Temperature 37-37.5 without symptoms in an adult: 30 reasons and what to do

The generally accepted standard is considered to be a body temperature of 36.6 degrees. But not every person has this standard.

During the day, temperature fluctuations occur from 35.8 to 37.2 degrees, which turn out to be natural. You can see low values in the morning, and high values are determined in the late afternoon.

Some people don't notice these spikes at all, while others notice them and start to worry. A temperature of 37.1 without symptoms in a woman requires observation. It can have different reasons.

Natural and external causes

Increased body temperature is caused by certain proteins called pyrogens . They enter the human body from the external environment (primary) or are produced spontaneously (secondary).

These proteins bind to the hypothalamus, activate the immune system and affect a person's overall well-being.

First of all, the reasons that an adult patient has a temperature of 37 without symptoms are divided into natural and external.

Natural conditions include conditions that have nothing in common with pathological ones, but at the same time regulate the temperature regime. An increase in thermometer values occurs due to stress, hormonal imbalance in women, due to taking certain medications, due to an established lifestyle, and so on.
Pathological causes of hyperthermia can be different. Some diseases are acquired from strangers through infection. Others are triggered by the functioning of the body. Congenital pathologies that cause an increase in body temperature are also common.

One way or another, for pathological reasons, the patient needs the help of a doctor. Every person needs to have an idea of the reasons that can provoke hyperthermia.

Drug-induced low-grade fever

Long-term or active use of certain medications can cause an increase in temperature to low-grade levels. These means include:

adrenaline, ephedrine, norepinephrine
atropine, some antidepressants, antihistamines and antiparkinsonian drugs
neuroleptics
antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, isoniazid, lincomycin)
chemotherapy for tumors
narcotic painkillers
thyroxine (thyroid hormone) preparations

Canceling or replacing therapy relieves unpleasant low-grade fever.

Diseases are the most common cause of hyperthermia

The most common reason why a temperature of 37 degrees rises in the evening without symptoms is some kind of disease.

It can be congenital or acquired, occur in acute or chronic form, have a temporary negative effect on a person or permanent.

Respiratory viral infections are the most common cause of fever. Viruses infect a person's upper or lower respiratory tract. At the same time, the body’s defenses are activated and a sharp rise in temperature is observed to 37.3-37.6 without symptoms. Then, after 3-5 days, additional manifestations occur, and the doctor will be able to accurately determine the cause of the disease.
There are also known causative agents of intestinal diseases, which are classified as viruses. Microorganisms affect the soft tissues and mucous membranes of the abdominal cavity; the latent period can last up to a week.
Inflammatory processes can occur without additional symptoms. But most often this happens only in the first days of the disease. There is a high probability that after a few days the patient will develop other symptoms of the disease in addition to fever.
Bacterial causes are less common. Statistics show that they are in second place in popularity after viral pathologies. Often, a bacterial infection becomes a complication of an improperly treated viral disease. Bacteria affect the respiratory organs, tissues, bones, urinary and digestive systems.
Tumor processes are a common reason why a temperature of 37-37.5 lasts for a long time without symptoms. Often, it is this symptom that forces patients to see a doctor, where he learns about his disappointing diagnosis.

Pathologies of the respiratory system

If a person has a slight fever and nothing else, this indicates a latent viral or bacterial infection.

Often this is how everyone knows ARVI. With it, the temperature returns to normal within 3-5 days. After some time, the patient may experience additional symptoms such as cough, runny nose or body aches.

It is known that tuberculosis occurs with virtually no symptoms. In this case, a temperature of 37.3-37.5 lasts for 2 weeks or more, and this disease is detected only during an examination of the patient with a complaint of prolonged fever.

Diseases of the urinary and reproductive system

Maintaining a low temperature for a month or more may be due to the chronic course of diseases such as pyelonephritis or cystitis.

They usually present with additional symptoms, but depending on the sensitivity of the patient, they may not be noticed. Vulvovaginitis in women and prostatitis in men occur with a slight increase in the thermometer level.

Lesions of the digestive system

Prolonged low-grade body temperature without additional manifestations may indicate gastritis, ulcers, hepatitis, cholelithiasis and other pathologies.

Intestinal infections, colitis and even flatulence can cause a slight increase in thermometer readings.

Other diseases

A temperature of 37.3-37.5 without symptoms in an adult can persist for a long time with such chronic diseases as:

adnexitis.
tonsillitis.
pyelonephritis.

