Hectic fever refers to a fever characterized by wide, dramatic swings in body temperature, often accompanied by chills and sweats.
Characteristics of Hectic Fever
Hectic fevers are not defined by a specific temperature range, but rather by the pattern of temperature fluctuations. Key characteristics include:
- Wide Swings: Significant variations in temperature, often spiking high and then dropping down to normal or even subnormal levels within a short period.
- Accompanying Symptoms: Frequently associated with chills (rigors) during temperature increases and profuse sweating (diaphoresis) as the temperature drops.
Potential Causes
While not diagnostic of any single condition, a hectic fever pattern is suggestive of certain underlying medical issues. These can include:
- Abscesses: Localized collections of pus can trigger a hectic fever response.
- Pyogenic Infections: Infections caused by pus-forming bacteria. Examples include:
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Ascending Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts)
- Tuberculosis (TB): An infectious disease usually affecting the lungs.
- Hypernephromas: A type of kidney cancer.
- Lymphomas: Cancers of the lymphatic system.
- Drug Reactions: Some medications can cause fever as a side effect, occasionally presenting as a hectic fever.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because hectic fever is a symptom, diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying cause. This often involves:
- Physical Examination: Assessing overall health and looking for signs of infection or other relevant conditions.
- Blood Tests: To check for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
- Imaging Studies: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds, to visualize internal organs and identify potential abscesses or other issues.
- Urine and Sputum Cultures: To identify specific infectious agents.
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the fever. For example, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while abscesses may require drainage. Symptomatic relief, such as antipyretics (fever reducers) can be used to manage the fever itself.
