Know All About
FEVER OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Definition:
Fever with temperature above 101�F, lasting for 3 weeks or more, which neither responds to treatment nor is any cause evident after routine investigation.
Sex or Age most Affected
Fever may be intermittent.
Causes
- Infections.
- Collagen or autoimmune diseases.
- Tumors and cancer, especially leukemia.
Risk Increases With
- Poor nutrition.
- Illness that has lowered resistance.
- Chemical or environmental exposure to polluted water or air.
- Travel in areas with unsanitary conditions.
- Exposure to others with contagious diseases.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- Accurate daily temperature chart.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Since fever may be the first evidence of a serious condition in an early stage, your doctor may recommend thorough diagnostic testing.
- Laboratory studies, such as blood studies and a urine culture.
- X-rays of the chest.
Possible Complications
Depends on the underlying condition causing fever.
Probable Outcomes
Spontaneous recovery in about 10% of cases. In other cases, the outcome depends on successful detection and treatment of the underlying disorder.
TREATMENT
General Measures
Until the fever’s cause has been diagnosed, keep a daily temperature chart. Rectal temperatures are most accurate.
Medication
For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as Paracetamol. Until the underlying cause is determined, your doctor may withhold prescription drugs to avoid masking symptoms of the underlying disorder. Occasionally, in critically ill patients awaiting results of laboratory studies, the doctor may recommend a therapeutic trial of antibiotics or other drugs.
Activity
As tolerated. Encourage bed rest.
Diet
No special diet.
Contact your Doctor
- Your child has unexplained fever that lasts longer than 24 hours.
- New symptoms develop. They may provide a clue about the underlying cause of the fever.