Fever is when a human’s body temperature goes above the normal range of 36–37° Centigrade (98–100° Fahrenheit). It is a common medical sign. Other terms for fever include pyrexia and controlled hyperthermia.
What are the causes of a fever?
- Weather changes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Some medications
- Overexposure of skin to sunlight, or sunburn
- Heatstroke, caused by exposure to high temperatures or prolonged strenuous exercise
- Dehydration
- Silicosis, a type of lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust
- Amphetamine abuse
- Alcohol withdrawal
What are the symptoms of a fever?
Symptoms of fevers are based on the severity of them. Common symptoms include:
- feeling cold when nobody else does
- shivering
- lack of appetite
- dehydration — preventable if the person drinks plenty of fluids
- depression
- hyperalgesia, or increased sensitivity to pain
- lethargy
- problems in concentrating
- sleepiness
- sweating
- If the fever is high, there may also be extreme irritability, confusion, delirium, and seizures.
Prevention/Treatment
Care for a fever depends on its severity. A low-grade fever with no other symptoms doesn’t typically require medical treatment. Drinking fluids and resting in bed are usually enough to fight off a fever.
When a fever is accompanied by mild symptoms, such as general discomfort or dehydration, it can be helpful to treat elevated body temperature by:
- making sure the room temperature where the person is resting is comfortable
- taking a regular bath or a sponge bath using lukewarm water
- taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- drinking plenty of fluids
A visit to a doctor is recommended if fever persists after the home remedies. Oral medication might be prescribed.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266.php
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