Causes and risk factors
The body temperature is regulated by the centers in the brain. Normally the body temperature varies throughout the day. The body temperature is high in the evening and low in the morning hours. Certain common causes of fever are infections, inflammations, immunological diseases and various metabolic diseases. Environmental changes, exposure to extremes of heat and cold, overuse of certain medications and antibiotics in certain cases can raise the body temperature temporarily. Fever can also occur due to certain unknown cause which is called as fever of unknown origin. Fever can also occur post immunization in children. High grade fever is a major concern in children.
Clinical presentation:
As the name suggests the person complaints of increase in body temperature varying from mild to high grade. (≥ 103°F) Other associate symptoms like headache, body ache, shivering, chills and weakness, may be present. Decrease appetite or no appetite at all, dehydration, dullness and confusion and irritability are the other symptoms which are encountered. High grade fever can also lead to certain complications like severe convulsions. Every child with a temperature of more than 100°F be investigated for the underlying cause.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination is carried out by the doctor. A good digital thermometer should be used to record and monitor changes in the temperature. A temperature chart is advised for home care of the patients to aid the physician in treatment. Certain investigations which can be done are routine blood and urine test along with X-ray, ultrasonography, MRI or CT scan can be done to find out the underlying disease in severe cases.
Treatment:
Treatment varies depending upon the cause. Rest and stay cool, sponging with tepid water or cold sponging adequate dehydration is the immediate measures to be adopted. Finding out the underlying cause is the foremost priority .In cases with high grade fever close monitoring is required and hence hospitalization may be recommended. Antipyretic medications can be started at home on medical advised. Rampant use of antibiotics in initial should be discouraged until and unless indicated.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Recent updates:
Mc master University has published an article stating that the fever reducing medications can help to spread the flu more. “Taking drugs that reduce fever can increase transmission,” has been stated by the lead author David Earn.
