Can prolonged low-grade fever lead to leukemia?

Long-term Low-grade Fever and Leukemia

Long-term low-grade fever generally does not lead to leukemia. It can be attributed to various factors such as decreased immunity, allergies, infections, tumors, and so on, with no direct correlation to leukemia. Leukemia is a type of malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells, primarily manifested by symptoms like fever, bleeding, and anemia, which are not directly linked to long-term low-grade fever.

1. Decreased Immunity: Prolonged periods of staying up late and exhaustion can lead to a decline in the body's immune system. This weakened state may coincide with infections, resulting in long-term low-grade fever.

2. Allergies: If an individual is allergic, exposure to certain allergens like pollen or dust mites can trigger allergic reactions, causing long-term low-grade fever, often accompanied by skin redness, itching, and other symptoms.

3. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as pharyngitis or bronchitis, can stimulate the body, leading to long-term low-grade fever. Patients should undergo relevant examinations like blood tests and C-reactive protein tests to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

4. Tumors: Although leukemia is a malignancy of the blood system, it is relatively rare. Most cases of leukemia have insidious onsets with non-specific early symptoms, which may include long-term low-grade fever, sudden bleeding, and infections. Other systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and connective tissue diseases can also cause long-term low-grade fever.

If a patient experiences long-term low-grade fever, it is recommended to promptly seek medical attention for relevant examinations to determine the underlying cause and initiate treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include:

• Immunity-boosting medications for decreased immunity.
• Antihistamines or allergy medications for allergic reactions.
• Antibiotics for infections, as prescribed by a doctor.
• Surgical intervention, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy for tumors causing long-term low-grade fever.