Low-grade fever is one of the most common symptoms that can occur in various diseases. In this case, we can talk about both a harmless cold and deadly ailments.
Low-grade fever in infectious diseases
Typically, an increase in body temperature is associated with the ingestion of pathogenic microbes. The rise is due to those processes of protection that are launched in the human body. The fact is that low-grade fever is a way to slow the growth of microbes. For them, the most comfortable environment is from 36.6 o C. By raising the temperature to at least 37.5 o C, the body significantly slows down the growth and reproduction of the infection. As a result, it becomes much easier for the immune system to cope with it. Subfebrile temperature is a phenomenon that is caused by the activity of the hypothalamus. It is this body that is responsible for the regulation of such a parameter as body temperature. Most often, making the environment unfavorable for the life of pathogenic microorganisms, the body manages to cope with it on its own, without the use of any medications.
Low-grade fever of unclear etiology
Unfortunately, this phenomenon is observed not only with mild infectious diseases, but also with quite serious ailments of a completely different type. For example, in oncological processes, subfebrile temperature is also often observed. This is very important to remember, because sometimes this symptom appears first. As a result, with a low-grade fever of unknown origin, it is better to seek the help of a specialist so that he can examine a person, establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Subfebrile temperature in surgical pathology
This symptom for this group of diseases is very characteristic. Many ailments of the surgical profile have this manifestation. In the event that a low-grade fever persists and there are symptoms such as pain in a particular area (especially in the abdomen), then it is likely that a person has developed an ailment, the most rational treatment of which will be surgical intervention. For example, low-grade fever is observed in diseases such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and so on. It should also be noted that each of these ailments can lead to certain complications, and then often the body’s hyperthermia becomes much more pronounced.
Low-grade fever is an occasion to consult a specialist
As is clear from the above, this symptom is characteristic not only for relatively safe ailments, but also for very serious diseases that can completely destroy the health and subsequent life of a person. So you should definitely consult a doctor if a person’s temperature periodically rises to subfebrile numbers, and it is not clear what exactly causes this unpleasant symptom. The sooner the examination and treatment is started, the more chances the patient has to overcome even very dangerous diseases!