Verified By Apollo General Physician July 12, 2022
8582A fever is a short-term increase in body temperature that is caused as a result of an illness. It is one part of an overall response from the immune system of the body. Having a fever indicates that something is not normal with the body.
While a slight fever may hit a healthy adult very hard, a baby can be quite comfortable even with a high temperature. The reverse of these scenarios can also occur. Therefore, a fever can be treated depending upon its intensity and the overall symptoms. The common symptoms accompanying fever are :
If a fever is accompanied by a rash, then people should consult with the doctor immediately so that the actual cause of the rash and fever is determined. Immediate medical attention should also be sought if the temperature of the body exceeds 103 F (39.4 C) and the person is experiencing symptoms like confusion, convulsions or hallucinations. Symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting can quickly be resolved by seeking medical attention.
To check the body’s temperature, a person can choose from several thermometers, including ear, forehead, rectal, and ear thermometers.
The oral and rectal thermometers provide the most accurate assessment of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers are convenient but do not provide the most accurate assessment of body temperature.
The doctors generally recommend checking the temperature of infants by using a rectal thermometer.
The reading of the temperature and how it’s taken must be reported to the doctor.
Most fevers are self-limiting and do not require a doctor’s consultation. Yet there are many instances when a person must consult with a doctor if the patient or their family members are sick.
Here are some of the situations when one must immediately see a doctor.
A fever whose origin is unknown in infants and children is a cause for greater concern than in adults.
Consult with the doctor if the infant is:
There is no reason to worry if a child has a fever and is conscious, making eye contact, responding to facial expressions, physically active, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Consult with a doctor if the child:
A doctor’s guidance is required especially when the child has pre-existing illnesses or problems with the immune system.
Get a doctor’s consultation if the body temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. If an individual experiences the following symptoms, he/she should seek medical attention immediately:
A person gets a fever when an area in the brain called the hypothalamus, also known as the body’s ‘thermostat’ shifts the set point of the normal body temperature upward.. When our immune system responds to a disease, the hypothalamus sets the body temperature higher. This stimulates complex processes that produce more heat and limits heat loss. The shivering an individual experiences is one way the body produces heat. When a person wraps themselves up in a blanket because of the chill, it helps retain body heat.
The normal body temperature of the body varies throughout the day, it’s usually lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon, and evening. Usually, people consider 98.6 F (37 C) as normal but the body’s temperature may vary by a degree or more, from about 97 F (36.1 C) to 99 F (37.2 C) and still be considered a normal temperature.
The following causes may be the reason for fever or elevated temperature
The cause of the fever cannot also be ascertained sometimes. If the fever lasts for more than three weeks and the doctor is still unable to find the cause after extensive evaluation, the fever is then diagnosed as fever from an unknown origin.
Fever-induced convulsions (febrile seizures) may be experienced in children between the age of 6 months and 5 years, which usually involve loss of consciousness and shaking of limbs on both sides of the body. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures are benign and cause no lasting effects.
If a seizure occurs:
Most seizures stop on their own. A person should take their child to the doctor as soon as possible after the seizure so that the cause of the fever can be determined.
Get emergency medical assistance if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
Fever can be prevented and exposure to other infectious diseases reduced if a person takes proper steps to follow and maintain a hygiene routine. Some of the tips to be kept in mind are:
When people have a fever, they must take the following steps to treat fever:
People usually have a baseline temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), although it can vary from person to person. It is perfectly normal for a person’s baseline temperature to be higher and lower. Fluctuations in daily temperature are also normal.
A rectal temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. An ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature
Many paediatricians suggest using rectal thermometers for infants and babies. You should consult a doctor to understand which type of thermometer can be used. People should also reveal the kind of thermometer used to record their child’s temperature to the doctor.
A fever whose origin is not known in infants and in children is a cause for greater concern than in adults.
People with compromised immune systems suffering from diseases like cancer, HIV, and autoimmune diseases should consult a doctor immediately if they catch a fever because it is often caused by an infection that can be resistant and difficult to treat.
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March 8, 2023