Fever Keeps Coming Back After Medicine Wears Off
Having a fever can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but it's typically a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or illness. However, if your fever keeps coming back after you've taken medicine to lower it, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In this article, we'll explore some of the possible causes of recurring fevers and what you can do to find relief.
What Causes a Fever?
A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). It's usually a sign that your immune system is working to fight off an infection, such as a cold, flu, or stomach bug. Other possible causes of fever include:
- Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
- Drug reactions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
Why Does My Fever Keep Coming Back?
If your fever returns after you've taken medication to lower it, it could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Some possible reasons why your fever keeps coming back include:
- Antibiotic resistance: If your initial infection was caused by bacteria, the bacteria may have developed resistance to the antibiotics you were prescribed, making them ineffective.
- Viruses: Some viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), can cause recurrent fevers.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic inflammation and fever.
- Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can cause recurrent fevers.
- Undiagnosed infections: If you have an undiagnosed infection, your fever may continue to recur until the infection is properly identified and treated.
How Can I Find Relief?
If your fever keeps coming back, it's important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend additional testing or prescribe a different course of treatment.
In the meantime, there are several things you can do to find relief from your fever:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help replenish fluids lost due to sweating.
- Rest: Give your body plenty of rest to help it recover from the infection or illness.
- Take fever-reducing medication: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower your fever and relieve discomfort.
- Use a cool compress: Applying a cool, damp washcloth to your forehead or neck can help bring down your body temperature.
Conclusion
A fever that keeps coming back after medication wears off can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. By seeing a healthcare provider and following their recommendations, you can find relief from your fever and the underlying cause of your symptoms.