Fever also referred to as pyrexia, is defined as having a temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the body’s temperature set point. There is not a single agreed-upon upper limit for normal temperature with sources using values between 37.2 and 38.3 °C (99.0 and 100.9 °F) in humans. The increase in set-point triggers increased muscle contractions and causes a feeling of cold or chills.It is one of the most common medical signs. It is part of about 30% of healthcare visits by children and occurs in up to 75% of adults who are seriously sick. While fever evolved as a defense mechanism, treating it does not appear to improve or worsen outcomes.
Meaning
Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or some other form of illness, such as a viral or bacterial infection, autoimmune disorder, cancer, or drug reaction.
Meaning of Fever
Symptoms
Fever is a common symptom that can occur due to various reasons such as infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. The severity and duration can vary depending on the underlying cause.Some common symptoms associated with fever include:
High body temperature: The most prominent symptom is an elevated body temperature above the normal range. The temperature can range from mild to high, depending on the cause.
Chills and shivering: Fever can cause chills and shivering, which occur as a result of the body trying to increase its temperature by generating heat.
Headache: Many people experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
Sweating: As the fever breaks, the body may sweat profusely, causing dehydration and discomfort.
Muscle aches and weakness: Fever can cause muscle aches and weakness, making it difficult to perform routine activities.
Fatigue: People often feel tired and lethargic, and may experience a loss of appetite.
Rapid heart rate: It can cause an increased heart rate, which may be accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain.
Dehydration: High fever can cause dehydration, which can result in a dry mouth, decreased urine output, and thirst.
Irritability: In some cases, it can cause irritability, restlessness, and confusion, especially in children.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Associated symptoms
A fever is usually accompanied by sick behavior, which consists of lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, sleepiness, hyperalgesia, dehydration, and the inability to concentrate. Sleeping with a fever can often cause intense or confusing nightmares, commonly called “fever dreams”. Mild to severe delirium (which can also cause hallucinations) may also present itself during high fevers.
Fever Causes
Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, including infections and inflammatory conditions. The most common causes are:
Infections: It is often the body’s natural response to an infection caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These microorganisms trigger the immune system to produce chemicals that raise the body temperature, making it harder for the pathogens to survive. Common infectious causes include the flu, colds, urinary tract infections, strep throat, and pneumonia.
Medications: Some medications can cause fever as a side effects, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and vaccines, which can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to a medication.
Cancer: Fever can sometimes be a sign of cancer, especially blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. Cancer can cause the immune system to produce chemicals that raise the body’s temperature.
Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Crohn’s disease can cause fever due to inflammation.
Dehydration: In some cases, it can be caused by dehydration. When the body doesn’t have enough fluids, it can’t regulate its temperature properly, leading to a fever.
In conclusion, fever can have many causes, ranging from infections to medication side effects. If you experience a fever, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Fever Risk factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a fever:
Age: Infants and young children are at a higher risk of developing a fever, as their immune systems are still developing and they are more susceptible to infections. Older adults may also be at an increased risk, as their immune systems may weaken with age.
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of developing a fever. This is because their bodies may be less able to fight off infections.
Exposure to infectious agents: Exposure to infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, can increase the risk of developing a fever. This can happen through contact with contaminated surfaces or direct contact with an infected person.
Chronic medical conditions: People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, may be at a higher risk of developing a fever. This is because their bodies may be less able to fight off infections.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can increase the risk of developing a fever as a side effect.
Environmental factors: Exposure to extreme heat or cold can increase the risk of developing a fever. Additionally, dehydration can also increase the risk of fever, as the body may have difficulty regulating its temperature.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop a fever. However, being aware of these risk factors can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk, such as practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, and seeking medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms of an illness.
Risk Factors for Fever: Environmental Changes
Fever Diagnosis
A range for normal temperatures has been found. Central temperatures, such as rectal temperatures, are more accurate than peripheral temperatures. It is generally agreed to be present if the elevated temperature is caused by a raised set point and:
The temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal) is at or over 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F).
The temperature in the mouth (oral) is at or over 37.2 °C (99.0 °F) in the morning or over 37.7 °C (99.9 °F) in the afternoon.
The temperature under the arm (axillary) is usually about 0.6 °C (1.1 °F) below core body temperature.
