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Last Updated: Nov 09, 2019
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Can Fever Be An Onset Of Serious Ailment?

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Dr. Pratyush KumarGeneral Physician • 12 Years Exp.MBBS, DNB
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Fever is not a disease! It's a known fact that normal human body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). If the temperature goes beyond that, then it's called fever. But one must not worry every time if there is a rise in the temperature. 

Why?
The reason is that the immune system is designed to raise the temperature as a defense mechanism if there is an attack by a foreign body (such as bacteria). So body temperature may fluctuate between 97 and 100.4. But there is no need to worry.

When to Consider Checking?
A routine checkup is unnecessary. You may consider checking when:

*   You feel the warmth while you touch
*   You feel very tired, dizzy and lose appetite
*   You feel nauseated, see rashes on the body, experience loose motion, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, etc.

Is it Time to Worry?
Normally, fever is not dangerous. However, if you see the following conditions, then it's time to worry and call a doctor. 

*   If the body temperature is more than 103 F 
*   If the fever lasts for more than five days
*   If you feel difficulty in breathing
*   If there is severe vomiting or diarrhea
*   If you feel stiffness in the neck and have a headache
*   If you feel excessively sleepy and lethargic
*   If you see redness in skin, rashes or blood in the stool.

If the condition worsens, it is time to rush to a hospital. There could be the following:

  • Meningitis: it's life-threatening and highly transmissible in case of bacterial infection. A combination of a fever, extreme headache and stiffness in the neck is an indication that you must rush to the emergency department of a hospital near you.
  • Difficulty in breathing or chest pain along with fever should prompt you to call for emergency medical assistance.
  • If someone has fever along with blood in stool, urine or mucus, it's one of the reasons to seek emergency medical help.
  • If one has a fever and is quite disturbed or puzzled unnecessarily, then the person should be taken to the emergency department.
  • A person with low immune responses (such as one who is suffering from cancer or AIDS) needs doctor's help in case of fever development.
  • Hyperthermia: it's a condition of very high fever, i.e., more than 104 F. The person seems to be confused and may not respond to verbal stimuli or commands. It's time for a medical emergency.

What Should You Do?

For mild fever, home remedies may help. Aspirin shouldn't be the first choice and an absolute no for individuals less than 18 years. Any drugs should be consumed only with the consultation of a certified doctor. One should also drink plenty of water. In case of a heat stroke, the body needs to be cooled.
Other severe causes such as viral infection should lead you to a doctor.
 

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