Low Grade Persistent Fever One of Warning Signs of Leukemia
Having low grade persistent fever lately? Understanding what it is and what it means is extremely important because it is one of the warning signs of leukemia or cancer of the blood.
Fever is a condition where your internal body temperature is above what is considered as normal. The average body temperature is about 98.6°F or 37°C. When it is above 100.4°F or 38°C, you are considered to be having a fever.
It is a cause of concern but there is no need to panic because it indicates that your body's immune system is actively fighting a bacteria or virus.
Just drink plenty of water to make sure you remain hydrated and rest to help your immune system give a good fight.
When should you be more concerned? You should when you are already having...
persistent fever. The kind of fever that comes and goes, and lasts for more than 7 days.
Fever that lasts long may mean a more serious infection that your immune system was not able to overcome.
If fever comes with other symptoms and signs like cough or lower back pain, have yourself be checked for possible bacterial or viral infection.
Fever and lower back pain are usual signs of Urinary Tract Infection and can be remedied by a prescription of antibiotic.
But if chronic fever is accompanied by other visible symptoms such as unexpected weight loss, get checked more thoroughly because it may mean something more serious.
Fever and too much weight loss are signs of advanced or metastasized cancer. Some types like those that affect your lungs or pancreas exhibit symptoms only when they have already spread to other organs.
If it is accompanied by a symptom like headache, it may mean brain cancer. If you are already diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment like chemo or radiation therapy, expect having frequent fever during your course of treatment.
Fever is one of the common side-effects of both therapies. It also indicates a compromised immune system.
What about unexplained fever?
When a chronic fever has no known explanation such as a respiratory infection, see your doctor as early as possible.
This is very important especially when unexplained fever occurs in a child because it is usually one of the early signs of lymphoma and leukemia.
Lymphoma is a type of tumor that attacks the lymphocytes in your lymphatic system. The main purpose of the lymphatic system is to fight infections. That's why unexplained, persistent fever is its first sign.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Try searching for it below.