In adults, the normal range of oral temperatures in healthy individuals is 35.7–37.7 °C (96.3–99.9 °F) among men and 33.2–38.1 °C (91.8–100.6 °F) among women, while when taken rectally it is 36.7–37.5 °C (98.1–99.5 °F) among men and 36.8–37.1 °C (98.2–98.8 °F) among women, and for ear measurement, it is 35.5–37.5 °C (95.9–99.5 °F) among men and 35.7–37.5 °C (96.3–99.5 °F) among women.
Normal body temperatures
Body temperatures vary depending on many factors, including age, sex, time of day, ambient temperature, activity level, and more. A raised temperature is not always a fever.
For example, the temperature rises in healthy people when they exercise, but this is not considered a fever, as the set point is normal. On the other hand, a “normal” temperature may be a fever, if it is unusually high for that person; for example, medically frail elderly people have a decreased ability to generate body heat, so a “normal” temperature of 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) may represent a clinically significant fever.
Differential diagnosis
Fever is a common symptom of many medical conditions:
Infectious diseases, e.g., COVID-19,dengue, Ebola, gastroenteritis, HIV, influenza, Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, secondary syphilis, malaria, mononucleosis, as well as infections of the skin, e.g., abscesses and boils.
Adult and pediatric manifestations for the same disease may differ; for instance, in COVID-19, one metastudy describes 92.8% of adults versus 43.9% of children presenting with fever.In addition, it can result from a reaction to an incompatible blood product. Teething is not a cause.
Hyperthermia
Clinically, it is important to distinguish between fever and hyperthermia as hyperthermia may quickly lead to death and does not respond to antipyretic medications.
Types of Fever
Various patterns of measured patient temperatures have been observed, some of which may be indicative of a particular medical diagnosis:
Continuous fever, where the temperature remains above normal and does not fluctuate more than 1 °C in 24 hours (e.g. in bacterial pneumonia, typhoid, infective endocarditis, tuberculosis, or typhus.
Intermittent fever is present only for a certain period, later cycling back to normal (e.g., in malaria, leishmaniasis, pyemia, sepsis, or African trypanosomiasis.
Remittent fever, where the temperature remains above normal throughout the day and fluctuates more than 1 °C in 24 hours (e.g., in infective endocarditis or brucellosis).
Pel–Ebstein fever is a cyclic fever that is rarely seen in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Undulant fever is seen in brucellosis.
Typhoid fever is a continuous fever showing a characteristic step-ladder pattern, a step-wise increase in temperature with a high plateau.
Other types
Among the types of intermittent fever are ones specific to cases of malaria caused by different pathogens. These are:
Quotidian fever, with a 24-hour periodicity, is typical of malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi);
Tertian fever, with a 48-hour periodicity, typical of later course malaria caused by P. falciparum, P. vivax, or P. ovale;
Quartan fever, with a 72-hour periodicity, is typical of later-course malaria caused by P. malariae.
Persistent fever that cannot be explained after repeated routine clinical inquiries is called a fever of unknown origin.
Hyperpyrexia
Hyperpyrexia is an extreme elevation of body temperature which, depending upon the source, is classified as a core body temperature greater than or equal to 40 or 41 °C (104 or 106 °F); the range of hyperpyrexias includes cases considered severe (≥ 40 °C) and extreme (≥ 42 °C).
In contrast, hyperthermia involves body temperature rising above its set point due to outside factors. A common cause of hyperpyrexia is an intracranial hemorrhage. Other causes in emergency room settings include sepsis, Kawasaki syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, drug overdose, serotonin syndrome, and thyroid storm.
Prevention of Fever
Fever is a natural response of the body’s immune system to fight off infections and other health conditions. However, if symptoms become severe or prolonged, it is important to seek medical attention.
There are several ways to prevent or reduce fever symptoms, including:
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
Get vaccinated: Vaccines can protect you against many infectious diseases that cause fever, such as the flu.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms.
Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections.
Manage stress: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to manage stress levels.
Avoid close contact with sick people: Avoid close contact with people who are sick to reduce your risk of infection.
Take appropriate medication: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms. However, it’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and not use them excessively.
It’s important to remember that fever is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, and it can be a normal and healthy response. However, if you have concerns about your symptoms, or if they are severe or persistent, it is important to seek medical attention.
Fever Management
Although it is unpleasant, fever rarely rises to a dangerous level even if untreated. Damage to the brain generally does not occur until temperatures reach 42.0 °C (107.6 °F), and it is rare for an untreated fever to exceed 40.6 °C (105.1 °F).
Treating fever in people with sepsis does not affect outcomes.According to the NIH, the two assumptions which are generally used to argue in favor of treating have not been experimentally validated.