Inflammation of the heart muscle is also accompanied by this symptom, and later additional manifestations join it.

A slight increase in the readings on the thermometer occurs as a result of injuries (bruises, cuts). Even an ordinary splinter that stays in the human body for a long time can provoke this symptom.

In case of blood diseases (for example, leukemia), the temperature increases for a while, after which it returns to normal. This symptom can be caused by: arthrosis, lupus erythematosus, sepsis, allergies, scleroderma and other diseases.

Rarely Diagnosed Infections

Toxoplasmosis

A very common infection, but clinical manifestations are rare (see symptoms of toxoplasmosis in humans).
Almost all cat lovers are infected with it. In addition, you can become infected by eating undercooked meat. Clinically significant is only toxoplasmosis during pregnancy (due to the risk of pathology in the fetus) and HIV-infected people (due to the severity of the course). In a healthy person, toxoplasmosis is present as a carrier state, sometimes causing low-grade fever and eye damage.

The infection does not require treatment (except for severe cases). It is diagnosed using ELISA (detection of antibodies), which is especially important when planning pregnancy.

Brucellosis

This is a disease that is often forgotten when searching for the causes of low-grade fever. It is mainly found in farmers and veterinarians who come into contact with farm animals (see brucellosis in humans). Signs of the disease are varied:

fever
joint, muscle and headache pain
decreased hearing and vision
confusion

This disease is not life-threatening, but can lead to permanent changes in the psyche and motor sphere. For diagnosis, PCR is used, which accurately determines the source of the disease in the blood. Brucellosis is treated with antibiotics.

Parasitic infections

When infected with helminths, a sluggish inflammatory process may occur in the organs for a long time. And often low-grade fever is the only symptom of helminthic infestation (see signs of worms in humans). Therefore, in case of prolonged fever, especially combined with weight loss and digestive disorders, you can get tested:

Complete blood test for eosinophils - cells that grow during an allergic reaction to helminths
ESR is a sign of inflammation in the body
fecal analysis for worm eggs (the most common in a particular region, see pinworms in a child, symptoms of ascariasis)

Treatment of helminthic infestation is carried out with special preparations (see tablets for worms). Sometimes one dose is enough for complete recovery.

The influence of hormonal levels

Deviations and malfunctions in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system are always accompanied by causeless temperature fluctuations.

In recent years, patients increasingly turn to specialists with complaints of low-grade fever. However, they do not have additional symptoms of the disease. The cause in this case may be disturbances in the body's hormonal system.

Just a few decades ago, this was largely attributed to the female body. In patients, the failures were accompanied by menstrual irregularities. But in recent decades, disturbances in the production of hormones are common in men.

The thermometer level may show 37-37.5 degrees for several years. The patient does not experience any additional symptoms. This deviation is preceded by head trauma, tumor, cerebral edema, encephalitis and other conditions that could have occurred a long time ago.

Some people with complaints of hyperthermia have hypothalamic syndrome - a permanent dysfunction of the apparatus that regulates body temperature.

The functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands also affects the thermometer readings. Even the functions of the liver and kidneys can affect this process, since these organs are the conductor of hormones in the human body.

Psychosomatics

Temperature 37-37.2 without symptoms in adults of both sexes can be observed due to psycho-emotional reasons. Constant nervous tension, stress, increased fatigue, lack of sleep - this is what contributes to the appearance of this symptom.

A slight increase in the thermometer level (up to 37.3) is observed in people during rage and anger. If you have recently suffered a serious shock, then there is nothing strange about hyperthermia.

The temperature can also rise due to joyful emotional experiences. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the body. Some people tolerate any shock without changes in temperature, while others feel hyperemia at the slightest experience.

Autoimmune diseases

In autoimmune diseases, the body begins to attack itself. The immune system is tuned against the cells of certain organs and tissues, causing chronic inflammation with periods of exacerbation. Against this background, body temperature also changes.

The most common autoimmune diseases:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (damage to the thyroid gland)
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Crohn's disease (intestinal disease)
Diffuse toxic goiter
Sjögren's syndrome

The following tests are needed to diagnose autoimmune conditions:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator whose increase indicates an inflammatory response
C-reactive protein is a parameter in a biochemical blood test that indicates inflammation
Rheumatoid factor (increases in rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and other autoimmune processes)
LE cells (for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus)
additional examination methods

Once the diagnosis is proven, treatment must begin. It includes hormonal agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressants. Therapy allows you to control the disease and reduce the risk of exacerbations.

