Fever

Overview

A fever is defined as an increase in body temperature that is higher than usual. This is an indication that your body is trying to defend itself against an infection or illness. A fever in adults is defined as a temperature more than 100.4°F.

The usual temperature range is between 98.6 and 99.6°F. Most of the time, if your child’s or your own body temperature rises a few degrees over normal, it indicates that the body is healthy and aggressively battling an illness. However, if it rises higher than 102°F then it should be treated.

Following are some of the types of fever:

Yellow fever: It is a relatively rare illness. A fever, muscular aches and pains, and a severe liver infection with blood and yellowing skin characterize the yellow fever.

Dengue fever: A virus that spreads may cause severe flu-like symptoms. Mosquitoes spread it. The symptoms range in intensity from mild to severe.

Typhoid fever: It is a bacterial infection, affecting a number of organs and systems. If not treated quickly, it has the potential to cause serious complications and even death.

Valley fever: It is also termed as coccidioidomycosis, which is a fungus infection of the central nervous system.

Some people may have an emotional outburst when they see or touch a small baby. Even if they are already parents, their desire to have another kid grows. This syndrome is termed as “baby fever.”

Causes

Bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever following strep throat is one of the causes of fever. A vivid red rash that covers most of the body and lasts for many days characterizes scarlet fever. A painful throat and a high temperature accompany it.

Infections like rheumatic fever may harm the body’s organs including the joints. If the patient does not get appropriate treatment for strep throat or scarlet fever, he or she may develop rheumatic fever. To avoid rheumatic fever, it is critical to detect and treat these infections with antibiotics as soon as feasible.

Allergies and inflammation also result in fever. For instance hay fever, which is a contagious respiratory disease marked by cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sinus.

A viral infection can also produce fever blisters, commonly known as cold sores. Liquid-filled blisters appear as tiny, circular blisters on and around your lips. Blisters often appear in clusters or patches of different sizes and forms. After the blisters have burst, a scab will form that will last for a few days at most.

Some other fever causes are listed below:

• Medications
• Heatstroke
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Covid 19
• Sunburn

Symptoms

In addition, you may suffer the following fever symptoms:

• Chills, coldness, shivering, and shaking.
• Aches and pains throughout the body.
• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Sweating can be intermittent or continuous.
• Skin that is flushed or heated.
• Faster heartbeats.

Other sign of fever in newborns and toddlers include:

• Lack of appetite — not eating or drinking adequately.
• They may have earache or straining on their ears.
• Crying at a high pitch.
• Fussiness.
• The state of being pale or flushed.
• Extreme thirst.
• Urination has decreased.

Diagnosis

A fever is a symptom of an illness, not the condition itself. A doctor can diagnose a fever by taking the patient’s temperature, but they must also determine the cause of the fever.

To do so, they will check the subject and inquire about any additional symptoms and their medical history.

If the person has recently had another illness surgery or has pain or swelling in one region, it may indicate what type of infection is likely to be present.

The doctor may suggest the following to confirm a fever diagnosis:

• a blood examination
• a urine examination, imaging examinations

The cause of the fever will determine the treatment they recommend.

Treatment

A mild fever is a normal immune system reaction to bacteria, viruses, and other diseases. It aids the body’s defense against infection.

It can, however, be unpleasant, and a high fever can sometimes lead to consequences.

As a result, doctors may occasionally prescribe antipyretics to lower a person’s temperature.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are examples for the fever treatment. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also be used to treat fevers. Aspirin can assist, but it is inappropriate for youngsters and may not suit those who use blood thinners.

When To See A Doctor

You should consider medical treatment if the fever lasts longer than three to five days.If your temperature goes over 102 degrees Fahrenheit and does not fall within an hour of taking a fever-reducing medicine, see your doctor. If you experience a persistent low-grade fever combined with other symptoms such as severe headaches, stiff necks, throat swelling, or disorientation, see your doctor immediately. Serious illness signs, such as strep throat or meningitis, should be handled with extreme care.Even if you do not have any of these symptoms, your doctor may advise you to monitor your temperature at certain times of day or night to be cautious.

If you experience symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and believe you have been into contact with someone who has COVID-19, see your doctor about your treatment options.

Summary

A fever is an elevation in body temperature above the normal range, generally defined as over 100.4°F (38°C) in adults. It indicates the body’s defense mechanism against infections or illnesses. Normal body temperature typically falls between 98.6°F (37°C) and 99.6°F (37.5°C). While a mild fever can be a healthy response, temperatures exceeding 102°F (38.9°C) should be treated, as prolonged high fever can lead to complications, including dehydration and febrile seizures in children.

Fever can arise from various causes, including infections like yellow fever, dengue fever, typhoid fever, and valley fever. For instance, yellow fever, caused by the yellow fever virus, results in an estimated 30,000 deaths annually, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, affects approximately 390 million people each year, with about 96 million manifesting clinically. Other factors include bacterial infections, allergies, inflammatory conditions, and certain medications. Symptoms accompanying fever may include chills, body aches, fatigue, excessive sweating, and increased heart rate. In infants and toddlers, signs may also include loss of appetite, high-pitched crying, fussiness, and reduced urination.

Diagnosing a fever involves measuring body temperature and determining the underlying cause through patient history and physical examination. Doctors may recommend blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies to identify the source of the fever. According to the National Institutes of Health, blood tests can detect infections, while urine tests can indicate urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect about 150 million people worldwide each year. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom management, with antipyretics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen often used to reduce fever. Aspirin is not recommended for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to liver failure and death.

Medical attention is necessary if a fever lasts more than three to five days, exceeds 102°F (38.9°C) without response to medication, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like a stiff neck, swelling in the throat, or disorientation. It is crucial to seek care if fever occurs alongside respiratory symptoms and potential COVID-19 exposure; as of 2021, COVID-19 has resulted in over 6 million confirmed deaths globally. Overall, while fever is a common symptom, understanding its causes and when to seek medical attention is vital for effective treatment.

-Disclaimer-

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about fever or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.