Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations of Fever Due to Inflammatory Causes
Common Inflammatory Conditions Leading to Fever: Infectious vs. Non-Infectious Causes
Fever due to inflammatory causes arises from infectious or non-infectious etiologies. Understanding its pathophysiology and clinical manifestations aids in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations of Fever Due to Inflammatory Causes
Common Inflammatory Conditions Leading to Fever: Infectious vs. Non-Infectious Causes
Fever is a critical physiological response to inflammation, often triggered by infectious or non-infectious causes. This blog explores the underlying mechanisms and the clinical presentations associated with inflammatory fevers.
Pathophysiology of Fever
Fever is primarily mediated by pyrogens—endogenous (cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) or exogenous (microbial components like LPS). These molecules stimulate the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, leading to an elevation in body temperature.
Infectious Causes of Fever
- Bacterial Infections: Pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis.
- Viral Infections: Influenza, dengue, COVID-19.
- Fungal Infections: Candidiasis, histoplasmosis.
- Parasitic Infections: Malaria, leishmaniasis.
Non-Infectious Causes of Fever
- Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Neoplastic Conditions: Leukemia, lymphoma.
- Drug-Induced Fever: Hypersensitivity reactions to medications.
- Post-Surgical or Tissue Injury Fever: Trauma-related inflammatory response.
Clinical Manifestations of Inflammatory Fever
- High-grade fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- Malaise and fatigue
- Tachycardia and sweating
- Headache and myalgia
- Possible febrile seizures in severe cases
Diagnostic Approach
Evaluation includes complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, blood cultures, and imaging based on suspected etiology.
Treatment Strategies
Management involves addressing the underlying cause—antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral causes, immunosuppressants for autoimmune conditions, and supportive care such as antipyretics.
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