What is Fever ?
Normal body temperature varies
with different people, but the average is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
(37 degrees Centigrade). Normal body temperature varies during the
day. It is generally lowest upon awakening in the morning. Food,
extra clothing, excitement, and anxiety can raise the body
temperature. Strenuous exercises can temporarily raise body
temperature to as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Menstrual cycles
in women can also elevate temperature by 1 degree or more. Most
children have higher body temperature than adults and seem to have
a greater daily variation.
Fever is a condition when the body temperature is higher than
normal temperature. It is a symptom, not a disease. Fever commonly
occurs as a reaction when the body, defence system. This happens
as bacteria and viruses cannot live at higher temperatures and so
are killed by fever.
What are the causes? Fevers can be caused by many Viral and bacterial infections,
including:
* Earache (otitis media)
* Gastroenteritis
* Acute bronchitis
* Urinary tract infection
* Infection of the upper airways, such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis
or laryngitis
* Dehydration
* Medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, barbiturates,
and drugs for high blood pressure
* Tuberculosis and meningitis
* Collagen vascular disease, rheumatoid disease, and autoimmune
disorders such as childhood rheumatoid arthritis, SLE (systemic
lupus erythmatosus), AIDS and acute HIV infection
* Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis
* Cancers such as leukaemia, neuroblastoma, Hodgkin’s and
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
There are many other causes of a fever. The causes may vary based
on age and gender of the person, as well as on the specific
symptoms and the associated complaints.
What are the symptoms? The signs and symptoms of a fever depend on the cause. In some
infections such as urinary infections, malaria or flu, the fever
may be associated with a chill along with shivering. Shivering
produces heat in the body and so there is an increase in the body
temperature. When the temperature goes down again, the person may
start to sweat. Other symptoms associated with fever are headache,
weakness, body ache, dehydration and sore throat.
How is it diagnosed? Fever can be diagnosed by using a thermometer to check the body
temperature. The temperature can be taken in the mouth or under
the arm. In children, a special thermometer thatcan be inserted
into the anus is usually the safest.
The physical examination may include detailed check-up of the
skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen to look
for the cause of the fever. Other tests may be used to diagnose
the cause of the fever. These tests include blood and urine tests
and in some cases X-ray examination or CT scanning may be
required.
What is the treatment? The aim of the treatment is to cure the underlying cause of the
fever. Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce
the fever because if it exceeds 102 degrees F, then it is harmful
in itself. A fever may return after the first dose of medication
and so medicines should be taken throughout the day as directed.
Extra fluids should be taken to avoid dehydration. Sponging or
bathing the body in lukewarm water can cool the skin and reduce
body temperature. Ice water or alcohol sponge baths should not be
used. Extra clothing and blankets are not necessary and will only
cause the fever to rise. Patients may require hospitalisation in
case the fever is higher than 106 degree Fahrenheit or the patient
becomes delirious or drowsy.
Fevers are Dangerous and Cause Brain Damage
Fever is not a disease
The best way to give
antibiotics
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