Dealing with a fever

Fever is not a disease, but a symptom that may indicate the presence of disease. Fever is a medical symptom that describes an increase in internal body temperature to levels that are above normal.

Just like a refrigerator or an air conditioner our body has a built in thermostat (in the hypothalamus), which controls the temperature. Under normal circumstances a temperature of 98.6°F or 37°C is maintained.

When there is fever the hypothalamus resets the body thermometer to a higher level, thus increasing the body temperature to above 100 degrees C at which range life becomes uncomfortable for the infectious agents. Therefore, fever is only an innate defense mechanism of human body.

Causes of fever

# Infection: Viral, Bacterial or Parasitic infections are the major reasons for few fevers. While fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defense mechanisms, it is important to make a differential diagnosis of the infecting organism to start an effective treatment.

# Overdressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they’re over-bundled or in a hot environment because they cannot regulate their body temperatures effectively.

# Immunizations: Infants and children sometimes get a low grade fever after getting vaccinated.

# Cancers: Certain malignancies could result in higher body temperatures.

# Stress: Stress can also cause fever as a reactive mechanism in the body.

Fever facts

A simple touch on the forehead or skin can give an indication that the person may be having a warm body or fever, but still this is an inaccurate way and one needs to measure the body temperature using a thermometer.

Fever can be measured

• Orally(in the mouth)
• Rectally(in the anus/bottom)
• Axillary (underarm)

The following chart tells when to consider one has fever:

• 99.5°F (37.5°C) measured orally
• 100.4°F (38°C) measured rectally
• 99°F (37.2°C)measured in an axillary position.

Is fever alarming?

Fevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when one should seek medical help:

For infants:

If an infant has unexplained fever it can be a cause of concern and calls for immediate medical investigation. Contact a doctor if:

• A child younger than 2 months has rectal temperature of 100.4°F or above.
• A child older than 2 months has a temperature of 102°F or higher.
• A newborn has a normal temperature under 95°F rectally.
• If a child less than 2 months has unexplained fever, lethargic, irritable, unresponsive, it may be a sign of meningitis.

For children:

Children have the ability to tolerate fevers quite well. It is better to be guided by the symptoms rather than the temperature measurement. If the child is playful, eating and drinking well, there is no cause of worry. However, if the child is irritable, vomits or not eating and drinking fluids its best to be guided by a child specialist.

For adults:

An adult should immediately consult a doctor if he continuously records a temperature higher than 104°F for more than three days. Following symptoms should not be ignored:

• Severe headache
• Severe swelling of the throat
• Unusual skin rash
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficult breathing and chest pain
• Abdominal paindefine
• Pain while urinating