Conservative measures
Limited evidence supports sponging or bathing feverish children with tepid water. The use of a fan or air conditioning may somewhat reduce the temperature and increase comfort.
Medications for Fever
Medications that lower fevers are called antipyretics. Antipyretic ibuprofen is effective in reducing fevers in children. It is more effective than acetaminophen (paracetamol) in children. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be safely used together in children with fevers. The efficacy of acetaminophen by itself in children with fevers has been questioned. Ibuprofen is also superior to aspirin in children with fevers.
Additionally, aspirin is not recommended in children and young adults (those under the age of 16 or 19 depending on the country) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.Using both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time or alternating between the two is more effective at decreasing fever than using only paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Ayurveda treatment for Fever
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that offers natural remedies for various health conditions, including fever. The treatment approach in Ayurveda is to bring back the balance of the doshas and improve the body’s immunity to fight the infection-causing fever.Here are some Ayurvedic treatments:
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Tulsi leaves have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them an effective Ayurvedic remedy. You can consume tulsi leaves in the form of tea or chew a few leaves of Tulsi regularly to keep the body’s immunity strong.
Ginger – Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help to reduce fever. Boil a few slices of ginger in water and drink it warm to reduce symptoms.
Neem – Boil a few neem leaves in water and drink it twice a day to reduce symptoms.
Turmeric – Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to reduce symptoms. Add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime to help improve immunity and reduce symptoms.
Coriander – Coriander seeds have natural cooling properties that help to reduce body heat and symptoms. Boil a few coriander seeds in water and drink it warm to reduce symptoms.
Guduchi – Guduchi is an Ayurvedic herb that helps to improve immunity and reduce symptoms. Boil a few Guduchi leaves in water and drink it warm to reduce symptoms.
Sandalwood – Sandalwood has natural cooling properties that help to reduce body heat and symptoms. Apply sandalwood paste on your forehead and temples to reduce symptoms.
In addition to these remedies, it is also essential to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy diet to help the body fight the infection-causing fever. It is always best to consult a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any treatment.
Ayurveda Treatment for Fever
Homeopath
In homeopathy, there are many different remedies that can be used to treat it, depending on the specific symptoms and underlying cause. Some of the most commonly used remedies include:
Belladonna: This remedy is often used for fevers that come on suddenly and are accompanied by a flushed face, dilated pupils, and a throbbing headache. The person may also be restless, irritable, and sensitive to light and noise.
Aconite: This remedy is often used for fevers that come on suddenly and are accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, and a fear of death. The person may also be thirsty, but only for small sips of water.
Bryonia: This remedy is often used for fevers that are accompanied by a dry, hacking cough and body aches. The person may also be very thirsty but prefer to drink large quantities of water at once.
Pulsatilla: This remedy is often used for fevers that are accompanied by a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and a lack of thirst. The person may also be weepy, clingy, and want constant reassurance.
Gelsemium: This remedy is often used for fevers that come on slowly and are accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the limbs. The person may also have chills, a headache, and a sore throat.
Important to note
It is always important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have a fever that lasts for more than a few days, or if you experience other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or severe headache.
Homeopathy Treatment for Fever
Epidemiology
Fever is one of the most common medical signs. It is part of about 30% of healthcare visits by children and occurs in up to 75% of adults who are seriously sick. About 5% of people who go to an emergency room have a fever.
Conclusion
In view of the above, I am confident that you have learned the basics of fever, its meaning, symptoms, causes, risk factors, types, diagnosis, prevention, management, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy. Now is the right time to use acquired knowledge for solving related problems.
Frequently asked questions
Before posting your query, kindly go through the:
What is the meaning of fever?
Fever is a medical condition characterized by an increase in body temperature above the normal range. It is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or some other form of illness, such as a viral or bacterial infection, autoimmune disorder, cancer, or drug reaction.
Which are the associated symptoms of fever?
A fever is usually accompanied by sick behavior, which consists of lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, sleepiness, hyperalgesia, dehydration, and the inability to concentrate. Sleeping with a fever can often cause intense or confusing nightmares, commonly called “fever dreams”. Mild to severe delirium (which can also cause hallucinations) may also present itself during high fevers.
Which are the medications for fever?
Medications that lower fevers are called Antipyretics. Antipyretic ibuprofen is effective in reducing fevers in children. It is more effective than acetaminophen (paracetamol) in children. Ibuprofen is also superior to aspirin in children with fevers.
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