Pyrexia

Pyrexia, also known as fever, is a common medical symptom characterized by an elevation in body temperature above the normal range. This is often in response to a variety of conditions, most commonly infection, but can also be due to other causes such as inflammation, cancer, or drug reactions.

Causes

The most common cause of pyrexia is an infection, which can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Other causes include inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma, and reactions to certain medications.

Pathophysiology

Pyrexia occurs when the body's thermoregulation system is set to a higher-than-normal temperature. This is usually caused by the release of pyrogens into the bloodstream, which are substances that can affect the hypothalamus in the brain, which is the body's temperature control center.

Symptoms

In addition to an elevated body temperature, symptoms of pyrexia can include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and general weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pyrexia involves taking a patient's temperature and conducting a physical examination. Further tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause, such as blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies.

Treatment

Treatment for pyrexia typically involves treating the underlying cause. This may include antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory conditions, or other treatments as appropriate. In some cases, antipyretic medications may be used to help reduce the fever.

See also

• Hyperthermia
• Hypothermia
• Infection
• Inflammation

Pyrexia Resources
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