Increased temperature in women

Among the fairer sex, temperature fluctuations occur especially often. In some ways, the reasons for this can be called hormonal. But women should be separated into a separate block.

A temperature of 37-37.2 during early pregnancy is normal and common. It increases due to the release of large volumes of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone. This condition can persist for a long time: throughout the first trimester. It is important to pay attention to your well-being, because during this period all diseases will be dangerous. If there are no additional symptoms, and a pregnant woman has a temperature of 37-37.3 degrees, then there is nothing to worry about.
In the second part of the cycle, an increase in temperature may also occur. It is due to the fact that an egg has been released from the ovary, and in its place a corpus luteum has formed. It secretes the same progesterone, which is necessary for conception. During this period, women may note that the thermometer level shows slightly elevated numbers: 36.9-37.1. After the onset of menstruation they will return to normal.
An increase in temperature in patients often occurs after surgical and diagnostic procedures. Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, metrosalpingography, diagnostic curettage, abortion, childbirth and other procedures are accompanied by an increase in temperature. In this case, you should adhere to the medical recommendations given to the patient after the procedure. Within a short period of time, the thermometer readings will return to normal.
Breastfeeding women always experience a slight increase in temperature. If you measure it in the armpit, you can get values of 37.2-37.7 degrees. It's all about the closely located mammary glands. It is believed that these indicators are not informative, since they indicate the temperature of breast milk. Women during lactation should measure it at the elbow.
Some menopausal women experience hyperemia with readings of 37-37.4 degrees, which is not a deviation from the norm.

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Possible complications

Temperatures below 38 degrees Celsius are not dangerous. It is not necessary to shoot them down, and the likelihood of developing negative consequences is minimal. If the fever is kept at 38.5 degrees or higher, and the person does not take any response measures, complications may arise.

For example:

headache;
loss of consciousness;
heart attack, since as the body temperature rises, the pulse also increases;
the occurrence of shortness of breath;
dehydration due to chills and profuse sweating;
spasms of the lower extremities;
dizziness, loss of coordination of movements;
loss of appetite and decreased concentration of gastric juice.

High fever in adults that occurs without accompanying symptoms is a sign of an existing disease. The lack of complete and comprehensive therapy will lead to a decrease in the performance of diseased internal organs and systems. Timely diagnosis and detection of the disease guarantees a favorable prognosis for recovery and normalization of the body’s thermal regime.

Article design: Oleg Lozinsky

Diagnosis and treatment

Before you start looking for one or more causes of hyperthermia in yourself, you need to make sure that the measurement was carried out correctly. Observe the following rules when determining body temperature:

use a working thermometer (it’s good if it’s a mercury thermometer);
take measurements at the same time (no earlier than half an hour after meals and physical activity);
if the measurement is carried out in the armpit, then it should be clean and dry.

If you have persistent hyperthermia, you should definitely consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe certain types of examinations for the patient, based on the medical history and accompanying clinical picture. When diagnosing, it is necessary to undergo the following studies:

blood test (general, biochemical, sugar and clotting);
urine analysis (general, according to Nechiporenko, with interpretation of salts);
ultrasound scanning of the peritoneum (kidneys, pelvis, digestive organs);
examination of the heart and blood vessels (ultrasound, ECG, Doppler);
X-ray and fluorography;
determination of antibodies, tumor markers, pathogens and a narrower range of diagnostic procedures (if necessary).

Anemia - as an independent disease or a component of other diseases

Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin levels. This condition occurs for various reasons, ranging from chronic bleeding (with hemorrhoids, for example), ending with impaired iron absorption (with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract). It is iron deficiency that in most cases causes this condition. Anemia often occurs in women with heavy menstruation and in vegetarians who abstain from animal products.

Lower limits of normal hemoglobin:

Men: from 20 to 59 years: 137 g/l, from 60 years: 132 g/l
Women: 122 g/l

In some cases, the hemoglobin level may be normal, but the iron content in the blood is sharply reduced. This condition is called hidden iron deficiency.

