Fever - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Fever is a very common symptom seen in individuals. It could indicate something going on inside the body that needs attention. The symptoms could range from mild to severe. Fever alone is not a disease; it is often a major symptom of most infections and inflammatory conditions. It is very important to understand how it is caused and how to diagnose it. This article aims to give an overview of the cause of fever, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, management, and ways to prevent it.

What Is Fever?

Fever is the increase in temperature of the body above normal levels, which is considered at 37.5 degrees Celsius in oral measurement. There can be slight variations in the normal temperature in certain conditions. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, regulates the body temperature. The defense system gets activated whenever the body detects an injury or infectious condition. A release of cytokines affects the hypothalamus and increases the body's temperature setpoint. This starts a series of reactions in the body to increase and maintain the heat. All these lead to fever.

What Are the Common Conditions That Cause Fever?

Fever is commonly seen in the following conditions:

Viral and bacterial infections in which fever is commonly seen:

• Influenza.

• Common cold.

• Dengue.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Pneumonia.

• Meningitis.

• Syphilis.

• Typhoid fever.

• Tuberculosis.

Parasitic infections causing fever include:

• Malaria.

• Leishmaniasis.

• Toxoplasmosis.

Fungal infections causing fever include:

• Candidiasis.

• Histoplasmosis.

Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also lead to fever.

Cancers: Certain cancers, such as blood cancer, have fever as a common symptom.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) also have fever as a symptom.

What Are the Symptoms of Fever?

The symptoms of fever vary depending on the condition's cause and severity.

1. Elevated body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.

2. Chills or sweating.

3. Headache.

4. Muscle ache.

5. Weakness.

6. Appetite loss.

7. Dehydration.

How to Diagnose Fever?

Fever is diagnosed by measuring body temperature using a thermometer. Normal body temperature varies around 37 degrees Celsius when measured orally. Other places for measuring fever include rectal, axillary (armpit), ear canal, or forehead. Along with the measurement of fever, healthcare professionals should also conduct an assessment of the patient to figure out the cause of the fever. Additional blood tests, imaging studies, and cultures must be done to further diagnose and appropriately arrange for treatment.

How Is Fever Managed?

Managing fever mainly depends on figuring out the cause of the fever. Primary measures include:

1. Hydration: The individual patient is advised to drink adequate water so that there are no chances of dehydration, as when there is a high temperature, there will be sweating, leading to loss of water from the body.

2. Rest: The patient is advised to rest properly and not do strenuous work.

3. Cooling: Sponge baths, fans, and cooling blankets reduce body temperature. A cloth soaked in cold water can also cool the body temperature.

4. Over-The-Counter Medications: Medicines like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen help the patient reduce fever and relieve them from discomfort. It is best to consult a physician and follow the dosage as prescribed. Sometimes, visiting the doctor early helps diagnose serious conditions and start prompt treatment.

5. Diagnose the Cause of Fever and Initiate Treatment: When the cause of fever is an infection or other medical condition, it is necessary to evaluate and manage that. If not done, there will be recurrent fever and discomfort.

How to Prevent Fever?

Fever can be prevented by following certain measures :

1. Avoid Contact With Individuals Who Are Sick: Most fevers are contagious and have a high chance of spreading. Therefore, it is important to reduce contact with individuals who are sick.

2. Vaccination: It is advised to be vaccinated for all the common diseases like influenza, COVID-19, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); vaccines against Pneumococcal bacteria and tetanus all play a role in preventing these conditions, which also cause fever.

3. Good Hygiene: The general guidelines are to wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before food. Maintaining and handling food best while cooking and taking measures to avoid contamination are also important.

4. Stress Management: Taking stress for long intervals can make the body prone to infections, causing fever. They weaken the immune system and make the body defenseless. It is advised to practice meditation and other relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Avoiding processed and junk food, eating a healthy balanced diet, consuming an adequate quantity of water, and getting adequate sleep and rest are all part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This, in turn, affects human beings by reducing the chances of falling sick and also helps strengthen the immune system to fight against any infections.

What Are the Complications of Fever?

• Seizures: Small children have more chances of experiencing seizures during a high fever. Therefore, the parents are advised to be very careful and to feed the medications at proper intervals.

• Neurological Effects: Individuals with high fever often experience confusion and delirium. This can lead to neurological complications in some individuals.

• Worsening of Medical Condition: Fever can provoke the health condition of certain individuals and show an exacerbated response. Conditions such as heart failure and respiratory conditions are among them.

Conclusion

Fever is a common body response crucial for body defense against infectious agents. Fever is a physiological response and generally resolves with rest, hydration, and medications. It is to be noted that certain fevers are indicative of infections and internal inflammatory conditions. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of fever and prevent its complications. By following preventive measures, fever and diseased conditions can be prevented to a certain extent.