Fever

Definition:

A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body.

For an adult, a fever may be uncomfortable, but usually isn't a cause for concern unless it reaches 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. For infants and toddlers, a slightly elevated temperature may indicate a serious infection.

Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever, but sometimes it's better left untreated. Fever seems to play a key role in helping your body fight off a number of infections.

What is a fever?

Fever refers to an elevation in body temperature. Technically, any body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 F (37 C) or the normal rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) is considered to be elevated. However, these are averages, and one's normal body temperature may actually be 1 F (0.6 C) or more above or below the average of 98.6 F. Body temperature can also vary up to 1 F (0.6 C) throughout the day.

Fever is not considered medically significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Anything above normal but below 100.4 F (38 C) is considered a low-grade fever. Fever serves as one of the body's natural defenses against bacteria and viruses which cannot live at a higher temperature. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated, unless accompanied by troubling symptoms.

Also, the body's defense mechanisms seem to work more efficiently at a higher temperature. Fever is just one part of an illness, many times no more important than the presence of other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fatigue, joint pains or aches, chills, nausea, etc.

Fevers of 104 F (40 C) or higher demand immediate home treatment and prompt medical attention, as they can result in delirium and convulsions, particularly in infants and children.

Fever should not be confused with hyperthermia, which is a defect in your body's response to heat (thermoregulation), which can also raise the body temperature. This is usually caused by external sources such as being in a hot environment.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/27/2014

What causes a fever?

Fever is the result of an immune response by your body to a foreign invader. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, drugs, or other toxins.

These foreign invaders are considered fever-producing substances (called pyrogens), which trigger the body's immune response. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point in order to help the body fight off the infection.

Fever is a common symptom of most infections. In children, immunizations orteething in may cause low-grade fever.Autoimmune disorders, medication reactions, seizures, or cancer may also cause fevers.

What are the signs and symptoms of a fever?

Temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and childrenA fever can cause you to feel very uncomfortable. Signs and symptoms of a fever include the following:

• Shivering, shaking, chills
• Aching muscles and joints
• Headache
• Intermittent sweats
• Rapid heart rate and/or palpitations
• Skin flushing
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
• Weakness
• With very high temperature (> 104 F/40 C), convulsions, hallucination, or confusion is possible. Seek medical attention.

How is a fever diagnosed?

Along with having the generalized symptoms of a fever, taking your temperature with a thermometer can confirm the diagnosis of a fever. A temperature greater than 100.4 F in adults or children is considered a fever.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/27/2014

Types of Fever :

                              1. continued fever _ এক্ষেএে জ্বর সমানভাবে চলবে । খুব বেশি ওঠানামা করেনা। করলেও 1c  or 1F.. Example:  Numania

2.  Remittent........ Example : Trifoed.

3. Intermittent .... Example: Melaria
4. Hectic Fever.....Example : Hectic fever


Treatment :
                   Paracetamol_       1 tab / 3 times ( Tab. Napa, Pyrac, Ace)
                   Diazipam__  Tab. clobit 10mg    1tab.. only night,  Tab. keolax 10 mg... 1tab.. morning and night after meel