What characterizes a remittent fever?

A remittent fever is characterized by a persistent elevation in body temperature that does not return to the normal baseline during the course of the illness. This type of fever showcases fluctuations where the body temperature may vary somewhat throughout the day, but it typically remains above the normal threshold.

In contrast, a fever that returns to baseline would not fit the definition of remittent fever, as it suggests periods of normal temperature interspersed with fever. Similarly, a consistent and unchanging temperature or one that fluctuates widely could suggest different fever patterns, such as continuous or intermittent fever, but these do not accurately describe the nature of a remittent fever. The defining characteristic of remittent fever, therefore, lies in its sustained elevation without returning to normal, marking it as distinct from other fever types.