Fever

A fever, also known as pyrexia, is a temporary increase in body temperature above the normal range. While normal body temperature can vary from person to person, it is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Although a fever is not a disease in itself, it is usually a sign that the body is fighting an illness or infection. This article provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for fevers.

Causes[edit | edit source]

There are various factors that can cause a fever, including:

Infections: Most fevers result from viral or bacterial infections, such as the flu, a cold, or a urinary tract infection. The body raises its temperature to make it more difficult for the pathogens to survive and to activate the immune system.
Medications: Some medicines, including certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure medicines, can cause fevers as a side effect.
Heat illness: Overexposure to high temperatures or excessive physical exertion in hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which may cause a fever.
Cancers: Certain types of cancer, like leukemia and lymphoma, can cause fevers.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease can lead to fevers due to the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.
Immunizations: Some childhood vaccinations may cause a mild fever as the body responds to the vaccine.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

In addition to an elevated body temperature, fevers can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

Sweating
Shivering
Headache
Muscle aches
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Increased heart rate

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

A fever can be diagnosed using a thermometer to measure body temperature. Thermometers can be placed in various locations, including the mouth (oral), ear (tympanic), armpit (axillary), or rectum (rectal).

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for a fever depends on the underlying cause. In cases of mild to moderate fever, the following measures can help alleviate symptoms:

Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help lower a fever and relieve associated discomfort. Aspirin is an option for adults but should not be given to children with fevers, as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Fluid intake: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or broth, can help prevent dehydration caused by fever and sweating.
Rest: Adequate rest allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection or illness causing the fever.

When to Seek Medical Attention[edit | edit source]

It is important to consult a healthcare provider if:

The fever is unusually high (over 103°F or 39.4°C) or lasts for more than a few days.
The fever is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a stiff neck.
The person with the fever is very young, elderly, or has a weakened immune system.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

To reduce the risk of developing a fever, it is essential to take measures to prevent infections, such as:

Washing hands regularly with soap and water
Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations
Maintaining good hygiene practices
Avoiding close
contact with individuals who are sick
Practicing safe food handling and storage
Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest to maintain overall health

References[edit | edit source]

MedlinePlus. (2021). Fever. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Fever. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Fever and Your Child. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Child.aspx
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2018). Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/preventing-spread-infectious-diseases

Fever Resources
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