Causes of Fever in Adults:
*Drug fever
A fever that occurs after starting a new medication, without another source, may be a drug fever. The fever can occur at any time after starting the drug and should go away after the drug is stopped. Some drugs that have been associated with fever include beta-lactam antibiotics, procainamide (Procanbid), isoniazid, alpha-methyldopa, quinidine (Quinaglute Dura-Tabs), and diphenylhydantoin.
An immediate fever may be caused by an allergic response to the medication or a preservative in the medication.
*Blood clot fever
Occasionally a blood clot can develop in a person's leg and cause swelling and pain in the calf. Part of this clot may break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). This may cause chest pain and trouble breathing. In either case, a person may develop a fever because of inflammation in the blood vessels. A person with any of these symptoms should go to the hospital.
*Tumor fever
Cancer can cause fever in a variety of ways. Sometimes the tumor makes pyrogens, chemicals which cause a fever on their own. Some tumors may become infected. Tumors in the brain may prevent the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat) from properly regulating the body temperature. Many of the medications that a cancer patient takes can cause a fever. Finally, immune systems in cancer patients may be weakened, which makes them prone to various infections.
*Environmental fever
Occasionally a very high body temperature can be reached when the body becomes overheated. This condition is called hyperthermia. This often occurs with strenuous exercise or when the body is exposed to hot or humid weather. Certain drugs that alter a person's behavior may prevent that person from taking shelter from the heat. People with hyperthermia may be confused, lethargic, or even comatose. They may have an extremely high temperature and may not be able to sweat. Hyperthermia is treated differently than other causes of fever; it is a medical emergency. The affected person must be cooled immediately.
*Special medical conditions
Many people have medical illnesses that prevent their immune system (defense system) from working normally. This may make it easier for a fever-causing infection to invade their body. Depending on the illness, it may be difficult to find the source of the fever. A fever in a person with limited ability to fight off infection can be very dangerous. The collagen vascular diseases and autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa) may be associated with fever. Many diseases of the immune system produce fever, because of inflammation.
*Causes of a weakened immune system
-Cancer
-Cancer treatments
-Organ transplant immunosuppressive medication
-Steroid therapy for a long time
-HIV
-Age older than 65
-Absence of the spleen (after surgical removal of the spleen)
-Sarcoidosis (a condition characterized by an unusual form of inflammation, leading to the formation of so-called granulomas, that may occur anywhere in the body)
-Lupus
-Malnutrition
-Diabetes
-Heavy alcohol or drug use
Any person with one of these illnesses or conditions and a fever should see a doctor or go to a hospital's emergency department quickly. It is important for the proper treatment to be started right away. Quick action may save the person's life.
*Another medical condition that involves fever is unusual as the cause is unknown or unexplained (although the cause may be discovered at a later date). It is termed FUO (fever of unknown origin). FUOs are defined as a temperature greater than 101 F (38.3 C) on several occasions, with more than three weeks' duration of such febrile illness, and failure to reach a diagnosis despite intensive investigation, which some investigators consider to be one week of inpatient investigation. Eventually, FUOs are found to be caused by infections, cancers, collagen vascular diseases, and numerous miscellaneous diseases such as abscess in organs, obscure parasitic infections, and occult cancers. Unfortunately, some FUO cases defy diagnosis, despite expert evaluations and many tests.
*Another special medical condition involves hypothalamus regulation. Neurotransmitters and hormones (for example, thyroid hormones) work through feedback mechanisms to help the hypothalamus function. If this delicate feedback balance is interrupted, the hypothalamus may malfunction in many ways, one of which is to raise core body temperature to fever levels. Thyroid storm (also termed thyrotoxicosis) is a medical emergency in which fevers reach about 105.8 F .
Home Care:
A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102 - 104°F, or 38.9 - 40°C). This does not usually mean you or your child has a serious problem. Some serious infections may not cause a fever, or may even cause a very low body temperature, especially in infants.
If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest.
*Cooling down:-
1.Wet socks and apply them to ankles.
Sounds weird but works wonders for a high fever in children. Take a pair of cotton socks that are long enough to cover the child's ankles. Thoroughly wet the socks in cold tap water. Wring out excess water. Put the socks on the child's feet and repeat process when the socks dry out. Some kids will hate this but usually after the socks are on they calm down and enjoy the relief it gives.
2.Take a warm or lukewarm bath.
Start off by drawing a warm bath. Have the person suffering from the fever jump in and stay while the warm temperature slowly drops. Because the temperature drops in increments instead of suddenly, the person notices the heat change less. The (relatively) cool, damp water should cause the temperature to plateau, if not bring the temperature down a bit.
3.Drink plenty of water.
A fever is your body's natural response to fighting organisms, but more heat means less hydration. Make sure to stay very hydrated, especially in the case of diarrhea or vomiting, which bring with them losses of water.
*The Mayo Clinic recommends that an adult male drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, and that an adult female drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day.[1] The average child should probably shoot to consume a little bit less than that in normal circumstances, and perhaps just as much if the body is experiencing fever.
4.Cool the head and neck.
For very high fevers take a large cotton scarf and soak well in water, wringing out the excess. Wrap the scarf around the child's head and neck. Repeat when the scarf dries out.
5.Eat a popsicle.
Finally, a remedy that will go down well with the kids! The truth of the matter is that while liquids are great, sugar is king. And when a kid is suffering from a fever, they're perfectly justified. Popsicles can lower the core temperature, add a little bit of hydration, and give the person a pick-me-up after a long, enervating day.
*Eating wisely:-
1.Feed a cold, starve a fever.
Ever heard the saying? Well, it could be true. Try not to eat a lot of food during a fever; stick with clear, healthy liquids. But why?
