Fever- an Explained Guide to Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies

A fever is generally a symptom of the body fighting an infection. Although it may be uncomfortable, knowing basic information about fever and what to do when someone has a fever can help you take the right actions.

What is a Fever?

Definition: A fever is the increase in body temperature, usually due to an underlying illness. Normal body temperature is usually with in the range of 97°F and doesn’t exceed till 99 F. Fever is when the body temperature goes higher than 100.4 ° F (38°C).

Body temperature regulation is mainly controlled by a region of the brain, called the hypothalamus. If an infection or disease develops, the hypothalamus may adjust the body’s thermostat to a higher temperature causing then fever. The temperature goes up because the body is fighting to get rid of this infection.

Physical Reactions Caused by High Temperature

An elevated body temperature initiates this cascade of responses fighting the infection and it just gets worse. The chemical called pyrogen is released into the bloodstream, making its way to the hypothalamus where it sends signals telling your body to raise its temperature. This temperature increase gives rise to a less ideal environment for bacteria and viruses, hence the immune system can work on fighting off the infection.

Nevertheless, some cases of extremely high fevers — above 104°F (40°C) — can be dangerous and warrant an emergency room trip. Symptoms of severe fever with cerebral manifestations include convulsions, delirium, abnormal behavior or irritability – headache, photophobia and difficulty breathing. In these cases, emergency medical care is vital.

Common Causes of Fever

Common conditions which cause a fever include:

Infections Respiratory infections, such as many colds or the flu COVID-19 Gastrointestinal (digestive) infections, including gastroenteritis Ear infection Throat infection Bladder/kidney/skin Infection.

• Heat Exhaustion: A condition characterized by over heating from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
• Inflammatory States: Autoimmune conditions like lupus, IBD.
• Drugs: Certain medications can induce fever-Core body temperature reaches approximately 101°F.
• Vaccines: Sometimes immunizations add a slightly fever because the body is busy immunity.
• Hormonal Disorders: Several medical conditions like hyperthyroidism cause abnormal increase in body temperature.
• Cancer: Some cancers cause a fever chronicTyphoid Fever Syndrome is an acute febrile illness associated with Prolonged Protracted Recurrent Type of clinical feature.

Home Remedies to Reduce Fever

A fever is a common response to internal infection and can be treated at home with the following remedies:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can also be a result of body temperatures that are too high. Stay cool and hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids; water, herbal teas, juice or broth.

2. Rest

Rest is essential to allow recovery. Taking a break and resting is very much needed as physical activity would increase body temperature among other things. Stay away from hard physical activities and give your body the recovery that it needs.

3. Stay Cool

Dress in lightweight clothes and make a light bed to sleep properly. Putting a cold, damp cloth on your forehead and wrists can help lower body temperature. Use fans or air conditioning to help keep the environment cool.

When To Go See A Doctor

Most mild to moderate fevers can be treated at home however, it is important that we are able to differentiate when professional medical help is required. Seek medical attention if:

The fever last more than three days.

In those cases, body temperature goes beyond 104°F (40°C).

You have serious symptoms (trouble breathing, chest pain…), protracted vomiting or altered consciousness.

In an infant less than three months old, a fever occurs.