Fever Management and Diagnosis

Once fever occurs, it will persist until artificial intervention is taken to reduce it. However, fever does not typically follow a regular pattern. Low-grade fever during the day and normal temperature at night can be attributed to various reasons such as tuberculin infection, fungal infection, endocrine and metabolic diseases, anemia, and tumors.

Causes of Low-Grade Fever During the Day and Normal Temperature at Night

First, infectious factors such as tuberculin infection can lead to low-grade fever during the day with normal temperature at night. Second, the elderly are susceptible to fungal infections, which can also manifest as low-grade fever during the day and normal temperature at night. Third, non-infectious factors can also cause these symptoms. When the neurons responsible for regulating body temperature in the central nervous system are damaged, such as in hypothalamic dysfunction or severe brain trauma resulting in cerebral infarction, stroke, or severe brain injury, these clinical symptoms may occur. Fourth, endocrine and metabolic diseases like hyperthyroidism can increase daytime metabolism rates while maintaining normal nighttime rates. Fifth, anemia and tumors can also manifest with these clinical symptoms.

Management of Low-Grade Fever

For low-grade fever caused by infectious factors, treatment should target the specific pathogen involved. For non-infectious causes of low-grade fever, a detailed evaluation is necessary to diagnose and actively treat the underlying condition. The use of fever-reducing medication should be avoided without a clear indication, and should only be considered when the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C. In cases where the exact cause of low-grade fever in children remains unclear, traditional Chinese medicine may be considered as a treatment option.

How to Determine if You Have Low-Grade Fever

1. Feeling Dizzy and Swollen: Healthy individuals usually have a clear mind, even when feeling tired. However, when experiencing dizziness and a swollen feeling, it is often a sign of fever.

2. Feeling Cold: During low-grade fever, the body's white blood cells begin to fight the infection, resulting in a higher internal temperature. When exposed to a cooler environment, the body's heat escapes, leading to a feeling of coldness.

3. Increased Heat Tolerance: During low-grade fever, one may notice an increase in heat tolerance, such as being able to drink hotter water or take hotter showers. Afterward, there may be a feeling of coldness as if heat is being drawn out of the body.

4. Taking Temperature: Using a thermometer, a temperature below 38°C but above 37°C is indicative of low-grade fever. It is recommended to check your temperature regularly, especially in the morning, afternoon, and evening, to monitor any changes.