The temperature has remained at just over 37°C for several weeks. Wait to swallow antipyretics or worse, antibiotics. Perhaps the reasons for this condition are psychological.
Our expert is a leading researcher in the laboratory of pathology of the autonomic nervous system of the Research Institute of Neurology of the Research Center of the First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenova, Doctor of Medical Sciences Elena Akarachkova :
For a prolonged increase in temperature against the background of emotional problems, there is a special term - thermoneurosis. Neurologists are involved in its correction. However, before this diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will have to go a long way, and must first contact a therapist.
On a note
Prolonged fever is often experienced by:
Women during menopause . Hormonal changes cause an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, and at this time women are prone to depression and anxiety.
Lovers of strength exercises . After heavy exercise, lactic acid is produced in the muscles. If there is a lot of it, tissue metabolism is disrupted, which leads to a local increase in temperature. In a healthy person it does not last long. But, if there are problems with autonomic regulation, overtraining can become a provoking factor that will lead to long-term low-grade fever.
Sensitive children .
The situation when a child goes to school after the holidays, and a few days later his temperature suddenly rises, is quite common. Involvement in the educational process is stress, due to which the autonomic nervous system fails. Source
Causes
The impetus for the development of thermoneurosis can be a previous illness, stress, physical and emotional overload, or previous head injuries. It is important to understand that thermoneurosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are largely similar to VSD, is, in fact, a temperature of a neurogenic nature.
People of a neurotic type, with a weak nervous system, are more susceptible to this disease. Today, this diagnosis is not uncommon, since the overall stress load on a person has increased significantly. Teenagers face this even more often - due to increased emotional vulnerability during puberty.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
Elevated body temperature is accompanied by many very unpleasant symptoms .
These are weakness, drowsiness, pain in joints and muscles.
Prolonged hyperthermia in children can lead to developmental delays and disruption of the body .
“Temperature and Nothing More” is the name of the episode of the pediatrician Komarovsky’s program, which touches on the topic of thermoneurosis. The doctor recommends not treating the “fever” itself, as some parents like to do, but rather eliminating the causes .
They can be quite serious and even threaten the life of a child. Therefore, in this case, a high-quality examination is simply necessary.
Symptoms and signs
Thermoneurosis is characterized by a large number of peculiar symptoms. The main symptom of this pathological condition is increased body temperature.
It can fluctuate from 37 to 37.8 degrees, periodically alternating with normal values. A characteristic feature is its maximum rise to 38 °C in the morning.
In addition to the increase in temperature, characteristic manifestations may be the following:
- increased heart rate and increased heart rate;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- loss of consciousness;
- headache;
- fainting.
Children suffering from thermoneurosis are characterized by pale skin.
In addition, excessive fatigue .
Symptoms may increase with changing weather conditions. The body reacts especially sensitively to changes in atmospheric pressure.
Health care
Most often, with thermoneurosis, body temperature decreases independently when external or internal factors change. For example, if the circumstances that caused stress have changed, then the temperature may return to normal without treatment. Therefore, if the disease is caused by stress, all that is required is rest and relaxation.
However, there are also more serious causes, such as head injuries and certain brain diseases. In this case, the elevated body temperature can last for several months. In this case, pharmaceutical drugs are ineffective.
Long-term treatment will be required, which for thermoneurosis includes:
- acupuncture course;
- reflexology;
- herbal based sedatives;
- meditation and other relaxation methods;
- taking homeopathic medicines;
- normalization of nutrition;
- physical activity and hardening.
Also, in some cases, the specialist prescribes a course of psychotherapy.
It is effective to take sedatives that strengthen the nervous system. These can be pharmaceutical preparations, herbal preparations, essential oils or soothing baths. To maintain a healthy nervous system, it is recommended to take a vitamin-mineral complex containing magnesium and B vitamins during an exacerbation.
Also during this period, you should drink a course of herbal infusions with valerian, lemon balm, motherwort, chamomile and other herbs that help strengthen the nervous system. Don't forget about strengthening your immune system. This will avoid infections that can cause the disease.
Thermoneurosis. Unexplained increase in body temperature
The term thermoneurosis in medicine refers to a slight increase in body temperature in the absence of an inflammatory process or infection. A temperature of 37 or a little more can last from several hours to several weeks. Doctors consider this condition to be a type of vegetative-vascular dystonia due to the fact that the center of human thermoregulation is located in the brain. Antipyretic drugs are not effective enough when thermoneurosis is present.
Causes of thermoneurosis
Thermal neurosis, which occurs due to various reasons, usually has similar symptoms. With it, increased body temperature is observed against the background of hormonal changes, prolonged overwork and severe stress. Of the diseases that can cause thermoneurosis, the following are the main ones:
- pathologies of the thyroid gland;
- pinched spinal discs, which disrupts the passage of nerve impulses;
- formation of cysts in the body;
- development of tumor processes;
- obesity;
- exhaustion;
- violation of the speed of reaction of blood vessels to sudden changes in ambient temperature.
