A robust immune system elicits many responses when a disease-causing germ invades the body. ‘Fever’ is one of them that helps suppress the germ from multiplying inside, ultimately eliminating it. Generally, we do not worry about fever in adults, as it resolves within a day or two. But there are certain cases when it becomes severe, prompting immediate medical attention. Read this blog until the end to learn about potential symptoms of a fever turning serious and arrange for a diagnosis before it’s too late. But before that, let’s quickly learn its mechanism!
Fever mechanism: Insights Explained!
Maintaining a normal temperature is essential for carrying out bodily functions. It is done by a small area in your brain known as the hypothalamus. But, when the balance between heat production and heat loss gets disrupted, you start to develop body temperature fluctuations (even if you are healthy)
When you contract an infection, your immune system is activated, and the hypothalamus may set your body temperature higher than normal. This, in turn, prompts a cascade of metabolic reactions within your system, resulting in increased heat production and restriction of heat loss.
Possible causes of fevers
Generally, fevers below 104 F (40 C) are considered normal and do not produce serious effects. Here’s a list of common causes that trigger them:
- Microbial infections (typically viruses and bacteria)
- Heat exhaustion
- Certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (when the joints get inflamed)
- A malignant tumour
- Administration of drugs, such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, etc. (Sometimes, antiepileptic medicines may also trigger fever)
- Taking vaccines for infectious diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pneumonia, etc.
Symptoms that you must not overlook
There are certain cases when you must treat fevers as serious. Following is a list of those:
For children
- When a newborn baby has a body temperature of more than 100.4°F (or 38°C).
- Appearance of symptoms like body aches and extreme shivering
- Not wanting to eat anything
- Persistent diarrhoea (lasting more than three days)
- Vomiting out blood
- Less to no urination
- Extreme weakness and famished look (associated with bluishness of skin, hands and feet)
However, if you notice any of the symptoms below, it’s vital to seek immediate medical help.
- Chest pain and gasping for breath
- Trouble while swallowing foods
- Purplish or reddish spots on the skin
- Lack of natural reflexes
- Experiencing seizures often
(Note: Do not give any medicine to an infant suffering from fever until the doctor has said so. Also, avoid giving aspirin, as this increases the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. It is a potential disease that may become fatal in the long term)
For adults
Typical symptoms to look for are:
- Body heat rising above 103°F (longer than three to five days)
- When no antipyretics work
- Recurrence of fever with repeated chills and shivering
- Night sweats
- Swollen face, eyes, hands and feet
- Having an existing medical condition such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or sickle-cell anaemia
- Coughing up abnormally-coloured phlegm (sometimes associated with blood)
- Prone to general infections and frequently falling sick
Seek emergency help if you see any of the below:
- Earache
- Throbbing headache
- Brain fog
- Not being able to bring the temperature down even after being exposed to heat outside
- Skin rashes erupting out of nowhere
- Pain in the chest
- Constant vomiting, loose motions, or tummy troubles
- Painful burning sensation while urinating (associated with backaches)
- Eyes becoming sensitive to normal light
- Having pregnancy
- If a tick has bitten you recently
- Undergoing chemotherapy sessions
Complications that can occur in kids
A fever in children may lead to loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs, pain in the eyes, and stiffening of the body. Although this may seem alarming to parents, most of these symptoms do not last for long and typically resolve on their own.
(Note: Kids between six months and five years old are at a higher risk of seizures due to a fever (known as a febrile seizure). Moreover, those who have experienced febrile seizures at least once will probably face another within the next year.)
What to do when a seizure occurs?
Follow the steps below if your child experiences a seizure.
- Lay him on a side (preferably left) or in a position where the stomach touches the floor or ground.
- Remove sharp objects that may be present near him.
- Make him wear light clothes.
- Hold your child to prevent injuries.
- Do not put anything in the child’s mouth or try to interrupt him.
- Call 911 or any local emergency number if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or normal conditions are not restored.
Ways to Take a Temperature
Typically, there are five ways to measure a person’s body temperature. They are:
- Rectal method: Involves inserting a rectal thermometer into the anus
- Temporal method: Done by placing a thermometer on the forehead
- Oral method: In this, a thermometer is kept under the tongue, and then closing the mouth
- Tympanic method: Done by putting a thermometer in the ear
- Axillary method: When the thermometer is placed beneath the underarm
For newborn babies and toddlers up to three years of age, it is very crucial to employ the rectal method for measuring body temperature. The oral and tympanic methods also give accurate results; however, they must be performed properly.
How to prevent fevers?
Fever in adults does not present any potential risks. However, it is always good to maintain certain precautions. Here are some tips for you:
- Keep updated on vaccinations: Immunise yourself and your children against infectious diseases, such as flu. If you have pets, vaccinate them, too.
- Follow public health guidelines: For example, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, etc.
- Maintain personal hygiene: Regular handwashing, especially before and after meals, after using toilets, post-workouts, and after visiting a sick person, can significantly reduce the risk of fevers. Teach these habits to children to instill a sense of control over their health.
- Always carry hand sanitiser: This is particularly beneficial when travelling on public transport or visiting places where soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eyes more often: These are the primary pathways through which microbes enter the body and cause infections.
- Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing: Use a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of infections to healthy individuals. Also, whenever possible, turn away from individuals who cough out openly.
- Avoid sharing personal objects: While it’s natural to share food, utensils, and water bottles with loved ones, it’s important to remember that this can also share potential infections. So, try avoiding these practices as much as possible.
Conclusion
A fever is not always harmful; however, it is always good to consult a healthcare provider to determine whether you have an underlying condition. Thus, do not sit back if you are suffering from a persistent fever. Book your appointment with local private GP services in London and get immediately tested!
