Fever difficulty breathing
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Fever and Difficulty Breathing: Key Insights from Recent Research
COVID-19 Symptoms: Fever and Difficulty Breathing
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been widely recognized for its respiratory symptoms, including fever and difficulty breathing. The World Health Organization lists these symptoms among the primary indicators of the disease1. Additionally, patient-reported loss of smell and taste has been associated with COVID-19, although empirical olfactory testing on a cohort of COVID-19 patients has yet to be performed1.
Case Studies: Fever and Respiratory Distress
Several case studies highlight the presentation of fever and difficulty breathing in various contexts. For instance, a 26-year-old female presented with a month-long fever and cough, which escalated to shortness of breath over three days. Examination revealed crepitus and a crunching sound synchronous with heartbeats, indicative of underlying respiratory complications2. Similarly, a 15-year-old girl exhibited fever, chest pain, and severe respiratory distress, leading to a diagnosis of septic shock and necessitating intensive care4. Another case involved a 10-year-old girl with fever and labored breathing, who had been sleeping sitting up to alleviate symptoms, indicating significant respiratory discomfort5.
Acute Respiratory Infections in Children
In a study conducted in West Java, Indonesia, local beliefs and practices surrounding acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children were explored. Mothers often associated ARI with environmental factors like drafts or weather changes. When children exhibited fever or difficulty breathing, mothers increased the variety of medicines used. Notably, there was more concern about fever than difficulty breathing, which sometimes delayed effective medical care3.
Systematic Assessment of Fever Symptoms
The Fever Assessment Tool (FAST) was developed to systematically study the symptoms associated with febrile states in adults. The tool identified that symptoms such as difficulty breathing were significantly associated with fever. This finding underscores the importance of recognizing respiratory symptoms as part of the febrile response in clinical settings6.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Fever
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the presence of fever, along with increased shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms, signals a need for caution. These symptoms may indicate an exacerbation of the disease, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent further complications9.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
A case of community-acquired pneumonia in a 65-year-old man highlighted the typical presentation of fever and productive cough, accompanied by respiratory distress. Physical examination and radiographic findings confirmed the diagnosis, emphasizing the need for appropriate treatment to manage the infection and alleviate respiratory symptoms10.
Conclusion
Fever and difficulty breathing are critical symptoms observed in various respiratory conditions, including COVID-19, acute respiratory infections in children, COPD, and community-acquired pneumonia. Recognizing these symptoms and understanding their implications can aid in timely diagnosis and effective management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Smell dysfunction: a biomarker for COVID‐19
Smell dysfunction may serve as a biomarker for COVID-19, as it has been associated with patient-reported symptoms but no empirical olfactory testing has been performed.
Highly CitedA female with fever and shortness of breath
A 26-year-old female with fever, cough, and shortness of breath had poor nutritional status and anemic status, and a chest X-ray showed miliary tubercles.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalAcute respiratory illnesses in children under five years in Indramayu, west Java, Indonesia: a rapid ethnographic assessment.
In rural West Java, Indonesia, acute respiratory infections in infants and young children are often caused by cold air, exposure to drafts, or changes in weather, and often delayed medical care.
Observational StudyAdolescent with Fever, hypotension, and respiratory distress.
A previously healthy 15-year-old White girl presented to the pediatric clinic with chest pain and difficulty breathing. During the preceding week she had experienced a fever, sore throat, nonproductive cough, significant fatigue, and multiple episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious vomiting. She reported markedly reduced oral intake and decreasing urine output. She appeared fatigued and in severe respiratory distress. Her medical history was negative for smoking, drug use, or recent invasive dental procedures or orofacial illnesses. Her immunizations were up to date. She had noknowndrug allergies. A reviewof systemswas negative for headache, diarrhea, rash, or joint pain. She lived with her mother and stepfather and had no known sick contacts. In the clinic she received a nebulized albuterol treatment, with no improvement in her respiratory status. She was transferred to the pediatric emergency department, where she received a normal saline solution fluid bolus and was treated with intramuscular ceftriaxone. She was then admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because of continued hypotension, respiratory distress, and suspected septic shock. On arrival in the PICU, she was in moderate respiratory distress. Her vital signs were as follows: temperature, 38.3 C; respiratory rate, 50 breaths per minute; heart rate, 124 beats per minute; and blood pressure, 78/38 mmHg. She had a mean arterial pressure of 63 mmHg and oxygen saturation of 92% on 2 L per minute of oxygen administered by nasal cannula. She appeared jaundiced and had significant edema of the neck, abdomen, and lower extremities. Her head,
Case ReportA 10-year-old girl with fever and labored breathing.
A10-year-old previously healthy white female with a history of subjective fever and labored breathing for the previous 24 hours was referred to our hospital by her primary care provider. The patient reported she had experienced chest discomfort and general malaise for the previous 2 days; her parents had noticed decreased activity and perceived easy fatigability during this period. Her mother also stated that the patient had been sleeping sitting up to relieve symptoms. Review of systems was negative for nasal congestion, cough, or decreased appetite. Her parents denied any past medical history of asthma, heart disease, or recurrent respiratory infections. There were no sick contacts at home and her immunizations were up-to-date. Physical examination upon admission revealed a well-developed and well-nourished adolescent girl in mild respiratory distress. Her initial vi-
Case ReportA systematic approach for studying the signs and symptoms of fever in adult patients: the fever assessment tool (FAST)
The Fever Assessment Tool (FAST) is a reliable, valid, and easy-to-administer tool for identifying fever-related symptoms in adult patients.
Observational StudyA Rare Case of Cardiac Malignancy: Myxoid Liposarcoma
presented with difficulty in breathing for 1 week. Associated with orthopnea, the patient also complained of dry cough and fever. Fever was low grade, intermittent, and not associated with chills and rigors. No history of chest pain, palpitations, giddiness, syncopal attacks, or pedal edema was found. On examination, patient was and Tachypnea and tachycardia were noted. Oxygen saturation was 98% at room air. JVP (jugular venous pulse) was elevated. No pallor, icterus, cyanosis, lymphadenopathy, or pedal edema was found. Cardiovascular examination revealed muffled heart sounds. Examination of other sys-tems was unremarkable. and
Case ReportSymmetric cutaneous vasculitis in COVID‐19 pneumonia
COVID-19 pneumonia can cause symmetric cutaneous vasculitis, a rare but potentially serious cutaneous manifestation, with a high incidence in children with fever.
Rigorous JournalChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Yellow zone: Caution › The presence of a fever › Change in your cough › Increased sputum production or change in phlegm color › Increased shortness of breath with or without exertion › Audible wheezing or chest tightness › Weight loss › Difficulty sleeping or increase in the number of pillows needed in order to breathe comfortably › Increasing loss of energy › Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, frustration or depression › Worsening breathing symptoms that don’t get better after taking your rescue medicine
Rigorous JournalManagement of Community-Acquired Pneumonia
This patient should receive antibiotics and supportive care for pneumonia, as his blood pressure and respiratory rate are normal.
Case ReportHighly Cited