Fever :-
Fever is a rise in body temperature, commonly caused by infection.
Fevers caused by viral illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses.
High fever (about 41.5°C or more) is very dangerous and could activate convulsions.
Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, commonly caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, depending on individual differences). There can also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. Contrary to popular belief, the seriousness of fever is not atomatically related to the severity of the illness for instance, life-threatening meningitis may only give rise to a small temperature rise.
The fever activated by a viral or bacterial infection is caused by chemicals produced by the immune system, which reset the body’s thermostat to a greater level. Most cases of lenient fever resolve by themselves within a few days. Mild fever (up to 39°C) can literally help the immune system to get rid of an infection. In children between the ages of six months and six years, fever can activate convulsions. Fever of 42.4°C or greater, mostly in the elderly, can forever damage the brain.
Symptoms of Fever :-
The symptoms can include :
• Feeling unwell,
• Feeling hot and sweaty,
• Shivering,
• Chattering teeth,
• Flushed face.
Infection is normally the cause of fever
The cause of fever is commonly an infection of some kind. This could include:
• Viruses – like colds or upper respiratory tract infections.
• Bacteria – like tonsillitis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
• Some chronic illnesses – like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis that can give rise to fevers that last longer than two weeks.
• Some tropical diseases – like malaria, which can give rise to bouts of recurring fever or typhoid fever.
• Heat stroke – which involve fever (without sweating) as one of its symptoms.
• Drugs – some people can be susceptible to fever as a side effect of slecific drugs.
Malignant tumours.
Self-treatment suggestions for fever
Suggestions to treat fever include:
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in proper doses to help bring your temperature down.
Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water.
Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can lead to slight dehydration.
Sponge exposed skin with tepid water. To boost the cooling effect of evaporation, you should try standing in front of a fan.
Avoid taking cold baths or showers. Skin reacts to the cold by constricting its blood vessels, which will trap body heat. The cold can also give rise to shivering, which can produce more heat.
Make sure you have plenty of rest, including bed rest.
When to See Yours Doctor for Fever :-
You should always consult with your doctor in the following cases :
• You are still feverish after three days, inspite of home treatment.
• Your temperature is over 40°C.
• You are shivering and shaking automatic, or your teeth are chattering.
• You are hot, but you arenot sweating.
• You appear to be getting sicker as time goes by.
• You have uncommon symptoms like hallucinations, vomiting, neck stiffness, skin rash, rapid heart rate, chills or muscle spasms.
• You feel confused and sleepy.
• You have a critical headache that does not respond to painkillers.
• You have travelled overseas recently.
When to take immediate urgent medical attention.
You should see for an immediate medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:
• Fever with headache and a firm neck,
• Rash that does not blanche to skin pressure (indicates bleeding into the skin) This can specify a life threatening illness.
Diagnosis of Fever :-
Since fever is a symptom and not an illness, the basic cause must be found before particular treatment can start. Some tests can be required if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and have done an examination. These tests can include:
• Blood tests,
• Urine examination and culture,
• Throat swabs or mucus sample examination and culture,
• Stool examination and culture,
•X-rays.
Treatment of Fever :-
Treatment depends on the cause for instance, chronic tonsillitis can need surgery to take out the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Fevers caused by viral illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses. In cases of lenient bacterial infection, it is commonly best to allow your immune system to handle the problem, instead of taking antibiotics.
Fever in Children :-
On average, a child has 10 infections per year. Body temperature is not a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children. a child can have a lenient temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy.
Trust your own instincts, but take medical help if your child :
• Is aged six months or less
Has a rash,
• Having a fever of 40°C or more,
• Is still have a fever after a day or so, despite four-hourly doses of baby paracetamol,
• Vomits or has continuous diarrhoea,
• Refuses food or drink,
• Cries inconsolably,
• Seems listless, floppy or just looks not well,
• Convulses or twitches,
• Has trouble breathing,
• Is in pain.
If you feel at all worried or concerned at any condition have a talk with your doctor.