Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature that occurs in response to illness or disease. In children, a fever is usually identified when their temperature reaches or exceeds:
- 100.4°F (38°C) when measured rectally
- 99.5°F (37.5°C) when measured orally (in the mouth)
- 99°F (37.2°C) when measured under the arm (axillary)
In adults, a fever is typically considered to be present when their temperature rises above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), although this can vary slightly depending on the time of day. Fever is also known by other names like elevated temperature, hyperthermia, pyrexia, or febrile.
Body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, peaking in the evening. Various factors like menstrual cycles, physical activity, emotions, diet, clothing, medications, room temperature, and humidity can influence it.
Fever serves as the body's defense against infections, as most disease-causing bacteria and viruses thrive around 98.6°F (37°C). Children often experience high fevers during mild viral illnesses, reflecting the body's fight against infection. Serious brain damage due to fever is exceedingly rare and only occurs when temperatures exceed 107.6°F (42°C). Febrile seizures, although unsettling, are generally harmless and don't signify epilepsy or cause permanent damage.
Persistent fevers without a clear cause are termed fevers of undetermined origin (FUO).
A fever can be triggered by various infections, including:
- Bone infections like osteomyelitis
- Appendicitis
- Skin infections such as cellulitis
- Meningitis
- Respiratory infections like colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Gastroenteritis (viral or bacterial)
- Mild, short-term fever can follow certain vaccinations in children and adults.
Teething in children might lead to a slight temperature rise but usually not above 100°F (37.8°C).
Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease can induce fevers. Vasculitis or periarteritis nodosa may also be a cause.
In some cases, fever might be the initial symptom of cancer, especially Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia.
Other potential fever causes encompass:
- Blood clots or thrombophlebitis
- Medications like certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and seizure drugs
Home Treatment
If your fever isn't too bad and you or your child still feel okay, you don't have to do much. Just drink fluids and rest.
But if the fever makes you or your child uncomfortable, here's what you can do:
1. Don't wear too many clothes or use too many blankets. Keep the room at a comfy temperature.
2. Taking a lukewarm bath or using a damp cloth can help cool you down, but do this after taking fever medicine. Avoid cold water or ice, as it can make things worse.
3. You can use fever medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Follow the dosing instructions on the package.
4. Don't give aspirin to kids unless the doctor says so. It's okay for adults.
5. If your baby is under 3 months old, talk to the doctor before giving any fever medicine.
6.Fluid Intake:
Everyone, especially children, should stay well-hydrated with water, soup, or gelatin. Avoid excessive fruit juice or sports drinks. Don't push food if there's no appetite.
Remember, the goal is to make you or your child feel better, not necessarily to make the fever completely go away. If you're worried or the fever lasts a long time, see a doctor.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional:
Reach out to a medical provider when:
- Infants under 3 months have a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Infants aged 3 to 12 months have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
- Children under 2 years have a fever lasting over 24 to 48 hours.
- Older children have a fever persisting beyond 48 to 72 hours.
- Fever exceeds 105°F (40.5°C) or doesn't respond to treatment.
- Additional symptoms indicate a treatable condition.
- Fevers persist for a week or more.
- Serious medical conditions or recent immunizations are involved.
- New skin rash or bruising occurs.
- Pain during urination.
- Weakened immune system due to certain conditions.
- Recent international travel has taken place.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider as an Adult if You:
1. Experience a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it responds well to treatment and you feel comfortable.
2. Have a fever that remains at or goes above 103°F (39.4°C).
3. Suffer from a fever lasting more than 48 to 72 hours.
4. Encounter fevers on and off for up to a week or longer, even if they're not very high.
5. Live with a serious medical condition like heart problems, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other chronic lung issues.
6. Develop a new rash or unexplained bruising.
7. Experience pain during urination.
8. Have a weakened immune system due to chronic steroid use, an organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment.
9. Recently traveled to another country.
Call 911 or Local Emergency Services if You or Your Child:
1. Face an unsoothable crying episode (in children).
2. Cannot be awakened easily or at all.
3. Exhibit confusion.
4. Are unable to walk.
5. Struggle to breathe, even after clearing the nose.
6. Display bluish lips, tongue, or nails.
7. Suffer from a severe headache.
8. Experience a stiff neck.
9. Refuse to move an arm or leg (in children).
10. Have a seizure.
By Andrew Anongu, DailyHealth.
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