In adolescence, during pregnancy and menopause, a temperature of 37 is often observed. Such thermoneurosis from hormonal changes appears in the majority. In children, elevated temperature is often associated with a psycho-emotional state and occurs during adaptation to kindergarten or school, as well as problems of acceptance in a group of peers. In all cases, there is a disruption in the functioning of the thermoregulation center in the brain, resulting in a temperature of 37, which is not normalized by antipyretics.
Manifestations of disturbances in thermoneurosis
Often, except for a rise in temperature, the disorder does not manifest itself in anything and remains unnoticed by the patient for a long time. As a result, health begins to deteriorate, since the elevated temperature, which lasts for a long time, gradually destroys the body and weakens it. Also, malfunctions in the functioning of the thermoregulation center can provoke other neurological symptoms, disrupting the functioning of other organs and systems. Thermoneurosis symptoms are similar to the manifestations of many pathologies:
- drowsiness;
- chronic fatigue;
- spasmodic headaches;
- sleep disorders;
- digestive problems;
- increased heart rate;
- nervousness;
- tearfulness.
Thermoneurosis from overwork is usually accompanied by severe apathy, which is associated with the protective function of the body, which, in an effort to reduce the load, abruptly switches to energy saving mode. At the same time, the temperature of 37 makes the pain in the head and neck area almost constant.
Diagnosis of the condition
Thermoneurosis is difficult to diagnose due to the similarity of its manifestations with many pathologies. Therefore, to determine the disorder, it is necessary to undergo an initial medical examination by a therapist and take blood and urine tests to identify inflammatory processes, which often cause a temperature of 37. If they are not detected, the patient is examined by a neurologist. After examination, the specialist, if necessary, refers the patient to an endocrinologist. To exclude elevated temperature due to infection, an aspirin test is performed, during which antipyretic drugs are taken. If they are not effective, then this means that the temperature of 37 arose from disorders of a vegetative-vascular nature.
Treatment of the disorder
Identified thermoneurosis requires treatment. A disorder in which the temperature stays above 37 for a long time should not be ignored, since a low and sometimes high temperature leads to a weakening of the body. Thermoneurosis treatment involves medication. A change in the rhythm of life is also necessary.
- Elimination of the influence of the irritant factor. Such protection from elevated temperature is primarily required if thermoneurosis occurs due to psychological and neurological influences. The day is organized so that there is time for rest and being in the fresh air.
- Sedatives. They are prescribed when a temperature of 37 is observed with severe nervous tension and excitement. Most often, the need for such treatment occurs during adolescence and menopause.
- Massage course. If necessary, it is necessary to eliminate muscle strain, due to which the temperature of 37 can remain for a long time. Occasionally in this state there is a high temperature.
Thermoneurosis often requires complex treatment, using all of the above methods. When the temperature persists for 37 weeks or longer, and no illness is detected during the examination, the patient must first be provided with rest.
Complications and prevention
Thermoneurosis, which is not treated, is dangerous for the development of complications. The main ones are:
- insomnia;
- loss of performance;
- the formation of benign tumors prone to degeneration;
- gastrointestinal pathologies.
To avoid an increased temperature of a neurological nature, the following preventive measures are needed: providing yourself with sufficient rest, relaxing baths, and sleeping at least 8 hours a day. Walking in the fresh air is mandatory.
Thermoneurosis is not as harmless a condition as it might seem at first glance. When a person cannot understand why a temperature of 37, and sometimes even higher, persists for no apparent reason and antipyretics do not help, it is imperative to seek medical help. It is quite difficult to cope with the problem on your own.
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What it is?
This is a condition that has no additional symptoms other than increased body temperature and has code R50 according to ICD 10.
Thermoneurosis is classified as a fever of unknown origin.
And this is completely justified, since there are no specific reasons for this phenomenon. But there are many factors that can lead to this condition. Most often it affects children and the elderly.
Thermoneurosis occurs due to vasospasm in the upper layers of the skin. This is what provokes changes in low-grade fever towards higher levels.
As you know, during stress, adrenaline is released, which leads to vasospasm. Moreover, this condition can be provoked not only by emotional stress .
Stressful situations happen every day. With systematic contact with stress-provoking factors, neurotic pathologies develop.
As a rule, the temperature does not rise above 37.5 °C. Uncontrolled use of antipyretic drugs can aggravate the condition. It is for this reason that hyperthermia without accompanying symptoms, especially in children, should not be treated independently.
Establishing diagnosis
To accurately make such a complex diagnosis requires a high-quality and modern approach. After all, an increase in temperature without the presence of a viral infection or inflammatory process can be caused by other diseases.
Before a specialist diagnoses thermoneurosis, he must exclude the following diseases and conditions:
- disruption of the thyroid gland;
- pregnancy;
- chronic tonsillitis;
- tuberculosis;
- caries and many others.
If the doctor excludes all other options for elevated body temperature, then a diagnosis of thermoneurosis is made. However, only a neurologist can make such a precise diagnosis when a dysfunction of the hypothalamus is identified.
