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Fever - Fever symptom, treatment, causes

Fever is an abnormally raised body temperature. Normal temperature, when measured in the mouth, ranges from 36.5°C to 37.2°C, being lowest at around 3 a.m. and highest in the late afternoon. Rectal tempera-ture is 0.3° to 0.5° higher and skin temperature up to1.0C lower than mouth temperature. Body temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, which monitors blood temperature and triggers mechanisms to compensate for changes outside the normal range, when the temperature falls too low, the hypothalamus stimulates shivering ( which generates heat through muscle activity) and constriction of skin blood vessels (to reduce heat lossfrom the surface of the body). Fever leads to sweating and an increased breathing rate, both of which increase heat loss.

A fever is higher-than-normal body temperature. It is a symptom caused by a variety of illnesses. Although a fever isn't an illness itself, it's usually a sign that something's going on in your body. Fever usually occurs in response to an infection or inflammation. However, many other causes are possible, including drugs, poisons, cancer, heat exposure, injuries or abnormalities to the brain, or disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system. If you're an adult, a fever may be uncomfortable, but it usually isn't dangerous unless it measures 103 F or higher. For very young children and infants, however, even slightly elevated temperatures may indicate a serious infection. It is a mechanism that the body adopts in order to control and stop the growth and spread of the harmful bacteria and thereby protect the body from their influence. As the day progresses, the temperature varies-it may increase or decrease. Fever can be a symptom of a wide variety of illnesses. For example, certain blood disorders, breathing problems, or inflammatory disorders may cause fever. Fever can also be caused by dehydration and some childhood immunisations. Fever is not always bad. Many times it is the way by which the body eliminates bacteria and viruses which cause the underlying conditions. It is also characterized by disturbance in the normal functioning of the systems. It is a common ailment, which occurs both in children and adults.

The main risk of mild or moderate fevers is dehydration. When a person has a fever, they need more fluids than usual. If you don't know why you have a fever, it's best not to try to lower your temperature. A fever rarely comes without other symptoms. It is often accompanied by specific complaints, which may help to identify the illness causing the fever. This can help the doctor determine which treatment is necessary. Because a fever can occur with many different conditions, other signs and symptoms can often help identify the cause. In some children between six months and six years old, a sudden increase in body temperature can lead to seizures (fits), which are called febrile convulsions. In many cases, it is a secondary symptom of the disordered state of the body with which it is associated the real cause of all fevers, including common fever, however, is the accumulation of morbid matter in the system due to wrong feeding habits and unhygienic conditions of living. Most people take medication against fever because the symptoms cause discomfort. Fever increases heart rate and metabolism, thus potentially putting an additional strain on elderly patients, patients with heart disease,etc.

Causes of Fever

Most fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections. White blood cells that increase in numbe rto fight infection release chemicals called pyrogens that act on the hypothalamus, causing it to raise body temperature in an attempt to destroy the invading micro-organisms. Fever may also occurin non-infectious conditions such as GRAVES' DISEASE. some AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE( in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack one or more of the body's own tissues) such as LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, some malignancies such as acute lEUKAEMIA, after a HEARTATTACK,and in HEATSTROKE. The common causes and risk factor's of Fever include the following:

• Viral or bacterial infections.
• Cold or cough.
• Measles and jaundice.
• Pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Ear infection.
• Viral gastroenteritis or bacterial gastroenteritis.
• Infectious mononucleosis.
• Urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of Fever

Patients may become pale, shiver and feel cold as their temperature rises. Once established, a fever may be accompanied by headache. thirst, flushed face and hot, dry skin. There may also be sweating, feelings of weakness and light-headedness, aching muscles and joints. loss of appetite, and increased pulse and breathing rates. The higher the temperature, the worse the symptoms become. Rapidly rising fevers may result in febrile CONVULSIONS, while a very high fever may lead to coma. Some sign and symptoms related to Fever are as follows:

• Severe muscle aches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Body pain.
• Generalized weakness.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Neck stiffness, drowsiness.

Treament of Fever

Fever subsides when its cause is eliminated. Meanwhile, symptoms may be relieved by bed rest, cool sponging, aspirin for adults and paracetamol for children, and plenty of fluids, consult a doctor if the fever rises above 40°C; steadily worsens; is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as severe headache, abdominal or chest pain, or urinary symptoms; or persists beyond 3 days. Here is list of the methods for treating Fever:

• Apply a cold wet cloth on the forehead every five minutes.
• Give medication to lower the fever (acetaminophen suppositories in the rectum, if available). Oral medications should not be given until the child is awake.
• Plenty of water should be given to drink. It helps to bring down the temperature. Unless water is given to drink, temperature does not come down in spite of good medication.
• Aspirin is very effective for treating fever in adults. .
• Don't use any medicine to reduce fever in children under three months of age without first contacting a physician.