What causes a high fever of 40°C with extensive lung infection?
Sep 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
High fever generally refers to hyperpyrexia. A high fever of 40°C with extensive lung infection is commonly seen in lobar pneumonia, primarily caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Strong anti-infective treatment should be administered following comprehensive auxiliary examinations. Additionally, other bacteria, viruses, and fungi can also lead to severe pulmonary infections and high fever, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus species.
High fever generally refers to hyperpyrexia. A body temperature of 40°C accompanied by extensive lung infection is commonly seen in lobar pneumonia, primarily caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Strong anti-infective treatment should be administered after completing appropriate auxiliary examinations. Additionally, other bacteria, viruses, and fungi can also cause severe pulmonary infections and high fever, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus, and various viruses.
1. If the lung infection is severe and body temperature exceeds 40°C, and if the patient does not have difficulty breathing or respiratory failure, symptomatic supportive treatment may be appropriately provided alongside intensified anti-infective therapy. Antipyretic medications can be used moderately, with physical cooling as the primary method and medication-assisted cooling as supplementary. If body temperature does not improve after taking oral antipyretics, the patient should promptly go to the hospital for intravenous administration of antipyretic drugs to eliminate inflammation and control fever.
2. If the patient has respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation support may be required. Most patients can recover after receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
3. In cases of viral pneumonia, caution is necessary because some types progress rapidly and may lead to respiratory failure and life-threatening conditions within a short period. Immediate emergency medical care at a hospital is essential.
