Every one of us has felt the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever brings along with it. It is one of the most common concerns among young parents. However, very few of us know that fever is part of our body's defense mechanism. It can be a disease itself as well as symptom for many other diseases. Fever by itself is not harmful or dangerous, and unless it is very high.
What is Fever?
Fever can be defined as a temporary increase in the body's temperature, in response to some disease or illness. Any rectal temperature that is higher than 100°F (37.8°C) is considered to be a state of fever. High fever can occur when your temperature shoots above 103°F. It is generally in response to an infection or inflammation.
What Causes Fever?
Fever can be cause by a number of ways and each of the causes gives the fever a particular name. These include:
- Viral Fever: Illnesses caused by viruses are among the most frequent causes of fever in adults.
- Bacterial Fever: Illnesses caused by bacteria are the second most frequent cause.
- Fungal Fever: Fever can also be caused by a fungal infection.
- Animal Exposure Fever: Exposure to certain animals can expose you to rare bacteria that can cause fevers.
- Travelers' Fever: Exposure to new foods, toxins, insects, or vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to fever.
- Drug Fever: fever can also start when the body is exposed to a certain medication.
- Blood Clot Fever: The pain and swelling arising from a blood clot can also lead to fever.
- Environmental Fever: Fever can also be caused due to extreme environment condition.
What are the Symptoms of Fever?
Fever always brings symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Sweating & shivering
- Headache, muscle aches and general weakness
- Dehydration and loss of appetite
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Convulsions
How to Correctly Check Temperature When Down With Fever?
The correct way to check temperature is:
- Wipe the thermometer clean.
- Shake it down so that the mercury level is at least below 96 degrees F.
- Keep it under the tongue for minimum of five minutes.
- Do not take an oral temperature right after eating or drinking something because it will alter the results.
- Read the results.
What Should I Do About It?
In case of a high fever, following measures can be undertaken:
- If it is a low grade fever, you don't have to worry about it.
- Try and take off any excess clothes or blankets. Make sure the environment is cool.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, ginger ale, fruit juices are an excellent choice. Avoid stimulants tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol.
- For food - prefer rice gruel as its soft, easy to digest and rich in nutrients.
- Put an ice pack on your forehead or damp rag.
- Get someone to massage your head, neck and back.
- A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given.
- Fever can also be treated through OTC drugs, including products that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
It is very easy to diagnose and treat high fever. Try the above mentioned natural cures for fever as far as possible, rather than giving aspirin or antibiotics.
