Subfebrile temperature

Subfebrile temperature: causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Subfebrile temperature: causes, diagnosis, and treatment

About the symptom

Subfebrile temperature is generally defined as a range from 37.1 to 38.0 degrees Celsius. This symptom can indicate the presence of various diseases or conditions in the body, including infectious, inflammatory, and even autoimmune processes. Subfebrile temperature often occurs as a response to colds, influenza, and other viral infections, and may also suggest the presence of chronic diseases such as tuberculosis or thyroid disorders.

It should be noted that subfebrile temperature is not always a sign of a serious illness. Sometimes it can occur in response to stress, physical exertion, or overheating, as well as during a woman’s menstrual period. However, if this symptom persists for more than a few days, it is important to consult a doctor for a detailed examination. It is essential to determine the cause of the subfebrile temperature to rule out more serious diseases and to begin timely treatment.

Diseases

Subfebrile temperature is a condition in which body temperature fluctuates between 37.1°C and 38°C. Usually, this symptom is not a standalone disease but serves as an indicator of various pathologies in the body. It is important to remember that subfebrile temperature can manifest both in acute inflammatory processes and in chronic diseases. This can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or inflammation, and it should be treated with particular attention.

Subfebrile temperature can accompany various diseases, such as viral and bacterial infections, as well as allergic reactions. This symptom is most commonly found in conditions such as influenza, acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, as well as in chronic diseases like tuberculosis or thyroiditis. Additionally, subfebrile temperature can also arise from autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

  • Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)
  • Pneumonia
  • Tuberculosis
  • Chronic tonsillitis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hepatitis
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Allergic reactions
  • Cancer

Diagnosis

Subfebrile temperature, that is, a temperature within the range of 37-38°C, can be a manifestation of various diseases, and therefore timely diagnosis is key to identifying the underlying cause of this condition. Initially, the doctor may conduct a full clinical examination and review the patient’s medical history. This will help establish whether there are additional symptoms that may indicate a specific disease or infection.

Comprehensive diagnostics include laboratory and instrumental studies. Among the main studies that may be prescribed in the presence of subfebrile temperature are complete blood count, tests for infectious diseases, as well as chest X-rays and ultrasound. These methods help not only confirm the presence of pathology but also determine its nature, allowing for effective treatment to be prescribed.

  • Complete blood count;
  • Biochemical blood test;
  • Test for infections (flu, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.);
  • Radiographic examination of the respiratory organs;
  • Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
  • CT or MRI (depending on the suspected pathology);
  • Immunological tests;
  • Serological studies.

Which doctor to contact

Subfebrile temperature, defined as body temperature ranging from 37.1 to 38 degrees Celsius, can be a symptom of various diseases and conditions. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help if this symptom persists for a prolonged period or is accompanied by other alarming manifestations. The first step may be a visit to a therapist, who will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, refer to narrow-profile specialists for a more detailed study of health status.

Depending on the suspected cause of the subfebrile temperature, consultation with various doctors may be required. If the cause is an infection, the specialist may be an infectious disease doctor. If there is a suspicion of thyroid disease or endocrine disorders, it is advisable to make an appointment with an endocrinologist. If the temperature is related to respiratory organ diseases, consulting a pulmonologist may be necessary. Thus, it is important to identify the underlying problem in order to choose the right specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

  • Therapist
  • Infectious disease doctor
  • Endocrinologist
  • Pulmonologist
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Allergologist
  • Rheumatologist

Types of Subfebrile Temperature

Subfebrile temperature, which is an elevation of body temperature from 37.0 to 38.0 degrees Celsius, can be caused by various factors and can take different forms. It is important to note that subfebrile temperature can be either a temporary phenomenon or a sign of a chronic disease. Correct interpretation of this symptom is crucial for prescribing adequate treatment and identifying possible causes.

There are several types of subfebrile temperature. Grouping by type may include: infectious, non-infectious, and post-vaccination subfebrile temperature. Infectious subfebrile temperature occurs against the background of various infectious diseases, such as influenza, a cold, or angina. The non-infectious form can be observed in chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, or during the recovery period after an illness. Post-vaccination subfebrile temperature may occur after vaccination and is generally a temporary reaction of the body to the administration of the vaccine.

