A fever occurs when a person’s body temperature rises above the normal range (98-100 degrees Fahrenheit or 36-37 degrees Centigrade). It is also known as pyrexia or hyperthermia. Our brain has a region called hypothalamus that controls body temperature, and when this region isn’t operating properly, a fever can occur. Having a higher body temperature indicates that the body’s immune system is attempting to combat a severe infection.
Read on to find out the main causes, symptoms and treatment recommendations for fevers:
1. Causes of fever
According to medical studies, a person’s body temperature can vary throughout the day. Usually, your body temperature is lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon or evening. Other than time of day, factors like sleeping, eating, and exercising can also affect a person’s body temperature. When temperature rises above a normal range, fever occurs. Several additional circumstances can trigger a fever, including:
- Inflammatory disease, including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis
- Blood clots
- Viral or bacterial infection like a cold, pneumonia, flu, strep throat, or chickenpox
- Food poisoning
- Extreme sunburn
- Malignant tumor
- Silicosis, a lung disease usually caused by excessive exposure to silica dust
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Dehydration
2. Symptoms of fever
Fever symptoms may vary depending on what’s causing the fever. Some of the most common symptoms including the following:
- Severe headache
- General body weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Irritability
- Shivering, chills, and sweating
- Muscle aches
- Sleepiness
- Lethargy
3. Recommendations for treating a fever
Generally, fevers go away within a day or two. Symptoms can generally be managed with over the counter medication. If your fever lasts longer than three days, or if you’re not sure what medication to take, call your doctor for help. To prevent fevers in the first place, follow healthy habits like frequent handwashing, not sharing drinks, and avoiding contact with people who aren’t feeling well.
