What should I do if a low-grade fever persists and won't subside?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
A persistent low-grade fever may be caused by excessive fatigue, emotional stress, viral infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, or other conditions. It can usually be treated through lifestyle adjustments, stress relief, medication, and other approaches. In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and a positive mental outlook.
Low fever refers to a mild fever. Persistent low fever may be caused by excessive fatigue, emotional stress, viral infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, and other conditions. It usually can be treated through lifestyle adjustments, relaxation techniques, and medication. If symptoms are unusual, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Excessive fatigue: After prolonged work or strenuous exercise, the body may experience a stress response due to overexertion, leading to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center and persistent low-grade fever. It is recommended to adjust the作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" here since it refers to rest and work patterns), ensure adequate sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.
2. Emotional stress: Long-term anxiety or tension can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, affecting the normal function of the body's temperature regulation center, thereby causing persistent low-grade fever. It is recommended to adjust one's mindset, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, engage in relaxation activities such as walking or yoga, and seek help from a psychologist if necessary.
3. Viral infection: After invading the body, viruses may cause infectious diseases, leading to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center and persistent low-grade fever, which may be accompanied by coughing and phlegm production. Treatment mainly involves taking medications such as ribavirin tablets, oseltamivir phosphate capsules, and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician.
4. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Triggered by immune system dysfunction, this condition may cause the immune system to attack the body's own tissues,引发炎症反应 (which translates to "triggering an inflammatory response"), thereby causing persistent low-grade fever, accompanied by joint pain, rash, and fatigue. Doctors generally recommend treatment with medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, and mycophenolate mofetil capsules.
5. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can cause dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center, resulting in persistent low-grade fever. Accompanying symptoms may include coughing, phlegm production, and night sweats. It is recommended to take medications such as rifampicin tablets, isoniazid tablets, ethambutol hydrochloride tablets, and pyrazinamide tablets under a doctor's guidance.
In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and a positive mindset—can enhance physical health and immunity, thereby reducing the risk of illness.
