$Unique_ID{BRK01409}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Fever of Unknown Origin}
$Subject{fever unknown causes}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Fever of Unknown Origin


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QUESTION:  We have a man working in our office who has been absent a lot
recently because of a strange fever that defies diagnosis.  We are all curious
as to the nature of the disease, and more important, if there are any health
risks for us.  Do you have any advice for us, or clues to the nature of such a
disease?  you could help a lot of people by answering this question in your
column.

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ANSWER:  Occasionally the root cause of an illness can go undetected,
especially if the diagnostic clues present are overlooked or misinterpreted.
Fevers of unknown origin, or FUO's, are usually traced back to lymphomas,
leukemias, or less frequently nowadays, internal infections within the body.
Occasionally, interactions between medications can produce a FUO.  In some
cases, occupational causes are at the root of FUO's.  Farmers or livestock
workers can develop salmonellosis or similar infections, while fans of sushi
and raw shellfish may acquire a fever-causing parasite from indulging their
appetites.
     A very careful examination can help pinpoint the causes of almost all of
these fevers.  Subtle changes in skin condition often reveal important clues
to a patient's health, as can inflammations or masses beneath its surface.  A
heart murmur can be an indication of endocarditis, particularly when the
patient has had artificial valves implanted.  Tuberculosis is a leading cause
of FUOs, and tuberculin skin tests often reveal this condition.  New imaging
technologies such as computed tomography can reveal internal abscesses that
would go undetected in the past; tissue biopsies generally confirm diagnoses
first developed through such visual methods.  The possibility of co-workers
being at risk depends upon the exact diagnosis, of course, but overall I would
consider your risks, as well of those of your co-workers to be quite low.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
