Fever symptoms and treatment
Overview of Fever
A fever, medically known as pyrexia, is a temporary elevation in body temperature. It often serves as a natural defense mechanism, signaling that the immune system is fighting off an infection. Most fevers are caused by viral or, but other factors like heat exhaustion or inflammatory conditions can also trigger a fever.
In adults and older children, a fever might cause discomfort but is rarely a sign of serious illness. However, for infants, particularly those under 3 months, even a mild fever can indicate a potentially severe infection, making it crucial to monitor their temperature closely.
Fever typically resolves within a few days as the underlying infection or cause is dealt with by the body. While many over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can lower a fever, it’s often not necessary to treat it unless it is causing significant discomfort or other concerning symptoms.
Symptoms of Fever
Normal body temperature varies between individuals and fluctuates throughout the day, with 98.6°F (37°C) being the traditionally accepted average. A body temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher is generally classified as a fever when measured orally. The symptoms that often accompany a fever can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:
- Sweating
- Chills and shivering
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Dehydration
- General weakness
How to Take a Temperature
There are multiple ways to measure body temperature, each with varying degrees of accuracy:
- Oral Thermometer: Generally the most accurate way to measure core body temperature in older children and adults.
- Rectal Thermometer: The most accurate method for infants, as it provides a better reading of core body temperature. When feasible, rectal thermometers should be used for children under 3 years old.
- Ear (Tympanic) Thermometer: Convenient but less reliable, especially in younger children, due to difficulty in obtaining a precise fit in the ear canal.
- Forehead (Temporal Artery) Thermometer: Another convenient but somewhat less accurate method compared to oral and rectal thermometers.
When reporting a fever to a healthcare provider, it’s important to state both the temperature reading and the method used to obtain it, as the method can influence the interpretation of the fever’s severity.
When to See a Doctor
In many cases, a fever alone is not cause for panic. It can often be managed at home with proper care. However, in some instances, fever can signal a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Below are guidelines for when to seek help for infants, children, and adults:
Infants and Toddlers
For infants and toddlers, fever can be a sign of a potentially serious condition. It is crucial to contact a healthcare provider if:
- Your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Your baby is between 3 and 6 months old with a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C), or they seem unusually irritable, sluggish, or uncomfortable.
- Your child is between 7 and 24 months old, has a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C) lasting more than one day, and shows no other symptoms. If additional symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or diarrhea are present, contact your provider sooner.
Children
If your child has a fever but remains alert, responsive, and is drinking fluids, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, you should contact a healthcare provider if your child:
- Is listless, confused, or has poor eye contact.
- Is excessively irritable, vomiting repeatedly, or complains of severe headaches, sore throat, or stomach pain.
- Develops a fever after being exposed to a hot environment, such as being left in a hot car. Immediate medical care is necessary in such cases.
- Has a fever lasting longer than three days.
- Experiences a seizure related to the fever. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or the child doesn’t recover quickly, call emergency services immediately.
Adults
For adults, a fever isn’t usually a cause for concern unless it reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. In these cases, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Additionally, contact a healthcare provider if the fever is accompanied by:
- A severe headache
- Rash
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Stiff neck and pain when bending the head forward
- Mental confusion or changes in speech or behavior
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain during urination
- Seizures or convulsions
When to Seek Emergency Care
If a fever is accompanied by any of the above severe symptoms, or if the fever itself becomes dangerously high, it’s important to seek emergency care without delay. High fevers can sometimes cause life-threatening complications, especially when related to underlying infections or conditions that require immediate intervention.
Conclusion
While fever is often a natural and beneficial response to infections, understanding when to seek medical care is important, particularly in infants and older adults. Monitoring the fever, being aware of associated symptoms, and knowing how to take accurate temperature measurements are key steps in managing fever effectively.
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