What is Fever?
In clinical terms, fever or pyrexia is a body temperature above the normal range (37.8°C or 100°F). It is not a disease; rather, it is a symptom of an underlying disease/infection. Fever occurs temporarily in the body as a part of our immune defence that protects the body by fighting against infections. It usually subsides on its own or after taking certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
What are the causes of a Fever?
The hypothalamus in the brain controls our body temperature. In certain conditions, the hypothalamus resets the body temperature higher than the normal range, causing a fever.
Certain conditions responsible for fever include:
- Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections in any part of the body such as COVID-19, flu, malaria, urinary tract infections, typhoid, etc.
- After a dose of vaccine or routine immunisation in children
- Food poisoning
- Autoimmune conditions like arthritis, lupus, etc.
- Exhaustion
- Cancers
What are the diagnosis and treatment options for a Fever?
Generally, adults measure their fever by placing a digital thermometer in the mouth or under the armpit. In children under 3 years of age, rectal temperature is taken to check the fever. If you have other symptoms, the doctor will advise a few tests to look for any underlying infection.
The treatment of a fever involves OTC medications known as antipyretics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or diclofenac, to be taken every 6 hours or twice a day. Other treatments include antibiotics (as per underlying disease), fluids, and rest.
When should you consult a doctor if you have a Fever?
If your body temperature is more than 102°F (38.9°C), persists for over 48 hours, is accompanied by other symptoms like body ache, headache, loss of appetite, etc., one should immediately consult a doctor. After a thorough medical examination, the doctor will prescribe medications or ask you to undergo some diagnostic tests to look for an underlying cause. You can consult any of our experienced doctors at Yashoda Hospitals.
