Unexplained fevers are often caused by bacterial or viral infections, prescription medicines, or serious underlying conditions like HIV or cancer. They may be accompanied by other symptoms and can occur once, intermittently, or chronically. Children and adults can develop unexplained fevers, and chronic conditions like diabetes and lupus can also lead to persistent fevers.
The main cause of an unexplained fever is some type of bacterial or viral infection. Other causes include prescription medicines and more serious underlying conditions, such as HIV or cancer. An unexplained fever may be accompanied by other symptoms that resemble a cold or an allergic reaction. These types of fevers are usually low-grade and can occur once, intermittently, or chronically.
Individuals may experience fever when they acquire an upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Fever can be mild and raise a person’s normal body temperature by only a few degrees. In addition to fever, respiratory tract infections can be recognized by other symptoms, such as excess fluid and mucus in the chest, throat, nose and ear areas.
An unexplained fever is often an immune response designed to help the body maintain a proper temperature. Bacterial infections that occur in organs of the body, including diseases such as pelvic inflammatory disease, can lead to a fever. While these bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, they may not cause noticeable symptoms or it may take some time for obvious symptoms to emerge.
Serious illnesses that compromise the immune system can result in an unexplained chronic fever. One such disease is HIV or AIDS. As the condition slowly attacks the body’s immune system and deprives it of its capabilities, a fever develops in the body’s futile attempt to rid itself of the virus. Any type of cancer can also cause a persistent fever.
Mystery fevers are somewhat common in children and infants as their systems adjust to their surroundings. As children’s immune systems develop, they are more likely to pick up various viruses from other children. Unless the fever is relatively high, it usually doesn’t need separate treatment and will resolve once the infection is treated.
Certain types of prescriptions and drug use can lead to fever. Steroids and cancer treatments can cause the body to develop an inflammatory response that results in a fever. Excessive use of alcohol and illegal drugs could also lead to the development of a persistent fever with no additional symptoms. Some diseases that develop due to alcohol abuse, such as liver damage and scarring, could be the real underlying cause of the fever.
Both children and adults can develop an unexplained fever. The common cause is an underlying condition that is somehow weakening the immune system. Some chronic conditions, including diabetes and lupus, can lead to persistent fevers.
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