Meningitis, roseola, and bacteremia are some health problems that initially do not cause any symptoms, other than fever.
The term ‘fever’ literally means raised body temperature, which is obviously more than normal. Touching the person’s forehead and one is bound to feel the heat of the fever. Usually, a runny nose or other flu symptoms accompany fever. In some cases, besides fever, one may suffer from gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. The bottom line is fever does not strike alone. However, there have been reports of onset of fever with no other symptoms. The following article discusses this issue in detail:
Causes
When the body temperature rises, it is an indication that the person is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection. Other than fever, an infection of this kind, may not cause any symptoms. This may not continue for long as after the initial 2-3 days of infection, the person is bound to complain about other health problems. Some health issues that start with the onset of fever are discussed below:
Meningitis
Our brain is surrounded by thin membranes (meninges) that do the job of protecting this important organ from external sources. However, when these meninges get swollen, the medical term used to refer this condition is known as meningitis. It is an infection that can be either bacterial or viral in nature. The bacterial infection can be quite troublesome and life-threatening if treatment is not taken on time. The good news is that in most cases, meningitis diagnosed is viral in nature, which isn’t a serious issue. The onset of meningitis typically causes fever without any other symptoms. This may continue for a day or two and is then followed by unbearable headache and stiff neck.
Roseola
High to low-grade fever in children can also be due to roseola. This viral infection commonly occurs in infants and small children. Adults can also suffer from roseola, in case, they had never contracted roseola during their childhood days. As the fever of roseola subsides after 2-3 days, skin rash is distinctly visible on the arms, legs, and the neck. This may be followed by reduced appetite, fatigue, and swelling of eyelids.
Bacteremia
As the name suggests bacteremia is a condition in which the bloodstream is contaminated with bacteria. Babies and infants having high fever with no other symptoms may be affected with bacteremia.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIs can also raise body temperature without causing any other health problems. A UTI is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system that includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and the bladder. In fact, adults experiencing fever during an UTI indicates that the infection has affected the kidneys. Some of the common symptoms associated with UTI are fever, nausea, and difficulty urinating. There have been cases wherein people contracted with a UTI only had a high fever and the very next morning they showed other symptoms of a UTI.
Bug Bite
A fever could also be a response to a bug bite. Usually, insect bites of mosquitoes and honey bees is not a cause for concern but the individuals who have an allergy towards insect bites may develop fever. Insect bites usually cause a low-grade fever in adults and children, which is sometimes accompanied by a localized rash and nauseating feeling.
Ear Infections
Ear infections in children can also trigger fever with no other symptoms. Scratching the ear frequently with sharp objects and accumulation of water in the ear leading to moist environment, are some of the factors that cause ear infections. This phase wherein symptoms are not present soon vanishes. This is because, besides fever the person is likely to experience hearing problems.
Medications
Few medications that are taken on a daily basis do not cause any health issues, apart from fever. They are discussed below:
Hypertension Drugs
One of the side effects associated with intake of hypertension medications is fever. So, people taking these medicines may show high body temperature.
Vaccination
Vaccination to small children and newborn babies is a safe way to protect them from harmful infections. However, certain vaccines can give rise to some undesirable side effects like fever. So, if the child has been recently administered a vaccine, he may develop mild to moderate fever.
In case fever does not subside within a couple of hours, immediately get a doctor’s appointment. The patient might have to undergo a blood test to check for infections. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin, if it is a bacterial infection. This may help to bring down high body temperature. Medications like Tylenol and drinking plenty of water can also contribute to reduce fever.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
