Feu

Fever
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Elevated body temperature, sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches
Complications	Seizures, dehydration, hallucinations
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, inflammation, heat exhaustion, medications
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Based on symptoms and measurement of body temperature
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antipyretics, hydration, rest
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Overview

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. It is a common medical sign and is part of the body's immune response to infection. A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above the normal range of 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F).

Pathophysiology

Fever is typically caused by an increase in the body's temperature set-point. This is usually a result of the release of pyrogens, which are substances that induce fever. Pyrogens can be either exogenous, such as bacteria and viruses, or endogenous, such as cytokines released by the body's own immune cells.

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates body temperature, responds to pyrogens by increasing the set-point. This leads to physiological responses such as shivering and increased metabolism to raise the body temperature to the new set-point.

Causes

Fevers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections are common causes of fever.
• Inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease can cause fever.
• Heat exhaustion: Overexposure to high temperatures can lead to fever.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, can cause fever as a side effect.
• Vaccinations: Fever can occur as a normal response to immunization.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of fever is an elevated body temperature. Other associated symptoms may include:

• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Weakness

Diagnosis

Fever is diagnosed by measuring the body temperature using a thermometer. A temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F) is generally considered a fever. The underlying cause of the fever is determined through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.

Treatment

Treatment of fever depends on the underlying cause. General measures to manage fever include:

• Antipyretics: Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce fever.
• Hydration: Drinking fluids is important to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Adequate rest helps the body recover from illness.

In cases where fever is caused by an infection, appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed.

Complications

While fever itself is not usually dangerous, it can lead to complications, especially in young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Potential complications include:

• Febrile seizures: These are convulsions that can occur in children with high fevers.
• Severe dehydration
• Hallucinations

Prevention

Preventing fever involves reducing the risk of infections and other causes. This can be achieved through:

• Vaccination
• Hand hygiene
• Avoiding exposure to infectious agents
• Managing chronic inflammatory conditions

See also

• Hyperthermia
• Hypothermia
• Thermoregulation

External links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Fever
• World Health Organization - Fever