Fever also known as pyrexia, high temperature or high fever is a normal body response to a variety of conditions, the most common being infection, and is a very common medical sign. Therefore, low-grade fevers should normally go untreated unless there are other troubling symptoms. Fever is just one part of an illness and normally is no more important than other symptoms which may also occur such as cough, sore throat or fatigue.
Amongst different people there is a normal variation in body temperature so there is no single value that is defined as fever. However, the following temperatures are generally accepted as a fever, depending on how and where the temperature is measured:. The differential diagnosis of fever is large as it can occur in many diseases but its occurrence with other symptoms including chills, sweating, cough or sore throats can help narrow down the differential, and the majority of the time its cause is due to everyday diseases, including Influenza or Pharyngitis, which can be treated with self-care for a few days with a follow up to see if symptoms improve.
If symptoms continue to worsen or other symptoms like stiff neck, photophobia or abdominal pain develop then immediate medical help should be sought. The nature or the type of the fever and the duration should be considered as there are many types which could help narrow down the differential diagnosis you are considering.
This type of fever occurs in lobar pneumonia, typhoid, urinary tract infection, infective endocarditis, brucellosis and typhus. This type is seen in patients with typhoid fever and infective endocarditis. Pel Ebstein fever: There is regular alternation of recurrent bouts of fever and afebrile periods. The temperature may take 3 days to rise, remain high for 3 days and then remits over 3 days.
The patient could then be apyrexial for 9 days. Intermittent fever: In a 24 hour period the temperature is only present for some hours of the day and the rest of the time is normal. Learn more about normal body temperature and when a person should worry here.
It helps the body fight off infection. Acetaminophen Tylenol can also reduce a fever. Aspirin can help, but it is not suitable for children, and it may not be suitable for people who take blood thinners. If a person is sweating a lot, they may experience dehydration. In this case, they should consume plenty of fluids to prevent complications. A doctor may wish to carry out tests to identify the cause. If the fever is due to a bacterial infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic.
NSAIDs will not help if the fever is due to hot weather or sustained strenuous exercise. In these cases, it is essential to cool the person down. If they are confused or unconscious, they need immediate medical care. However, if they develop severe chest pains and have difficulty breathing, they may need hospital treatment.
Some people will need to spend time on a ventilator, which is a device that will help them breathe. Children with a high temperature may develop a febrile seizure. These are most likely to occur between the ages of 12 and 18 months.
These often result from an ear infection, gastroenteritis , or a respiratory virus, and they are not usually serious. Less commonly, they may stem from a more severe illness, such as meningitis , a kidney infection , or pneumonia. This type of febrile seizure can last from a few seconds up to 15 minutes.
However, it usually lasts less than 5 minutes. It does not occur again during a hour period. This type of febrile seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes, comes back more often, and tends to affect only a part of the body, rather than the whole body. A child who has a complex febrile seizure is more likely to experience epilepsy as they grow older. In most cases, a child who has a seizure should see a doctor. The doctor may suggest controlling their temperature with acetaminophen and ensuring that they drink plenty of fluids.
A fever is a symptom, not an illness. To do so, they will examine the individual and ask them about any other symptoms and their medical history. If the person has recently experienced another infection, if they have recently had surgery, or if there is pain or swelling in one area, it may indicate what kind of infection is likely to be present. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of fever Infection is usually the cause of fever Self-treatment suggestions for fever When to see your doctor for fever symptoms When to seek immediate urgent medical attention Diagnosis methods Treatment options Fever in children Where to get help Things to remember.
Symptoms of fever The symptoms of fever can include: Feeling unwell Feeling hot and sweaty Shivering Chattering teeth Flushed face. Infection is usually the cause of fever The cause of fever is usually an infection of some kind. This could include: Viruses — such as colds or upper respiratory tract infections. Bacteria — such as tonsillitis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Some chronic illnesses — such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis that can cause fevers that last longer than two weeks.
Some tropical diseases — such as malaria, which can cause bouts of recurring fever or typhoid fever. Heat stroke — which includes fever without sweating as one of its symptoms. Drugs — some people may be susceptible to fever as a side effect of particular drugs. Malignant tumours. Self-treatment suggestions for fever Suggestions to treat fever include: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down.
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration. Sponge exposed skin with tepid water. To boost the cooling effect of evaporation, you could try standing in front of a fan. Avoid taking cold baths or showers. Skin reacts to the cold by constricting its blood vessels, which will trap body heat.
The cold may also cause shivering, which can generate more heat. Make sure you have plenty of rest, including bed rest.
0コメント