[69M] Experiencing persistent daily fevers

Patient Description

A 69-year-old male has been experiencing daily fevers for over three weeks, with temperatures spiking to 100-101 degrees Fahrenheit. The fevers tend to start in the midafternoon around 2 pm and again in the evening around 9-10 pm. Tylenol helps to reduce the fever to about 98-99 degrees. Additionally, the patient reports weight loss due to a lack of appetite and night sweats. The patient has tested negative for Covid-19 twice. His current medications include Metformin, Brilanta, and Folic Acid. The patient has no known drug allergies and no other symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion, chest pain, or shortness of breath. There is no history of chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Tuberculosis: This is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body as well. Symptoms can include a persistent fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

    • Diagnosis is typically made through a skin or blood test, and treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
  • Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and heart valves. Persistent fever is a common symptom.

    • Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests and imaging studies, and treatment involves antibiotics.
  • Malignancies: Certain types of cancer can present with persistent fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

    • Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of imaging studies and biopsies, and treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.
  • Autoimmune conditions: These are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Some autoimmune conditions can cause persistent fever.

    • Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests, and treatment involves managing symptoms and reducing immune system activity.

What you can do

Given the duration and pattern of your fever, it's important to seek medical attention. Please make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform a physical examination and order appropriate tests to determine the cause of your fever.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe headache or confusion
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Blood in your urine or stool
  • Severe abdominal pain

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis?

Common symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and chills. Diagnosis is typically made through a skin or blood test, and treatment involves a course of antibiotics.


How is endocarditis diagnosed and treated?

Endocarditis is diagnosed through blood tests to identify bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream, echocardiograms to visualize the heart, and sometimes other imaging studies. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves.


What types of malignancies can cause persistent fever and weight loss?

Certain types of cancers, such as lymphomas and leukemias, can present with symptoms like persistent fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like CT or PET scans and biopsies to confirm the type and stage of cancer. Treatment depends on the specific type and stage of cancer and may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.


What are some common autoimmune conditions that can cause persistent fever?

Common autoimmune conditions that can cause persistent fever include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. These conditions are diagnosed through blood tests that look for specific antibodies and other markers of inflammation. Treatment involves managing symptoms and reducing immune system activity, often with medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.


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