Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention

Fever of unknown origin (FUO)

Hello, since I caught a cold at the end of September, I have been experiencing recurrent fevers.
I also suddenly feel very cold, and when I have a fever, I experience palpitations, chest tightness, muscle aches, and weakness.
I constantly feel fatigued, and occasionally I have tinnitus, headaches, and anemia.
Should I go to the hospital for an examination?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/26

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, I suggest that you take your temperature to see if you actually have a fever, especially when you feel warm or very cold, as this is when the measurement is most accurate.
However, given your overall discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a check-up.
You may consider making an appointment with either Internal Medicine (Infectious Disease) or Family Medicine for a detailed examination to better understand the cause of your symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/11/26

More Info

Unexplained fever can be a concerning symptom, especially when accompanied by other distressing signs such as chills, palpitations, chest tightness, muscle aches, fatigue, tinnitus, headaches, and anemia. Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
Fever is a common response of the body to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. In your case, the persistence of fever following a cold suggests that there may be an underlying issue that requires further investigation. The combination of symptoms you describe could indicate a range of potential conditions, including viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or even hematological issues.

1. Infections: After a viral illness, it is not uncommon for secondary bacterial infections to occur. Conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or even more systemic infections like sepsis can present with prolonged fever and systemic symptoms. Given your symptoms of chest tightness and palpitations, a respiratory infection should be considered.

2. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can present with fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. These conditions often require specific blood tests to diagnose, including inflammatory markers and autoantibody panels.

3. Hematological Issues: Symptoms like fatigue and anemia could suggest a blood disorder, such as anemia of chronic disease or even malignancies like leukemia or lymphoma. These conditions can also present with fever and require comprehensive blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and possibly a bone marrow biopsy if indicated.

4. Other Considerations: Other causes of fever can include drug reactions, endocrine disorders (like hyperthyroidism), or even malignancies. The presence of tinnitus and headaches could also suggest a neurological component that should not be overlooked.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They will likely perform a thorough physical examination and order laboratory tests, including blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, and anemia. Imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or ultrasound, may also be warranted based on your symptoms.

In summary, your ongoing fever and associated symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. It is essential to address these symptoms early to rule out serious conditions and to initiate appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional, as they can provide the necessary assessments and interventions to help you recover.

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