Fever: Difference between revisions

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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.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Fever
| image          = [[File:Symptoms-fever.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = A [[thermometer]] showing a high temperature, indicative of fever
| field          = [[Infectious disease]]
| symptoms        = [[Elevated body temperature]], [[sweating]], [[shivering]], [[headache]], [[muscle aches]]
| complications  = [[Seizures]], [[dehydration]], [[delirium]]
| onset          = Rapid
| duration        = Variable, often a few days
| causes          = [[Infection]], [[inflammation]], [[heat exhaustion]], [[medications]]
| risks          = [[Young children]], [[elderly]], [[immunocompromised]] individuals
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[thermometry]]
| differential    = [[Hyperthermia]], [[heat stroke]], [[thyroid storm]]
| treatment      = [[Antipyretics]], [[hydration]], [[rest]]
| medication      = [[Paracetamol]], [[ibuprofen]]
| frequency      = Common
| deaths          = Rare, unless associated with severe underlying conditions
}}
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.  
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
There are various factors that can cause a fever, including:
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.
* '''[[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.
* '''Medications:''' Some medicines, including certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and [[anti-seizure medicines]], can cause fevers as a side effect.
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* '''Immunizations:''' Some childhood vaccinations may cause a mild fever as the body responds to the vaccine.
* '''Immunizations:''' Some childhood vaccinations may cause a mild fever as the body responds to the vaccine.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
In addition to an elevated body temperature, fevers can cause a range of symptoms, such as:
In addition to an elevated body temperature, fevers can cause a range of symptoms, such as:
* Sweating
* Sweating
* Shivering
* Shivering
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* Increased heart rate
* Increased heart rate
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
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).
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 ==
== Treatment ==
The treatment for a fever depends on the underlying cause. In cases of mild to moderate fever, the following measures can help alleviate symptoms:
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.
* '''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.
* '''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.
* '''Rest:''' Adequate rest allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection or illness causing the fever.
== When to Seek Medical Attention ==
== When to Seek Medical Attention ==
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if:
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 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 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.
* The person with the fever is very young, elderly, or has a weakened immune system.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
To reduce the risk of developing a fever, it is essential to take measures to prevent infections, such as:
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
* Washing hands regularly with soap and water
* Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations
* Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations
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* Practicing safe food handling and storage
* Practicing safe food handling and storage
* Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest to maintain overall health
* Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest to maintain overall health
==Images==
<gallery>
File:fever-conceptual.svg|Conceptual Illustration of Fever
File:Virgil_Solis_Febris.jpg|Febris by Virgil Solis
</gallery>
== References ==
== References ==
* MedlinePlus. (2021). Fever. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html
* MedlinePlus. (2021). Fever. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html
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[[Category:Fever| ]]
[[Category:Fever| ]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]]
<gallery>
File:Fever_Patterns_v1.2.svg|Fever Patterns Diagram
File:fever-conceptual.svg|Conceptual Illustration of Fever
File:Virgil_Solis_Febris.jpg|Febris by Virgil Solis
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 15:53, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Fever
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Elevated body temperature, sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches
Complications Seizures, dehydration, delirium
Onset Rapid
Duration Variable, often a few days
Types N/A
Causes Infection, inflammation, heat exhaustion, medications
Risks Young children, elderly, immunocompromised individuals
Diagnosis Physical examination, thermometry
Differential diagnosis Hyperthermia, heat stroke, thyroid storm
Prevention N/A
Treatment Antipyretics, hydration, rest
Medication Paracetamol, ibuprofen
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare, unless associated with severe underlying conditions


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.

Causes[edit]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Images[edit]

  • Conceptual Illustration of Fever
    Conceptual Illustration of Fever
  • Febris by Virgil Solis
    Febris by Virgil Solis

References[edit]

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Fever&oldid=6546532"