A fever and night sweats are symptoms that can have a variety of causes, from normal hormone changes, especially during menopause, to severe medical conditions like tuberculosis. Treatment options are as varied as the potential causes, as the underlying condition must be properly diagnosed and treated on an individual basis.
Night sweats often occur whenever a fever is present. Common infections, such as the common cold, can cause both symptoms in some patients, and they typically go away on their own once the infection is resolved. There is no effective medication to treat most viral illnesses, like colds, but over-the-counter medications will often provide relief from the symptoms. Bacterial infections can also cause a fever, and prescription antibiotics are often prescribed for those that the body can't recover from on its own.
Menopausal women often experience fever and night sweats due to hormone fluctuations during this time. When these symptoms are present, the gynecologist will often perform blood tests in order to determine if estrogen levels are normal. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy can help to ease these symptoms of menopause. Sleep aids may be prescribed since insomnia often occurs as a result of hormone changes.
If these symptoms become a persistent problem, a medical professional will likely order tests to determine if a serious illness, such as tuberculosis or leukemia, is present. Early diagnosis of these conditions can increase the chances of symptom relief and help to prevent complications. In most cases, however, these symptoms are not related to severe conditions such as these.
There are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help to provide some relief from fever and night sweats. For instance, some people find that lowering the room temperature before going to bed will often allow them to sleep better, preventing insomnia due to the discomfort of these troublesome symptoms. Taking a cool shower and drinking a glass of water just before bed is often helpful as well.
Taking a dose of aspirin or acetaminophen just before bed may reduce the fever that often leads to night sweats. Avoiding exercise or hot baths just before bed can also help to prevent these symptoms. Caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol can raise blood pressure, increasing the possibility of night sweats, so avoiding these things late at night may prove to be beneficial. Many patients also benefit from keeping a sleep log, which helps to keep track of anything that may contribute to the problem, such as room temperature or emotional stress.