  • Infectious subfebrile temperature
  • Non-infectious subfebrile temperature
  • Post-vaccination subfebrile temperature

Causes of Subfebrile Temperature

Subfebrile temperature, which ranges from 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, can be caused by a wide array of factors. The most common causes include infectious diseases such as influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, or angina. These conditions are often accompanied by other symptoms, but even the absence of pronounced clinical signs does not rule out the possibility of an infection in the body.

Additionally, subfebrile temperature may be a consequence of chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, anemia, or connective tissue disorders. Endocrine disorders, for instance, hyperthyroidism or adrenal diseases, can also cause a prolonged increase in temperature. It is important to note that in some cases, subfebrile temperature may be a reaction of the body to stress or physical exertion, and does not always indicate pathology.

  • Infectious diseases (influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, angina)
  • Chronic viral infections (hepatitis, HIV)
  • Connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Endocrine diseases (hyperthyroidism, adrenal diseases)
  • Oncological diseases
  • Post-vaccination reactions
  • Stress and physical exertion

Common Related Pathologies

Subfebrile temperature, defined as a body temperature ranging from 37.1 to 38 degrees Celsius, can be associated with a number of diseases and pathological conditions. It is important to note that subfebrile temperature itself is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom indicating various problems in the body. Therefore, its prolonged presence may indicate more serious illnesses that require medical attention.

Among the common pathologies accompanied by subfebrile temperature, infectious diseases such as a cold or flu, as well as chronic inflammatory processes in the body, such as chronic bronchitis or sinusitis, can be highlighted. Additionally, chronic diseases, including tuberculosis, syphilis, and certain forms of cancer, may also manifest through subfebrile temperature, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and early consultation with specialists.

  • Infectious diseases (flu, cold, tonsillitis)
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases (chronic bronchitis, sinusitis)
  • Tuberculosis
  • Syphilis
  • Oncological diseases (cancer of various locations)
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism)

Expert Opinion

Subfebrile temperature is usually an indicator of the presence of some hidden or developing pathologies in the body. Specialists assert that a persistent increase in body temperature up to 37.1-38°C may indicate inflammatory processes, infections, or even diseases that do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is important to pay attention to such changes in the body and not to ignore them, even if they are not accompanied by other obvious symptoms.

Medical experts emphasize that subfebrile temperature can also occur during hormonal changes, such as menstruation or during pregnancy. In such cases, further diagnosis is usually necessary to rule out more serious diseases. It is important to note that consulting a doctor and accurate diagnosis are crucial for choosing the right treatment and addressing the causes of the temperature increase. An experienced doctor can prescribe the necessary tests and help the patient understand the individual characteristics of their condition.

Treatment of Subfebrile Temperature

The treatment of subfebrile temperature is primarily aimed at identifying and eliminating the underlying cause of its occurrence. Subfebrile temperature is not a disease but a symptom that may indicate various progressing pathologies in the body. Therefore, it is important to conduct a complete medical examination to determine the source of the inflammatory process or other dysfunctions causing the increase in temperature. Preliminary diagnostics may include blood tests, urine tests, X-ray examinations, and other methods.

Depending on the results of the diagnostics, specialists may prescribe appropriate treatment. This can include medication therapy aimed at eradicating infection or reducing inflammatory processes, as well as more specific methods such as physiotherapy or even surgical intervention. In some cases, simple recommendations on maintaining a daily routine and nutrition may be sufficient to improve the patient’s condition.

  • Use of antipyretic medications (as prescribed by a doctor).
  • Antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections.
  • Antiviral drugs for viral diseases.
  • Immunotherapy in the case of autoimmune diseases.
  • Physiotherapy procedures to strengthen the immune system.

Complications

Subfebrile temperature is generally a sign of some disorder in the body and may indicate the presence of hidden diseases. Although it is not a serious threat to health in itself, ignoring its cause can lead to various complications. Prolonged maintenance of elevated temperature can negatively affect the functioning of internal organs, the immune system, and the overall physiology of a person, increasing the risk of serious diseases.

In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, subfebrile temperature can be a companion of various chronic diseases that may evolve into more serious conditions. For example, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular system disorders, as well as respiratory organ damage may develop. It is important to remember that the body, while fighting an infection or inflammation, can become depleted, which may lead to a general deterioration in well-being.

  • Development of chronic diseases
  • Immunodeficiency states
  • Side effects from prolonged use of antipyretics
  • Psychosomatic disorders
  • Complications in respiratory organ function

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