Fever: Symptoms and Treatments Options

Types of Fever

There are several types of fever, classified based on their duration, pattern, and cause. Here are the main types:

Continuous Fever (Sustained Fever)

The body temperature remains consistently elevated above normal, usually above 100.4°F or 38°C, throughout the day, with very little fluctuation.

Common causes: Typhoid fever or other bacterial infections.

Intermittent Fever

The temperature rises above normal but then returns to normal or below normal at least once in 24 hours.

Common causes: Malaria, certain infections, or abscesses.

Remittent Fever

The temperature fluctuates throughout the day, but it never comes back to normal. It stays elevated but may vary by a few degrees.

Common causes: Dengue fever, viral infections like influenza, or tuberculosis.

Relapsing Fever

This fever is characterized by high fever, followed by periods of normal temperature, often recurring in cycles.

Common causes: Lyme disease, some bacterial infections, or tick-borne illnesses.

Hectic Fever

A very high fever with wide temperature fluctuations, going between high spikes and normal temperature, is typically seen in severe infections.

Common causes: Septicemia, endocarditis.

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)

A fever that lasts more than three weeks with no apparent cause, even after tests and evaluations.

Common causes: Infections, malignancies, or autoimmune disorders."

Causes of Fever

Fever can be caused by a number of different infections, inflammatory diseases, and ailments.

Common Causes of Fever

Fever is a sign of many types of infections:

• Flu
• Abscess
• Appendicitis
• Bronchitis
• Cellulitis
• Common cold
• Diverticulitis
• Ear infection
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Pancreatitis
• Urinary tract infections

Other Causes of Fever

Fever can also be caused by inflammatory conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Conditions that Cause Fever

• Viral Infections: Such as the flu, common cold, dengue, or COVID-19.
• Bacterial Infections: Infections like strep throat, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.
• Parasitic Infections: Malaria or intestinal parasites can lead to fever.
• Heat Exhaustion: Overexposure to heat without proper hydration may increase body temperature.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause recurring fevers.
• Vaccination Reaction: A mild fever may occur after receiving certain vaccines.
• Post-Surgical Infections: Infections after surgery or medical procedures can lead to fever.

Symptoms of Fever

Fever is often accompanied by other symptoms, which may include.

• Elevated Body Temperature: A high body temperature above the normal range (98.6°F or 37°C) is a primary indicator of fever.
• Chills and Sweating: Alternating sensations of feeling cold and then sweating may occur.
• Headache: Many individuals with fever experience headaches or migraines.
• Muscle Aches: General body pain and fatigue are common.
• Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat during a fever.
• Irritability or Weakness: Especially in children or elderly individuals.
• Rapid Heartbeat or Breathing: May occur with high fevers.

When to Visit a Doctor?

Infants younger than 28 days might need hospitalisation for testing and fever treatment, as Fever could indicate a severe infection.

Take your infant to a doctor if they are:

• Younger than three months old with a temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C).
• Between 3 and 6 months old with a temperature over 102°F (38.9°C) and unusual symptoms.
• Between 6 and 24 months old with a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C) lasting more than one day.

Take your child to a doctor if they:

• Have a body temperature exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).
• Have had a fever for more than three days.
• Show signs of poor eye contact, restlessness, or irritability.
• Have a severe medical illness, compromised immune system, or recent travel to a developing country.

You should call your doctor if you:

• Have a body temperature exceeding 103°F (39.4°C)
• Having a fever for more than three days
• Have a serious medical illness or a compromised immune system
• Have recently been in a developing country

Diagnosis and Tests of Fever

• Fever is a symptom, not an illness. A doctor can tell if a patient has a fever by monitoring their body temperature, but they also need to find out what is causing it.
• They will be able to accomplish this with an examination, information about any new symptoms, and medical history.
• If the patient has had recent surgery, is experiencing another sickness, or has discomfort or swelling in one area, it is possible to identify the sort of disease that is most likely to be present.

To verify a diagnosis, the physician might advise:

• A blood test
• A urine test
• Imaging tests

The recommended course of treatment will depend on the cause of the Fever.

Treatment and Management of Fever

Treating a fever typically involves a combination of home remedies and, in some cases, prescribed medications. Here's how to treat a fever

• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Dress comfortably and use cool compresses to lower body temperature.
• Monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if needed.
• Depending on age and symptoms, Doctors may prescribe fever-reducing medicines like antipyretics or mild anti-inflammatory drugs. Always follow medical guidance for correct dosage and safe use.

Prevention of Fever

• Wash your hands regularly to prevent infections that cause fever.
• Stay away from people who are sick to reduce the risk of catching viral or bacterial infections.
• Keep your surroundings clean to avoid exposure to germs.
• Eat a balanced diet to strengthen your immune system.
• Keep up with recommended vaccinations to protect against preventable illnesses.

Home Remedies for Fever

• Keep the person with a fever at ease and avoid overdressing.
• Take a sponge bath or tepid water bath to help lower the Fever.
• Avoid submerging someone with a fever in icy water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Popsicles can soothe sore throats and provide hydration.
• Apply a cool, damp towel to the forehead.
• Ensure the person does not feel overly cold.

Lifestyle Changes of Fever

• Rest well to help your body recover faster.
• Wear light clothing and keep the room cool to stay comfortable.
• Avoid heavy physical activity until the fever subsides.
• Eat light, easy-to-digest meals to avoid stressing the digestive system.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading or catching infections.

Fever in Children vs Fever in Adults

Fever Symptoms that a Child or Infant Needs Medical Attention

Seek medical attention if your child is accompanied by:

• Severe headache
• Throat swelling
• Worsening skin rash
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Stiff neck and neck pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Listlessness or irritability
• Abdominal pain
• Pain when urinating.
• Muscle weakness.
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Confusion