What is fever
Fever is an abnormal increase in body temperature . This generally varies between 36.2 °C and 37.2 °C depending on the person, and fluctuates throughout the day with a minimum around 4 in the morning and a maximum around 18.
Temperature fluctuations also occur in relation to digestion, physical activity and, in women, the menstrual cycle. For this reason, the temperature should be measured at rest, at least half an hour after physical effort and possibly not during digestion.
Depending on the temperature, a distinction is made between:
Feverish | < 38 °C |
Mild or moderate fever | 38-39 °C |
High fever | > 39 °C |
Causes of fever
Fever in itself is not a disease, but a symptom , due to an infection or, more generally, inflammation. This causes the release of particular substances that stimulate the temperature regulation center, which is located in the brain, to raise the temperature.
The increase in temperature allows for both greater activity of the immune system and less proliferation of invading microorganisms, which multiply with difficulty at temperatures above 37°C.
Symptoms of fever
To raise the temperature inside the body, the body lowers heat loss by reducing blood flow to the skin (pallor), causes involuntary muscle vibrations (chills), and increases the heart rate .
Substances that stimulate temperature increase also have the ability to increase pain sensations, causing the classic muscle aches and headaches , which usually accompany fever, together with inappetence or nausea and general malaise.
Complications of fever
When the fever is particularly high, states of delirium and, especially in children, convulsions may occur.
In such cases, it is necessary to quickly bring down the temperature by resorting to the use of antipyretics.
Fever cures
If the fever is not high, the best therapy is rest combined with abundant fluid intake, and the consumption of easily digestible meals.
Given that fever represents a natural defense of the body, the intake of antipyretic drugs should be reserved for cases of high fever or in the presence of specific indications from the doctor.
The main antipyretics are acetylsalicylic acid , paracetamol , ibuprofen , ketoprofen , naproxen and diclofenac .
Antibiotics have no direct action on fever, but they can lower it if it is caused by a bacterial infection, while in the case of a viral infection they have no effect. They should always be taken only on prescription.
When to see your doctor
If after a couple of days the fever does not tend to decrease, it is advisable to contact the doctor who will be able to prescribe the tests suitable for identifying the cause of the fever itself in order to set up the appropriate treatment.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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