Fever: Causes, Symptoms and treatment
A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, frequently as a response to an infection or illness. It is a common symptom that indicates the body’s immune system is actively working to fight off an invader. Fevers can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, and they can also result from non-infectious causes like heat exhaustion, certain medications, or inflammatory conditions.
Body temperature
Regularly, your body temperature is very close to 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.0 degrees Celsius). A low-grade fever below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is usually not problematic, but if your body temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, this is viewed as a high-grade fever and you want to converse with your doctor about it.
Symptoms
- Elevated Body Temperature
- Sweating
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Dehydration
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Breathing Changes
- Nausea or Vomiting
Causes
- Infections: Diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms are one of the most common causes of fever. Examples include the flu, common cold, urinary tract infections, strep throat, and pneumonia.
- Viral Infections: Many viral infections, such as COVID-19, dengue, and Zika virus, can lead to fever as a primary symptom.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections like bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, and bacterial meningitis can cause fever.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections such as candidiasis or certain types of fungal pneumonia can also result in fever.
- Parasitic Infections: Certain parasitic infections like malaria, toxoplasmosis, and leishmaniasis are known to cause recurrent fevers.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease can trigger illness as part of their symptomatology.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, can lead to fever. Examples include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures or engaging in intense physical activity in hot conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, including fever.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly antibiotics and some antihypertensive drugs, can sometimes cause fever as a side effect.
- Vaccinations: Some individuals may experience a mild fever as a normal response to certain vaccines.
- Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia, can cause fever as part of their symptoms.
- Postoperative Fever: It can occur after surgery as a result of the body’s response to the surgical procedure.
- Inflammatory Reactions: Inflammation caused by various factors, such as tissue injury, can trigger fever. This could be from trauma, surgery, or certain medical procedures.
- Unknown Causes: In some cases, a fever may occur without an easily identifiable cause, and further medical evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying reason.
Treatment
It is really good to check with your doctor and to find out how long you ought to stand by prior to turning out in to be seen.