*Some infectious organisms use the body's supply of zinc and iron to survive. The human body can send zinc and iron into hiding for this very reason, making additional nutrients rich in zinc and iron a bad idea for a fever.
*If the person with a fever wants or needs food, something bland and full of liquid, like chicken soup, is likely to do the trick. See section below for other fever-relieving foods, which can be consumed in moderation.
*However, some research shows that eating more things will help fight off the organisms as the more food you eat, the more energy you have to fight them off. Do not always try this method, you should actually avoid it because it makes you feel worse.
*Herbal and home remedies (unverified):-
1.Make a sage and lemon balm tea.
For kids who are willing to drink make a tea made from a few leaves each of sage and lemon balm. These herbs should help the child start to sweat, bringing the fever down
*Add a few leaves of sage to a mug and cover with boiling water.
*Cover the mug with a plate and let steep for about ten minutes.
*Add a little honey or sweetener, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and stir. Let the child sip this down.
2.Make a raisin tea.
No, it's not the next culinary invention served to you at an exclusive, upscale bistro. It's just a great fever-reducer, and folksy to boot.
*Place 1 cup of raisins and 7 cups of water into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
*Once the water has reached a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Wait until the liquid has reduced by approximately one-third.
*Turn off heat, remove saucepan from stove top, allow liquid to cool. Drink 1/2 cup several times throughout the day to stay hydrated and fight the fever.
3.Make a lettuce tea.
Another great option for staying hydrated and trying to reduce a fever. Lettuce is rich in potassium, and has decent amounts of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium. More importantly, it only contains small amounts of zinc and iron.
*Bring a pint of water to boil.
*Take the boiling water and pour it over an entire head of lettuce in a heat-safe bowl or saucepan.
*Let the lettuce steep in the tea for 15 minutes before removing. Add a simple sweetener like honey or agave to the tea, if necessary, and drink.
4.Use an oil rub.
For babies under two years of age, rub the entire body with pure olive oil before bed and wrap them up well in cotton clothing and a blanket. Give them a bath in the morning to remove the oil. This step works well with the wet socks.
5.Use collard leaves. [citation needed] Pull collard leaves from a whole collard.
*Wrap the entire foot (both feet) with collard leaves and secure the leaves in place.
*Repeat the process as the collard leaves wilt, until the fever is broken.
Tips:
*Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids, water, natural juices and herbal teas. Note that soda pop is not necessarily the best liquid.
*Relax and support your child. When adults panic children feel this and it makes it that much harder for them to heal.
*Fever is not public enemy number one. It is a wonderful defense that our body uses to fight off disease.
*Wash face and hands in cold tap water it helps a lot to lower fever.
When to Seek Medical Care
When to call or see the doctor
A fever has many possible causes. Most commonly, a fever is part of a viral infection that will go away on its own. However, there are some reasons to be concerned or worried about a fever; do not hesitate to call or see a doctor for any high fevers.
Call the doctor if any of these conditions exists.
-If the temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or greater
-If the fever lasts more than seven days
-If the fever symptoms get worse
Call the doctor or consider going to an emergency center immediately if any of the following symptoms occur with the fever.
-Confusion or excessive sleepiness
-Stiff neck
-Severe headache
-Sore throat, especially with difficulty swallowing or if the person is drooling
-Rash
-Chest pain
-Trouble breathing
-Repeated vomiting
-Abdominal pain
-Blood in stool
-Pain with urination
-Leg swelling
-Red, hot, or swollen area of skin
People with serious medical illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, may not show some or any of these warning signs. Mild symptoms with fever in this patient population should be discussed with the doctor to prevent them progressing into more serious infections or other conditions.
When to go to the hospital
Certain illnesses that occur with a fever can be life-threatening. Under these conditions, the person should go immediately to a hospital's emergency department.
Meningitis is life threatening and highly contagious if caused by certain bacteria. If a person has the combination of a fever, severe headache, and stiff neck, he or she should be taken to the emergency department immediately.
A person with difficulty breathing or chest pain and a fever should go immediately to the emergency department or call for emergency medical transport.
If a person has a fever and blood in the stool, urine, or mucus, he or she should seek emergency medical help.
A person who has a fever and is very agitated or confused with no obvious reason should be transported to the emergency department.
Any person whose immune system is weakened (for example, people with cancer or AIDS) should call their doctor or go to the emergency department immediately if a fever develops. (See special medical conditions.)
Hyperthermia is an emergency. Call for emergency medical transport if a person has a temperature greater than 104 F (40 C), is confused, or is not responding.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call a doctor right away if your child:
-Is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
-Is 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
-Is 2 years or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours
-Is older and has a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
-Has a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and the person is comfortable
-Has other symptoms that suggest an illness may need to be treated, such as a sore throat, earache, or cough
-Has had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if these fevers are not very high
-Has a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis
-Recently had an immunization
-Has a new rash or bruises
-Has pain with urination
-Has trouble with the immune system (because of chronic steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV, or cancer treatment)
-Has recently traveled to another country
-Call 911 if you or your child has a fever and:
-Is crying and cannot be calmed (children)
-Cannot be awakened easily or at all
-Seems confused
-Cannot walk
-Has difficulty breathing, even after the nose is cleared
-Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
-Has a very bad headache
-Has a stiff neck
-Refuses to move an arm or leg (children)
-Has a seizure
Call your doctor right away if you are an adult and you:
-Have a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and you are comfortable
-Have a fever that stays at or keeps rising above 103°F
-Have a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
-Have had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high
-Have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or -other chronic lung problems
-Have a new rash or bruises
-Have pain with urination
-Have trouble with your immune system (from chronic steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV, or cancer treatment)
-Have recently traveled to another country
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