Signs of anemia and hidden iron deficiency:

unmotivated low-grade fever
cold hands and feet
loss of strength and decreased performance
frequent headaches and dizziness
bad hair and nails (see causes of hair loss)
daytime sleepiness
aversion to meat products and a tendency to eat inedible things
itching, dry skin
stomatitis, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
poor tolerance to stuffy rooms
unstable stool, urinary incontinence

The more of the above signs, the higher the likelihood of iron deficiency in the body. To confirm the diagnosis, the following tests are necessary:

Blood test for hemoglobin
Ferritin level
If necessary, examination of the digestive organs

If iron deficiency is confirmed, then it is necessary to begin treatment with ferrous iron preparations. These are Sorbifer, Tardiferon, Ferretab (see iron supplements for anemia). All iron supplements must be taken together with ascorbic acid for at least 3-4 months.

First aid

If the thermometer readings are below 38 C, there is no need to take antipyretic tablets. Because With the help of heat, the body tries to fight viruses and bacteria on its own. Sometimes it is appropriate to take no action. If the symptom still causes discomfort, you can reduce or get rid of its manifestations using the following methods:

applying cooling compresses to the forehead, wrists and calves;
wiping the body with water, a weak solution of vodka or vinegar;
it is necessary to cool the patient’s body by removing excess clothing and removing the blanket.

Under no circumstances should you use mustard plasters, cups, or inhalations. They accelerate blood flow, which can lead to serious consequences such as pulmonary edema.

The patient is advised to drink plenty of fluids. Water and special solutions designed for rehydration (“Regidron”) are best suited. At the same time, it is not worth increasing the amount of food, because During a fever, the body uses energy very sparingly.

In situations where the temperature is accompanied by acute abdominal pain and signs of severe dehydration, it is necessary to call an emergency medical team.

If the temperature lasts two weeks, the reasons are not clear, or two days, there is always a risk of relapse. Therefore, you should not neglect a visit to the doctor. It is necessary to find out the cause of the fever in time and eliminate it.

Symptoms

As stated above, an unreasonable increase in temperature is unlikely, but it still happens. Therefore, a number of symptoms have been identified that are present at elevated temperatures in the event of the development of various pathologies in the body.

The most common symptoms are the following:

pain in the head area (occiput and temporal part);
heaviness in the heart area;
the appearance of a rash on the skin;
shortness of breath often occurs;
digestive tract disorder;
irritability;
feeling of weakness;
constant feeling of hunger;
the legs begin to swell, and aches and pains may even occur;
fever may appear and disappear with some frequency;
excessive sweating;
blood pressure rises;
heart rhythms falter.

What does an asymptomatic one-time, short-term or long-term temperature of 37° in the evening mean?

An increase in thermometer readings towards the end of the day is most often not accompanied by serious health threats. This can be caused by excessive exercise during the day, increased blood pressure and general fatigue in the body.

Eating spicy or hot foods and taking certain medications also contribute to the occurrence of hyperthermia. The frequency of increases in indicators depends on the general rhythm of life, ambient temperature, humidity and emotional stress.

What should the patient do?

Usually, low-grade fever (up to 38) does not require taking antipyretics. However, all rules have their exceptions.

Reducing a temperature above 37.5 degrees is necessary for pregnant women, people with diseases of the nervous system, and patients who are prone to seizures.

For this, common drugs based on ibuprofen or paracetamol are usually used. In other situations, you should do the following:

take a horizontal position (this will help stabilize your emotional state and relieve tension);
perform aromatherapy (tea tree oil mixed with orange will help eliminate hyperemia);
place a cloth soaked in water on the forehead and temples (you can add vinegar in equal proportions for effectiveness);
drink fortified tea (with lingonberries, viburnum, raspberries).

Preventive actions

Sometimes, in order to avoid the appearance of low-grade fever, it is enough to follow several preventive measures:

refuse to work in hazardous working conditions (toxic waste, excessive noise, large amounts of dust);
avoid frequent hypothermia and overheating, it is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, in addition, it is not recommended to be in direct sunlight, especially on hot days;
sleep at least eight hours a day, good rest will avoid the development of many diseases;
eat only healthy foods, it is recommended to exclude from the diet: salted, smoked and fried foods, it is better if a person eats 5-6 times a day, but in small portions;
In case of any deterioration in health, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

Despite all the harmlessness of low-grade fever, you should not ignore the appearance of this symptom; sometimes a dangerous disease is hidden behind a low temperature.

Low-grade fever is not a fatal diagnosis and by following the doctor’s recommendations, you can easily get rid of this symptom. If an adult constantly has a temperature of 37, it is necessary to immediately visit a specialist.

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