Fever and its Symptoms

Fever and its Symptoms

A rise in body temperature or any case of high body temperature is defined as 'Fever'. Normally, the oral measurement of the body temperature should be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. This is, however, an average and may vary from person to person by 1 degree Fahrenheit or 0.6 degree Celsius. The normal body temperature also varies throughout the day and can be different at different times of the day. A person is said to be diagnosed with fever if the body temperature rises above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. A body temperature which lies between the normal range and this is termed by medical professionals as 'Low-Grade Fever'.

Fever is the natural infection-fighting defence system of the body against virus and bacteria which normally die at higher temperatures. Because of this, low-grade fever is normally not treated if they are not accompanied by troubling signs or symptoms. The defence mechanism of the body also works more efficiently at a higher temperature. Fever is a part of another illness and is not more important than any other symptoms like a sore throat, cough, joint pains or aches, chills, sinus congestion, nausea and others.

Signs of fever

·         High temperature

When the temperature of the body rises higher than the normal range, a person is said to have a fever. High temperature is a primary symptom of fever.

·         Shivering

A person having a fever tends to shake and shiver. Fever caused due to cough and cold also causes the affected person to have a chilling sensation.

·         Body pain

Fever also causes muscle pain, aching joints and other body aches. Because of this, most medicines prescribed for treating fever also have certain painkilling effects.

·         Headache

A severe headache which continues for a long time is a sign of fever. Many people might not develop this symptom. However, it is fairly common among most people.

·         Sweating

Sweating is also a major sign of fever. Because of the rise in body temperature, a person with fever tends to sweat more than normal.

·         Palpitation

A rise in the heart rate is also a sign of fever. The heart rate rises because of the defence mechanism being in action to fight the foreign bodies.

·         Loss of appetite

During fever, people normally lose their appetite for meals. The fever leaves a bad taste in the mouth and almost all kinds of food taste bad due to the health condition.

·         Symptoms in children

Children are also prone to developing many symptoms including cough, earache, diarrhoea, vomiting and sore throat due to fever.

Conclusion

Thus, fever can be identified by many symptoms. Proper steps need to be taken in order to avoid the disease. Even though fever is not a disease in itself, it does cause many health problems and uneasiness in the person affected. In case of severe health problems, a practising physician must be consulted without delay. Proper medication and adequate rest come as a great help in treating fever in most cases.