Aspirin test
The most effective method for diagnosing thermoneurosis is to use Aspirin, the intake of which reduces body temperature only if there is a focus of inflammation in the body.
Therefore, if after taking Aspirin the temperature does not decrease, then the likelihood of this particular disease is high.
To make an accurate diagnosis, the examination must be comprehensive. After all, an increase in body temperature can even be caused by malignant neoplasms.
Additional examination methods
The specialist should prescribe the following studies:
- encephalogram;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- visits to specialized specialists such as a gynecologist, endocrinologist and infectious disease specialist;
- Conducting laboratory blood tests for the presence of infections.
Possible complications and consequences of thermoneurosis
It is important to establish a diagnosis in a timely manner, since the lack of adequate treatment can aggravate the patient’s condition. If the pathology occurs against the background of prolonged stress, then the accompanying headache, fever, feeling of weakness and aches will lead to a worsening of the condition and additional stress.
Thermoneurosis caused by brain diseases contributes to a decrease in immunity, which aggravates the primary pathology. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to strengthen the nervous system, lead a healthy lifestyle and normalize sleep patterns.
The main diseases manifested by low-grade fever:
- Chronic infectious diseases (chronic tuberculosis, brucellosis, sinusitis, pyelonephritis, parasitic lesions, cytomegalovirus, herpes, mononucleosis, sexually transmitted diseases and many other focal infections in a chronic form);
- Diseases associated with impaired immune response (rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, post-infarction syndrome). This group also includes diseases of an allergic nature;
- Malignant neoplasms (leukemia, lymphoma, hepatoma, kidney adenocarcinoma, etc.);
- Diseases of the endocrine system ( pathological menopause, thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma, etc.);
- Diseases of the central nervous system of various etiologies ( traumatic brain injuries, neuroinfections, etc.).
Low-grade fever in children, especially young children, often has no connection with any pathology. It occurs due to the body’s thermoregulation not yet established. Children's body temperature rises after physical activity, overheating, and in infants after eating.
One of the common causes of persistent low-grade fever is psychological and mental stress, as well as stress, accompanied by general poor health, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis and treatment of neurotic disorders
A person should contact a psychologist or psychotherapist. Diagnostics requires an integrated approach.
The color technique is widely used.
- All shades take part in it. Neurosis-like syndrome is noted when a person selects or repeats gray, purple, brown or black.
- With hysterical neurosis, the patient chooses 2 colors - purple and red. This also indicates low self-esteem.
To determine the symptoms, a test is carried out - it makes it possible to identify the presence of chronic fatigue, anxiety, and self-doubt. Diagnosis and treatment of neurotic disorders are closely interrelated.
Drug therapy is used in the first stages to relieve internal tension and eliminate insomnia. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are widely prescribed. Depending on the severity and duration of the clinical picture, the doctor prescribes drugs from different groups to the patient:
- non-selective – Amitriptyline, Imipramine;
- selective influence - Maprotiline, Fluoxetine;
- sedative antidepressants – Doxelin, Azafen;
- balanced – Sertalin, Tryptophan;
- stimulants - Heptral, Bupropion.
Obsessive states are well relieved by drugs from the SIDS group - Prozac, Paroxetine, Escitalopram. Frequently prescribed tranquilizers include Phenazepam, Tofisopam, Meprobamate. All medications are prescribed in a short course of 5-7 days, sometimes extended to 10.
Important! If a person self-prescribes medications, the disease may transform and the condition may worsen.
Psychotherapy for neurotic disorders
To achieve maximum effect, doctors recommend supplementing drug treatment with rational, cognitive psychotherapy. The main objective of this technique is to eliminate the consequences of a stressful situation so that the general condition of a person improves and the symptoms of neurosis are eliminated. The doctor discusses the cause of the problem and works through the traumatic circumstances. The patient learns relaxation techniques, the ability to level out negative emotions and complexes. The most difficult thing to eliminate is negative attitudes given by parents. A person must show his will, diligence, and do his homework. Typically, psychotherapy for neurotic disorders consists of 7-15 sessions, depending on the degree of complexity of the problem. In severe cases, the patient is admitted to the department of borderline mental disorders.
Diagnostics
When a child’s body temperature rises for no apparent reason, attentive and responsible parents turn to their local pediatrician.
A good doctor, having studied the medical history and existing symptoms, excluding viral diseases, can suggest thermoneurosis in a child. In this case, parents receive a referral to a neurologist.
After examination by a specialist with a narrower profile, as a rule, an additional examination is prescribed . Diagnosis is aimed at excluding possible pathologies that have similar symptoms, as well as confirming the suspected diagnosis.
Diagnostic methods:
- Clinical blood and urine tests.
- Blood chemistry.
- Encephalogram.
- Ultrasound.
- Specific aspirin test.
- Fluorography.
- EGC.
An aspirin test taking half an aspirin tablet.
For viral and bacterial infections, the temperature drops after 30-40 minutes.
If thermoneurosis is confirmed, acetylsalicylic acid has no effect .
