What does it mean when a lymphoma patient develops fever?
Oct 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, fever in lymphoma patients may be caused by stress responses, high ambient temperature, upper respiratory tract infections, pulmonary infections, or urinary system infections. Patients can choose appropriate interventions such as general supportive care or medication based on their specific conditions. Daily precautions include maintaining warmth and adjusting clothing according to temperature changes, keeping living environments clean and well-ventilated, and performing regular disinfection.
Generally, fever in patients with lymphoma may be caused by stress responses of the body, high ambient temperature, upper respiratory tract infections, pulmonary infections, or urinary system infections. Patients can improve their condition through general measures or medication based on specific circumstances. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Stress Response
In lymphoma patients, an overactive immune system and the disease itself may trigger a physiological stress response, leading to dysregulation of the body's temperature control center and resulting in fever. Patients should rest in bed to reduce physical exertion, apply physical cooling methods such as wiping the forehead and armpits with lukewarm water, drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, and avoid excessive fatigue.
2. High Environmental Temperature
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can impair heat dissipation, especially when combined with altered immune status, making patients prone to fever. It is important to move promptly to a cool, well-ventilated area, reduce clothing to aid heat loss, and use fans or air conditioning to maintain room temperature between 24–26°C, avoiding prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Due to decreased immunity, viruses or bacteria may invade the upper respiratory tract, causing infection and inflammation-induced fever. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory tablets. Adequate rest, maintaining indoor air circulation, and avoiding crowded places are also recommended.
4. Pulmonary Infection
Pathogens invading the lungs cause inflammation, and the release of inflammatory factors leads to fever, often accompanied by cough and sputum production. Under medical supervision, patients may take antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or levofloxacin tablets. When necessary, sputum culture should be performed to identify the causative pathogen and guide antibiotic adjustment. Oxygen therapy may also be required to improve respiratory function.
5. Urinary Tract Infection
Bacterial invasion of the urinary system causes infection and inflammation-related fever, commonly accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or nitrofurantoin enteric-coated tablets. Drinking more water increases urine output to flush the urethra, maintaining perineal hygiene and avoiding urinary retention are also important.
In daily life, patients should pay attention to staying warm and adjust clothing according to temperature changes; keep living environments clean and well-ventilated, and perform regular disinfection; maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins to enhance immunity; monitor body temperature regularly, recording the timing of fever and associated symptoms; seek timely medical evaluation if persistent high fever or worsening symptoms occur, to determine the underlying cause and prevent treatment delays.
