Intermittent Fever: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Intermittent fever refers to a fever that comes and goes in a cyclic pattern. Unlike continuous fevers that stay elevated, intermittent fevers spike and then return to normal in episodes. While not a condition itself, intermittent fevers can signal an underlying infection or inflammation in the body.

What is intermittent fever?

Intermittent fever is characterised by episodes of high body temperature that last a few hours to days, alternating with intervals of no fever. The periodic spikes are a key feature that distinguishes intermittent fevers from fevers that remain constant.

There are three main types of intermittent fever based on the intervals of fever spikes: 

1. Quotidian Fever: Fevers spikes that occur every 24 hours
2. Tertian Fever: Fever spikes that happen every 48 hours
3. Quartan Fever: Fever spikes that occur every 72 hours

What causes intermittent fever?

Intermittent fever is caused by an underlying condition. Some potential causes include:

1. Infections: Many common bacterial and viral infections can manifest with intermittent fevers. For example, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, malaria, and influenza.
2. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease involve immune weakness that can trigger intermittent fever.
3. Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to medications or food can sometimes cause intermittent fevers.
4. Hereditary Periodic Fever Syndromes: These are a group of rare genetic conditions tied to mutations that cause irregular episodes of high fever and inflammation.

What are the risks associated with intermittent fever?

Potential risks of intermittent fever depend on the specific cause, but may include:

1. Dehydration from prolonged high temperatures and chills
2. worsening infection that spreads locally or systemically
3. Excess immune activation causes damage to tissues and organs
4. Increased disease activity in underlying inflammatory disorders

What are the symptoms of intermittent fever?

The main symptom of intermittent fever is a recurrent pattern of elevated body temperature. Additional symptoms that may accompany the fever spikes are:

1. Chills and body aches signalling fever onset
2. Sweating as fever subsides
3. Headaches
4. Fatigue and malaise due to inflammatory cytokines
5. Loss of appetite during fever episodes
6. Specific symptoms pointing to the underlying disorder, such as cough in pneumonia

What is the diagnosis of intermittent fever?

The first step in diagnosing intermittent fever is documenting the characteristic fever pattern through temperature readings. Next, the doctor will perform a detailed exam to understand the origin. Diagnostic tests include:

1. Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or infection.
2. Imaging like chest X-rays and CT scans to locate potential infectious or inflammatory sites.
3. Specific tests screen to check for associated conditions like HIV, autoantibodies, or hereditary fever gene mutations.
4. Biopsies may be necessary to confirm origins, like liver disease.

How can intermittent fever be managed?

Effective management of intermittent fever requires focusing on the underlying cause. Appropriate management helps prevent complications and is determined by the doctor’s diagnosis. The doctor may recommend the following for effectively managing intermittent fever:

1. Antimicrobials are used to treat identified bacterial, viral, or other infectious causes. The doctor will prescribe appropriate antimicrobials based on the infectious agent.
2. Medications to reduce inflammation and immune activity for diagnosed autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. The doctor will recommend specific anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medicines as needed.
3. Avoidance of any triggers identified as causing fevers, such as medications or foods, in cases of allergy.

To prevent intermittent fevers, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider and determine the best treatment method. Appropriate diagnosis guides targeted treatment to manage the main cause of intermittent fever.

FAQs

1. What is the cause of intermittent fever?

Intermittent fever is not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying illness. Potential causes of intermittent fever include infections (bacterial, viral, protozoal), autoimmune disorders, cancers, hypersensitivity reactions, and hereditary periodic fever syndromes. The cyclic fever pattern reflects the underlying disease process. For accurate diagnosis, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.

2. What are the symptoms of intermittent fever?

The main symptom of intermittent fever is a repetitive pattern of fever spikes, where body temperature rises for a period of time before returning to normal. Additional intermittent fever symptoms may include chills and body aches signalling the onset of a fever spike. Headaches, fatigue and loss of appetite during the fever episodes are also common symptoms. Specific symptoms pointing to the underlying illness may be present, such as a cough in case of a respiratory infection.

3. Is intermittent fever contagious?

Intermittent fever itself is not contagious. However, some of the underlying causes like infections can be contagious and spread from person to person. For example, if the intermittent fever is due to influenza, those contagious illnesses can spread. The cyclic fever pattern simply reflects the disease course rather than being contagious itself.