Fever

      Fever

Fever also known as pyrexia is defined as increase in body temperature above the normal range due to an increase in the body's temperature set point

What is normal body temperature?

  The normal body temperature is 37.2°C - 38.3°C 

 Fever is not a disease ,it is a symptom of a disease.

 It is the reaction or the response of the body to any type of infection

What can cause fever ?

Fever can be a symptom of following underlying disease in body :-

1. Malaria
2. Typhoid
3. Vasculitis
4. Deep vein thrombosis
5. Mumps
6. Measles
7. Drug induced fever (Amphotericin B, Antihistamines, Salicylates)
8. Urinary tract infection
9. Respiratory infections like pneumonia,cold,cough

 Common fever symptoms:-

• Body temperature more than 37.5°C or 100°F
• Body chills
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pains
• Weakness
• Constipation

Types of fever :-

  There are following types of fever :-

1.   Continuous/Sustained fever:-

      When temperature remains above normal throughout the day and does not fluctuate more than 1°C in 24 hours

  In following conditions it is seen:-

• Typhoid 
• Lobar pneumonia
• TB
• Urinary tract infections

2. Intermittent fever:-

   When the temperature is increased only for a certain period, later cycling back to normal range

In following conditions it is seen:-

•  Malaria
•  Sepsis
•  Leishmaniasis

 Subtypes of intermittent fever:-

  

1. Quotidian fever:- 

    This fever remains for 24 hour periodicity.

    It is typical of malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi

2. Tertian fever:-

    This fever remains for 48 hour periodicity

  It is characteristic of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium vivex, Plasmodium ovale

3. Quartan fever:-

    

  This fever is having 72 hour periodicity

  It is typical of malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae.

Complications of fever:-

  If fever of high temperature persist for long duration it can result in a condition called as Febrile seizures

Type of food to be taken during fever:-

  ✓ Plenty of clean and boiled water

  ✓ It is advisable to take glucose, health drinks, fruit juices etc. in order to support the body with sufficient energy

  ✓ Easy digestible foods such as rice 

    gruel, juices  should be preferred

Simple tips to follow during fever:-

•  Patient to be kept in well ventilated room
• Clean and soft clothes are advisable to wear
• Keep icecubes in order to lower body temperature
• Plenty of liquids to be taken
• Adequate rest should be taken

 When to look for a health provider:-

   A doctor is to be consulted when the temperature is >39.5°C or 103°F

                       Or

   When the fever is continue for more than 48 hours

Management of Fever:-

   It is not always necessary to treat as most Febrile cases recover without any specific treatment.

Medication for fever:-

  Antipyretics like paracetamol ( for adults and children) and ibuprofen

  should be taken.