Fever Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature, in response to some disease or illness.

A child has a fever when their temperature is at or above one of these levels: 100.4 F (38 C) measured in the bottom (rectally) 99.5 F(37.5 C) measured in their mouth (orally) 99 F (37.2 C) measured under their arm (axillary)

An adult probably has a fever when their temperature is above 99 - 99.5 F (37.2 - 37.5 C), depending on what time of the day it is. Considerations Normal body temperature may change during any given day. It is usually highest in the evening. Other factors that may affect body temperature are. In the second part of a woman's menstrual cycle, her temperature may go up by 1 degree or more. Physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medications, high room temperature, and high humidity can all increase your body temperature. Fever is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever signals to us that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the person, not against. Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6 F (42 C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105 F unless the child is overdressed or trapped in a hot place. Causes Almost any infection can cause a fever. Some common infections are Respiratory infections such as colds or flu -like illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, infectious mononucleosis , and bronchitis Urinary tract infections Viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis

More serious infections such as pneumonia, bone infections (osteomyelitis), appendicitis, tuberculosis, skin infections or cellulitis, and meningitis Children may have a low-grade fever for one or two days after some immunizations. Teething may cause a slight increase in a child's temperature, but not higher than 100 F. Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may also cause fevers. Some examples are: Arthritis or connective tissue illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease Vasculitis or periarteritis nodosa

The first symptom of a cancer may be a fever. This is especially true of Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia. Other possible causes of fever include Blood clots or thrombophlebitis

 Home Care

Medications, such as some antibiotics, antihistamines, some seizure medicines

A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102 - 104 F, or 38.9 - 40 C). This does not usually mean you or your child have a serious problem. Some serious infections may cause no fever or even a very low body temperature, especially in infants. If the fever is mild and have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest. Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever. When trying to lower a fever: Do NOT bundle up someone who has the chills. Remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help. A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given -- otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up. Do NOT use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature. What else can I do to help my child feel better? Give your child plenty of fluids to drink to prevent dehydration (not enough fluid in the body) and help the body cool itself. Water, clear soups, popsicles and flavored gelatin are good choices. it. If your child is getting enough fluids, dont force him or her to eat if he or she doesnt feel like Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Keep the room temperature at about 70F to 74F.

Dress your child in light cotton pajamas. Overdressing can trap body heat and cause your child's temperature to rise. If your child has chills, give him or her an extra blanket. Remove it when the chills stop. Will a bath help lower my child's fever? Giving your child acetaminophen and a lukewarm bath may help lower his or her fever. Give the acetaminophen before the bath. If the bath is given without medicine, your child may start shivering as his or her body tries to raise its temperature again. This may make your child feel worse. Never use rubbing alcohol or cold water for baths. Eating and drinking with a fever Everyone, especially children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, popsicles, soup, gelatin are all good choices. Do not give too much fruit or apple juice and avoid sports drinks in younger children. While eating foods with a fever is fine, foods should not be forced.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call a doctor right away if your child: Is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher Is 3 -12 months old and has a fever of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher

Is under age 2 years and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 - 48 hours Is older and has a fever for longer than 48 - 72 hours

Has a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis o o o o o o o o Recently had an immunization Has a new rash or bruises appear Has pain with urination Signs of dehydration - Thirsty and dryness of body, tongue and skin Seizure or convulsions (often seen in children with high temperature) Continuous high fever more than three days Blabbering or confusion or delirium Stiff neck Difficulty in breathing Diarrhoea or repeated vomiting Swollen glands

Emergency symptoms

Complications list for Typhoid fever: The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Typhoid fever includes: Intestinal hemorrhage (see Digestive symptoms) Frank perforation Peritonitis Confusion Delirium Coma Death Bacteremia Pneumonia Hepatitis Cholecystitis Meningitis Tissue abscesses Endocarditis Kidney inflammation Sudden or gradual increase in temperature

The symptoms of fever may differ from patient to patient.

Headache Body pain Aching joints Shivers (rigor) Rashes which may burn and itch Restlessness Sore eyes Coating of tongue Loss of taste Thirst Blisters