fever
an elevation of body TEMPERATURE above the normal, which accompanies many diseases and infections. The cause of fever is the production by the body of endogenous pyrogen, which acts on the thermoregulatory centre in the HYPOTHALAMUS of the brain. This responds by promoting mechanisms that increase heat generation and lessen heat loss, leading to a rise in temperature. Fever is the main factor in many INFECTIONS caused by BACTERIA or VIRUSES and is the result of TOXINS produced by the growth of these organisms. An intermittent fever describes a fluctuating body temperature, in which the temperature sometimes returns to normal. In a remittent fever there is also a fluctuating body temperature but this does not return to normal. In a relapsing fever, caused by bacteria of the genus Borella, transmitted by ticks or lice, there is a recurrent fever every three to 10 days following the first attack, which lasts for about one week. Treatment of fever depends on the underlying cause. However, it may be necessary to reduce the temperature by direct methods such as sponging the body with tepid water or by giving drugs such as ASPIRIN . As well as a rise in body temperature, symptoms of fever include headache, shivering, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. Above 41┬░C (105┬░F) there may be DELIRIUM or CONVULSIONS , especially in young children.
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. A normal temperature can vary from person to person, but it is usually around 98.6 °F (37 °C). A fever is not a disease. It is usually a sign that your body is trying to fight an illness or infection.
Infections cause most fevers. You get a fever because your body is trying to kill the virus or bacteria that caused the infection. Most of those bacteria and viruses do well when your body is at your normal temperature. But if you have a fever, it is harder for them to survive. Fever also activates your body's immune system.
Other causes of fevers include:
- Medicines, including some antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and anti-seizure medicines
- Heat illness
- Cancers
- Autoimmune diseases
- Some childhood vaccines
Treatment depends on the cause of your fever. If the fever is very high, your health care provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adults can also take aspirin, but children with fevers should not take aspirin. It is also important to drink enough liquids, to prevent dehydration.
fever