Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO), also known as Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO), is a condition in which one suffers from high temperature without any apparent cause. The condition is characterized by core body temperature above 38.3 degrees Celsius for over 3 weeks, without any diagnosis even after tests and investigations.
These include scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus. These diseases are caused when the immune system of our body starts attacking its own organs.
This is the most common cause of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin. The common infections that lead to PUO include abscesses, tuberculosis, endocarditis, and viral infections like cytomegalovirus infection.
This is another common cause that often leads to PUO. Different kinds of tumors caused due to leukemia, liver, renal, breast, and colon cancers, can result in PUO.
Different types of cancers can cause PUO including leukemia, lymphoma, pancreatic carcinoma, as well as other sarcomas and cancers.
The three important causes that often lead to PUO include collagen vascular diseases, tumors, and infections.
PUO may also be caused due to other rare causes such as hyperthyroidism, drug abuse, hepatitis, antihistamines, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and medicines for peptic ulcers and acid reflux.
The only major symptom of PUO is a fever over 38.3 degrees Celsius lasting for over 3 weeks without any diagnosis even after a week of evaluation. However, fever of unknown origin is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
If you have been suffering from continuous fever without any known causes along with any of the above-mentioned symptoms, get in touch with Sri Ramakrishna Hospital immediately.
To diagnose PUO, your doctor will take your history, conduct a physical examination, and order blood tests as required. If still no diagnosis is reached, the doctor may order x-rays, CT Scan of your chest, pelvis, and abdomen.
For short-term fever, usually, a wait-and-see approach is followed. However, once it lasts a few days, the doctor runs tests to understand the underlying causes. The following steps are taken to diagnose PUO:
Your doctor will take your detailed history to understand if you have had any environmental exposures, traveled to foreign places, or undergone a drastic change in your daily life. Your family and medical history will also be considered to detect illnesses like rheumatic fever or lymphoma.
The doctor may run blood tests to detect conditions such as autoimmune disorders. They may also conduct physical exams to look for signs of jaundice, rash, or pallor. If the blood work detects any positive indicators, more tests are usually ordered before confirming any diagnosis.
Blood, sputum, and urine culture may be checked to detect the presence of fungi and bacteria. Special tests may also help to detect atypical viral, fungal, or bacterial infections.
An ECG may be done to check the heart. Chest X-rays may be taken to inspect the lungs.
The treatment for PUO depends on the underlying cause of the fever.
Our General Medicine department has treated over 20000+ patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin Problems over the last 48 years. Our team of highly experienced General Medicine Specialists will ensure you receive the best Pyrexia of Unknown Origins treatment.
Our team of highly experienced General Medicine Specialist have immense experience in providing the best Pyrexia treatment in Coimbatore.
Dr. Jambulingam is a Senior Consultant Physician, Professor of Medicine & HOD of the Department of General Medicine at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 46+ years of experience and is a specialist in the diagnosis of fever.
Dr. Ramasamy is a senior Consultant Physician of the Department of General Medicine at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 33 years of experience and is skilled in the management of all medical cases and other medical ailments.
Dr. Senthilvel is a senior Consultant Physician of the Department of General Medicine at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 28 years of experience and is a specialist in internal medicine.
I visited Sri Ramakrishna Hospital recently for a check-up and was really impressed with the entire process. The staff is courteous, attentive, and helpful. I would highly recommend this hospital to my friends and family.
The doctors and staff at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital are great, and the patient coordination is excellent. The doctors assisted us very well and took good care of us. Overall experience is satisfactory.
How much does viral pyrexia treatment cost?
Viral pyrexia treatment costs may vary, but be assured. At Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, the treatment will be affordable.
How is UTI infection treatment done?
UTI infection treatment is usually done with antibiotics to target the UTI-causing pathogen. If required, burning micturition treatment is also provided depending on the patient’s symptoms.
What does malaria treatment entail?
Malaria treatment is done using prescription drugs that help to kill the parasite. This antimalarial treatment also helps to relieve fever and other associated symptoms.
How long does enterococcus UTI treatment take?
Enterococcus UTI treatment requires at least a week for the antibiotics to kill the pathogen completely. However, patients usually experience relief from symptoms within a few days.
How does a dengue specialist treat a patient suffering from dengue?
At Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, our dengue specialist prescribed pain relievers to give relief from symptoms. Intake of fluids and lots of rest is also recommended.
