Paralyzed elderly patient with pressure sores has a fever every day
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Fever usually refers to elevated body temperature. A bedridden elderly person with pressure sores experiencing daily fever may be due to worsening pressure ulcers, lung infection, urinary tract infection, or other factors, and should receive appropriate medical treatment. Besides these causes, fever could also result from hyperthyroidism, adrenal cortical hyperfunction, tumors, or other conditions. When experiencing any physical discomfort, one should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and proper treatment.
Fever usually refers to elevated body temperature. Daily fever in paralyzed elderly patients with pressure ulcers may be related to worsening pressure sores, lung infections, urinary tract infections, and other factors, which require appropriate medical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Worsening pressure ulcers
Prolonged skin compression in paralyzed elderly individuals leads to poor blood circulation, exacerbating pressure ulcer symptoms. This also increases inflammation and bacterial infection, resulting in persistent fever. It is important to actively follow medical advice and use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, and injectable penicillin sodium for treatment.
2. Lung infection
Paralyzed elderly patients who remain bedridden for long periods lack physical activity, and their immune resistance is generally weak after developing pressure ulcers, making the lungs susceptible to bacterial invasion. Once lung infection occurs, recurrent fever may develop. Treatment should follow medical guidance using medications such as roxithromycin capsules, azithromycin tablets, and levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets.
3. Urinary tract infection
If personal hygiene measures are inadequate during paralysis and pressure ulcer stages—such as failing to clean the indwelling catheter promptly—infections can occur, leading to persistent fever. Active treatment under medical guidance is necessary, including the use of injectable cefuroxime sodium, injectable cefoperazone sodium, or injectable ceftazidime.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, persistent fever could also result from hyperthyroidism, adrenal cortical hyperfunction, tumors, or other conditions. When experiencing any discomfort, timely medical evaluation and proper treatment at a hospital are essential to promote recovery.
