The rise in body temperature, commonly known as fever, is a way of the immune system responds to an external infection.
However, sometimes it may happen that your temperature may increase and this fever can become a serious problem. Let us know the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of fever in this article.
Many micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and other kinds of microbes enter the physique, almost a day.
The immune system usually fights off these micro-organisms, which keeps them from causing any major problems within the body.
However, there may be times when the immune system cannot fight them all and eliminate them from the body. When a person's immune system fails to stop these harmful viruses, they usually cause infections in the body. It later presents itself in the body due to fever.
Hence the term viral fever can be used for a variety of infections caused by viruses.
Symptoms Of Fever
We called sickness in medical language to the reactions taken by the body when there is some kind of disease
Symptoms Of Fever
We called sickness in medical language to the reactions taken by the body when there is some kind of disease
Symptoms of Fever:
- Feeling cold
- Shiver
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Depression or depression
- Hyper-algesia – increased sensitivity to pain
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Problems concentrating
- Sleepiness
- To sweat
Causes of Fever
There are many causes of infection, such as:- The flu
- Chickenpox
- Pneumonia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Some medicines can also have side-effect.
- Exposing the skin to sunlight, or sunburn – exposure
- Heat stroke, either caused by exposure to high temperatures or prolonged strenuous exercise
- Dehydration
- Silicosis - a lung disease
- Can also be caused by alcohol withdrawal
Fever Diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis of fever is a simple process. In which the patient's temperature is taken, and if the temperature is above a level, then it will be called fever.
While measuring the temperature, keep in mind that the victim should be in a state of rest. Because any type of physical activity can increase our body temperature.
A person is said to be suffering from fever
- When the temperature in the mouth exceeds 37.7 °C (99.9 °F).
- The temperature in the rectum (anus) is greater than 37.5-38.3 degrees centigrade (100-101 Fahrenheit).
- The temperature under the arm or inside the ear is greater than 37.2 °C (99 Fahrenheit).
We should remember that fever is a symptom and not a disease. So when the doctor has confirmed the fever, then it sends the patient to get tested. And according to that test, the doctor further diagnoses the disease or fever,
Fever Treatment and Home Remedies
Patients don't require a prescription for a low-temperature fever, rather, a fever with low temperature is actually beneficial for our body because it kills the infection increased in the body.
Fever Treatment
In the case of a high fever, or a low fever that is causing discomfort, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Antibiotics do not cure viral infections, but there are some antiviral drugs used to treat certain viral infections.
However, the best treatment for most minor illnesses caused by viruses is often rest and plenty of fluids.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies of Fever
There are many home remedies that you or your child can do to give relief during fever:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Fever can lead to fluid and dehydration, so try to keep drinking water, juice or syrup. For a child younger than 1 year old, use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte. These solutions contain water and salts in the ratio of filling liquids and electrolytes.
- Rest: When you have fever, you need to rest a lot, as any kind of activity can raise your body temperature.
- Stay cool: Wear light clothing, keep the room temperature cool, and sleep with only a light blanket.
Prevention of Fever
Fever is generally caused due to bacterial or viral infection. Therefore, if you want to avoid fever, then always maintain cleanliness.Hygiene practices help reduce the risk of developing the infection. This includes washing hands before and after meals and after going to the toilet.
A person should have as little contact as possible with other people to prevent the transmission of fever caused by the infection.
Whoever is caring for the patient should regularly wash their hands with warm soap and water.
