A high fever is a natural response of the body to an infection or other health problem. However, sometimes this condition can be dangerous and may require intervention.  In the rest of the article, you can get answers to questions such as "What causes fever?" or "How does fever decrease?" so that you can be more aware of what to do in case of fever in the body.

What Causes High Fever?

A high fever is often a defense mechanism that the body uses to fight infections and other medical conditions. Viral or bacterial infections are among the most common causes of high fever. For example, colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and skin infections can cause high fever.

However, the cause of fever in adults is not always infection. Autoimmune diseases, some types of cancer, heat stroke, and side effects of some medications can also cause fever. In particular, autoimmune diseases activate the body's defense mechanism against its own tissues. This causes inflammation and therefore fever.

In addition to all this, some people may experience high fevers when they are stressed or tired. These types of fevers are usually shorter and can go away on their own without an underlying health problem. However, a fever that does not go down should definitely be evaluated by a health professional.

In conclusion, the causes of high fever can be very diverse and in most cases it acts as a type of defense mechanism of the body. However, it is important to see a health care professional in cases of persistent or very high fever. Remember, fever is a symptom and a detailed evaluation may be required to determine the underlying cause.

What are the symptoms of high fever?

A high fever can often indicate an infection or other medical problem. However, fever can come with many different symptoms. Here are some important signs of a high fever

Increased Body Temperature

The most obvious symptom is a higher than normal body temperature measured by a thermometer. Symptoms of high fever in adults usually manifest as a fever in the head. For adults, a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered high.

Shivering or Chills

Symptoms of a high fever may include shivering and chills. Shivering or chills, which often occur at the beginning of a fever, are a sign that the body is trying to re-establish its temperature balance.

Headache

A high fever is often accompanied by a headache. This can be caused by pressure on the brain as the body fights an infection.

Weakness

A fever can cause low energy levels in the body and general weakness. This means that the body is trying to conserve its energy to fight the infection.

Sweating

A high fever can also cause sweating, which is a sign that your body is trying to lower its temperature and fight infection.

Rapid Heartbeat

A fever can cause an increased heart rate. This is usually because the body needs more oxygen and nutrients.

Respiratory Problems

High fever can cause rapid and shallow breathing, especially in severe infections. This condition requires medical evaluation.

It is important to see a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms of high fever.

How to Reduce Fever?

High fever can be a disturbing and worrying situation. The underlying causes of high fever should be determined and treatment should be applied accordingly. Below are some suggestions that can be applied to reduce high fever

Drink Plenty of Liquids

High fever can cause the body to lose water. Therefore, it is important to consume plenty of water or herbal tea. In this way, you can help balance body temperature. 5 If your high fever is caused by a cold, you can learn what teas are good for colds and consume them during the illness.

Dress Lightly and Thinly

In case of high fever, you can choose to wear light and breathable clothes instead of heavy or layered clothes. This can help regulate body temperature more easily.

Don't Neglect Rest

During a fever, the body expends energy and needs rest. Bed rest can help the body regenerate itself. Therefore, you should get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal itself.

Consult Your Doctor and Take Antipyretic Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce fever when used with a doctor's advice. However, since these medications can have side effects, a doctor's advice is essential. In addition to medication, don't forget to pay attention to your diet. Good nutrition is important, especially in cases of high fever caused by a cold. You can get information about soups that are good for colds from our content.

Apply Cold Compress

Placing a cloth soaked in warm water on your face or forehead can also reduce fever. However, you should avoid very cold applications. Otherwise, the application can create a shock effect on the body and worsen the condition.

It is best to consult a doctor, especially if the fever is over 38°C (100.4°F) or lasts for 48-72 hours.

In Which Situations Should You See a Doctor for Fever?

A fever can often be a sign that your body is fighting an infection or other medical condition. However, not every fever requires immediate medical attention. However, if you experience any of the following conditions, you should definitely see a doctor.

High fever : For adults, a body temperature of 39.4°C (103°F) or higher requires immediate medical attention.

Persistent Fever : If fever persists for 48-72 hours or longer, a doctor should be consulted. This may indicate the presence of a serious underlying problem.

Severe Headache : If there is a severe headache along with fever, this could be a sign of serious infections such as meningitis .

Difficulty Breathing : If fever is accompanied by additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting, immediate medical attention is required.

Confusion or Hallucinations : Fever may indicate an emergency if it causes confusion or hallucinations, especially in the elderly or children .

Skin Rashes : If skin rashes appear along with fever, this could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction or infection .

The underlying causes of high fever can be complex and a professional evaluation is always required for a correct diagnosis.

What Should Be the Average Body Temperature in Adults?

What your body temperature should be can vary depending on a variety of factors. However, the average body temperature for adults is generally considered to be roughly 37°C (98.6°F). Below you can see what your adult body temperature should be:

Average Values : Generally, an adult's body temperature should be between 36.1°C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F) when measured orally (by mouth). Ear or forehead measurements may also yield similar results. 3

Variability : Body temperature can vary throughout the day. It is usually lower in the morning and higher in the evening. A woman's menstrual cycle can also affect body temperature.

Age Factor : As we age, body temperature generally decreases. This is especially important for the elderly because low body temperature can be a sign of serious health problems.

Definition of Fever : For adults, a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is generally considered a fever. In this case, a medical evaluation is recommended.

If the body temperature is 39.4°C (103°F) or higher, this may be a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Also, a high body temperature that lasts for 48-72 hours or longer may require medical attention.

As a result, the average body temperature for adults is usually around 37°C (98.6°F), but this value can vary depending on many factors. In case of any abnormality, it is best to consult a health professional. 1,2,3,4,5 In addition to high fever, you can also read about “ How to Cure a Cold? ” You can review our content.

Source

https://www.healthline.com/health/fever
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-adults/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759?p=1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/in-depth/fever/art-20050997
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fever