A severe fever , called hyperpyrexia , is associated with temperatures above 103 degrees and can be dangerous. However, determining whether a fever is a danger to you or your child is more difficult than simply looking at the number, especially in children.
For most people, in most cases, fever is not dangerous enough to cause brain damage . This may contradict what you have been taught.
This helps you know what is causing the fever, what the possible complications could be, and when to call your doctor or go to the emergency room. It is also important to know how fever is different in children from that in adults.
This article will talk about fever and how to know when it is too high. It will also tell you what to do if you have a high or low temperature.
Why do you have a fever?
The fever is usually good. This is one of the natural ways to fight infection.
A part of the brain called the hypothalamus acts as a thermostat for your body. Most of the time, it maintains a body temperature of about 98.6 degrees. However, when you get sick, your hypothalamus raises its temperature, making it difficult for germs to live and reproduce in your body.
It's great when fever fights germs in the body. But it is not so good when the temperature is so high that it can hurt you.
Causes of fever
Many things can cause heat. Some of the causes usually start with a mild fever, which can turn into a high temperature, for example:
- Virus
- Bacteria
- Mushrooms
- Toxins
- Drugs
If you do not receive treatment for a fever or your body does not respond to treatment, the fever can become dangerous.
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Some illnesses are associated with a severe fever. These medical conditions include:
Symptoms and Complications of Fever.
A rise in temperature can cause new symptoms.
Symptoms of low-grade fever (hyperthermia) include:
Symptoms of an early high-grade fever (hyperpyrexia) may still include symptoms from the list above, as well as:
Persistent or worsening severe fever can also cause:
- Small students
- Easy confusion
- Cold, clammy and pale skin
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased amount of urine or inability to urinate.
Prolonged severe fever or a temperature above 106.1 F can result in:
Adults with a fever over 105 degrees need medical attention to prevent serious long-term effects.
Brain damage and death
Although high fever, especially prolonged fever, can cause brain damage and death, this is extremely rare. Brain damage can occur if the temperature rises above 107.6.
According to a 2016 study, heatstroke is the deadliest heat-related illness. Kill 58% or more of the people it affects. Most of the survivors make a full recovery. But some can have long-term organ damage.
Organs that can be damaged by prolonged heat include:
- Brain
- Heart and cardiovascular system
- Kidney
- Liver
- Bowels
Proper treatment is the key to preventing serious complications from high fever.
Fever treatment
If someone has a fever but is mostly fine, no treatment is necessary. In fact, since a fever's job is to help kill an infection, treating a mild fever can interfere with the body's efforts to fight germs.
When it comes to children who have a fever, there is a general rule of thumb: if they are playing and full of energy, there is no immediate danger.
When fever-related symptoms make you sick or your temperature rises to 103-104 degrees, an over-the-counter antipyretic medicine like Tylenol ( acetaminophen ) or Motrin / Advil ( ibuprofen ) can help. better.
These drugs only give temporary results. They run for four to eight hours and then wash off. This means that you may have a fever again and need to take more. This does not mean that something is wrong or that it did not work.
Children and adolescents should not receive aspirin for fever. They are at risk for Reye 's syndrome, a rare and serious condition that can damage the brain and liver.
Rest and plenty of fluids can also help your body fight fever and other illnesses.
Other home remedies can help, but you need to know which ones are safe and effective. You also need to know which ones are potentially dangerous. Talk to your doctor to find out which home remedies are the best.
Temperature treatment
For most adults and older children, studying symptoms rather than the number on a thermometer can help determine if there is a serious health problem. However, it is good to keep track of how much the temperature rises.
| Adults and children 4+ | |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Fahrenheit degrees |
| Upper class | 103 |
| Potentially dangerous | 104 |
| See a doctor | 105 and higher |
With children under 3 years old, especially with babies, you need to be more careful and know the exact temperature.
Fever in very young children can be a sign of serious problems and should not be ignored. Your pediatrician should have a contact phone number so you can get advice at any time. In some cases, you may need to go to the emergency room right away.
| Babies and toddlers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temperatures by age | Fahrenheit degrees | To do |
| 0-3 months | 100 orally, 100.4 rectally | Call your healthcare provider or go to an ambulance. |
| 3 months-3 years | 102.2 | Call your healthcare provider for advice, even after hours. |
Health care
If your fever is caused by an infection, it will not go away until the infection clears, or at least improves. Treatment may be required depending on the type of disease.
If your fever persists or if you have additional symptoms indicating that you are ill, you should see your doctor.
If you go to your doctor, ER, or ER for a fever, you can have medicine and tests to find out what's causing your fever.
Summary
Fever is one of your body's natural ways to fight infection. High temperature: 103 degrees or more. A potentially dangerous fever starts at temperatures above 104 degrees. If you have a temperature of 105 degrees or higher, you need immediate medical attention.
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Adults can usually tell when our symptoms make us feel so bad that we need to seek medical attention. But if you're not sure, learn how to spot cold and flu symptoms , assess your fever, and find out when to see your doctor if you have a fever.
