What is Fever/Pyrexia?
Fever is defined when a human’s body temperature goes above the normal range
Normal range 36-37C (98-100F).
Fever is a routine symptom in infants and children, which is a normal immune response to infection for generating elevated body temperature.
In very young children and infants, a slightly raised temperature indicates a serious infection.
Normal body temperature varies throughout the day –it is lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon and evening.
Immunization in children or teething can cause a low-grade fever.
Fever is the result of a body’s immune response to a foreign invader. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other viruses.
A digital thermometer is used to measure rectal, oral or axillary temperatures.
• The temperature in the mouth is over 37.7C (99.9F)
• The temperature in the rectum (anus) is over 37.5-38.3C (100-101F)
• The temperature under the arm or ear is over 37.2C (99F).
How to measure a fever?
• Clean the thermometer with alcohol and rinse.
• Placing the tip of the thermometer under the tongue.
• Keeping the mouth closed.
• The thermometer should remain in place for one to two minutes.
• Avoiding hot or cold drinks before temperature measurements
Rectal temperature will read approximately 1 degree higher than an oral temperature.
What are the causes of fever?
• Infection
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Medications
• Sun exposure /heat stroke
• Auto-immune disease, inflammatory disorders
• Seizures
• Cancer
• Medications reactions
• Ulcerative colitis
• Blood clots
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory infections
• Skin infections
• Fever after immunization
• Ear infection
• Sinus infection
• Viral and bacterial gastroenteritis
Physical activity, strong emotions, eating, heavy clothing, medications, and increased humidity increase body temperature.
What are the signs and symptoms of fever?
• Headache
• Feeling of cold
• Anorexia –lack of appetite
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Sweating
• Difficulty in concentration
• Sleepiness
• Weakness rapid heartbeat
• Severe vomiting
• Fever blisters
• Neck stiffness
• Confusion
Children with fever may develop febrile seizures
What are the investigations of fever?
• Physical examination –skin, eyes, ear, nose, throat, neck, chest and abdomen
• Blood test (complete blood count )
• X-ray of the chest
• Urinalysis
What treatment is advised for fever?
• NSAIDs ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs )
• Antibiotic
• Rest
• Removing excess clothing or blankets in high fever
• Room temperature to be comfortable not too cold or not too hot.
• A sponge bath is a good option
What is the prognosis for fever?
The prognosis for a fever depends upon the cause, depending upon the underlying cause antibiotics and proper medications can be given.
What are the complications of fever?
• Seizures
• Dehydration
• Hallucinations
What is the diet and management of fever?
• Maintaining hygiene
• Washing hands before and after food
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Drinking a lot of fluids
• Consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding contact with infected people
• Dress in light clothing
What are the commonly indicated homeopathic remedies for fever?
Aconitum Napellus
Belladona
Bryonia
Gelsemium
Sulphur
