A fever that comes and goes, also known as intermittent fever, is a type of fever that appears only at certain times of the day, goes away and then returns again, and which can have different causes, mainly related to infections, such as malaria , leptospirosis, Zika or tuberculosis, for example.
Furthermore, a fever that comes and goes can also be one of the symptoms of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the cells responsible for protecting the body against infections and diseases. Understand what it is and know all the symptoms of lymphoma.
When you have a fever that comes and goes, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner so that your health status can be assessed and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
What can it be
The main causes of fever that comes and goes are:
1. Zika virus
A fever that comes and goes is one of the symptoms of Zika, a disease caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito and which can be confused with other diseases, such as COVID-19, flu or rubella. Learn the main differences between Zika, flu and COVID-19.
What to do: You should rest, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea or homemade serum and try natural ways to reduce fever when it appears, such as taking a slightly warm bath or placing cold cloths on the back of your neck and armpits. See other natural ways to lower a fever without medication.
Furthermore, it is recommended to consult a doctor, who may also prescribe some medications to help control fever and pain, such as paracetamol or dipyrone every 6 hours.
2. Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes Anopheles which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, muscle pain and fever that comes and goes, which can last 24, 48 or even 72 hours, depending on the type of parasite responsible for the infection. Learn about other symptoms and see how malaria is treated.
What to do: For a better diagnosis and treatment of fever, it is essential to consult a doctor, who may recommend medications, such as chloroquine, artemether + lumefantrine or artesunate + mefloquine.
Some home measures that can help alleviate malaria symptoms include drinking plenty of water and teas, and maintaining a balanced diet.
3. Tuberculosis
A low-grade fever that comes and goes, a dry cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing are symptoms that may arise due to a tuberculosis infection, which is a disease caused by the bacteria Koch’s Bacillus and which can affect the lungs, the lymphatic system or bones, for example.
What to do: When presenting symptoms of tuberculosis, you should consult a pulmonologist or general practitioner for a complete assessment of signs and symptoms and, if necessary, undergo treatment with medications, such as rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, which lasts around 6 months .
Additionally, some teas, such as ginseng, white willow and echinacea, can help improve some symptoms of tuberculosis, such as high fever and lack of energy. See how to prepare some teas to help treat tuberculosis.
4. Lyme disease (tick disease)
Lyme disease, also known as tick disease, is caused by the bite of a tick contaminated by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, leading to the appearance of signs and symptoms, such as red lesions on the skin, tiredness and a fever that comes and goes. Understand more about the signs and symptoms of tick disease.
What to do: When the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is important to consult an infectious disease specialist or general practitioner to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatments, which generally include the use of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, such as azithromycin and amoxicillin.
5. Because
Sepsis is an increased reaction of the body against infections, such as pneumonia, urinary or intestinal infections, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, difficulty breathing and a high fever that comes and goes. Learn about the main causes and symptoms of sepsis.
What to do: When experiencing symptoms of sepsis, it is important to consult a doctor who may recommend hospitalization for the treatment of sepsis using medications, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, directly into the vein.
6. Leptospirosis
Sudden high fever that comes and goes, as well as red eyes and pain in the calf, back and abdomen, are some of the symptoms of leptospirosis, an infectious disease that can be transmitted to people through contact with the urine and feces of animals, such as rats, dogs and cats infected with Leptospira bacteria.
What to do: When signs and symptoms of leptospirosis appear, it is essential to consult a general practitioner who will perform a physical examination and order blood tests, such as a blood count, and recommend the use of medications, such as antibiotics, analgesics and antipyretics. See the main causes and symptoms of leptospirosis.
Furthermore, it is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water, coconut water and teas to avoid dehydration.
7. Leishmaniose visceral
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a disease that occurs when the sandfly or birigui, infected by the protozoa Leishmania chagasi or Leishmania donovani, bites the person and releases this parasite into the bloodstream, resulting in the disease, which can cause symptoms such as bleeding in the stool and fever high that goes around. Learn about other symptoms and see how visceral leishmaniasis is treated.
What to do: In the presence of one of the symptoms of leishmaniasis, it is essential to seek urgent medical care to avoid risk to life, and to begin treatment, which is generally carried out with the use of antifungal and antiparasitic medications, such as amphotericin B and meglumine antimoniate.
8. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in lymphocytes, which are cells responsible for protecting the body against various infections and diseases, which can lead to symptoms such as night sweats, excessive tiredness and fever that comes and goes.
What to do: It is important to consult a general practitioner so that signs and symptoms can be assessed to initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or surgery. See all types of treatment indicated for lymphoma.
9. Autoinflammatory syndromes
Some rare autoinflammatory diseases, such as chronic infantile cutaneous articular neurological syndrome, familial cold-associated autoinflammatory syndrome or Muckle-Wells syndrome, can cause, among other symptoms, skin irritation and fever that comes and goes.
What to do: The best way to treat fever caused by autoinflammatory diseases is by correctly treating the syndrome, which may include the use of medications, such as canakinumab and etanercept, which must be prescribed by a doctor after evaluating all signs and symptoms, as well as carrying out laboratory tests.
