other non-infectious diseases.

• Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)
• Pneumonia
• Tonsillitis
• Cystitis
• Arthritis
• Colitis
• Allergic reactions
• Viral hepatitis
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis

Fever Treatment

Fever is a symptom that can indicate various diseases and medical conditions. The treatment of fever is generally aimed at addressing not only the symptom itself but also its underlying cause. Many cases of fever do not require specific medication, as the body is capable of handling the infection on its own. In such situations, it is recommended to maintain adequate hydration, rest, and, if necessary, use antipyretics to alleviate the unpleasant sensations from high temperature.

If the fever is caused by a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics may be required. It is important to remember that self-treatment can lead to undesirable consequences, so it is essential to consult a doctor. In cases of high temperature that does not respond to home treatment, or with accompanying symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash, severe headaches, or altered consciousness, it is always advisable to seek medical help.

• Antipyretic medications (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Rehydration (fluid intake, in some cases – electrolyte solutions)
• Bed rest and relaxation
• Application of cold compresses to reduce temperature