Fever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 

  Conceptual Illustration of Fever

• 

  Febris by Virgil Solis

References

• MedlinePlus. (2021). Fever. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html
• Mayo Clinic. (2020). Fever. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Fever and Your Child. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Child.aspx
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2018). Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/preventing-spread-infectious-diseases

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