In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about fever and elevated body temperature. We will explore when we can consider a person to have a fever, what causes it, and what measures can be taken to relieve the symptoms. This article is divided into five sub-sections to help you better understand the various aspects of fever and elevated body temperature and know how to respond appropriately.
1: Definition of fever and elevated body temperature
It is important to understand what body temperatures are considered normal, elevated, or feverish.
Normal body temperature: Normal body temperature is about 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. Mild fluctuations throughout the day are perfectly normal.
Elevated body temperature: When is a temperature considered elevated? An elevated body temperature is present when the temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius but below 38 degrees Celsius.
Fever: When is a person considered to have a fever? A person has a fever when their body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
2: Causes of fever and elevated body temperature
Fever can have various causes, ranging from infections to non-infectious conditions.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as flu, colds, or pneumonia, are common causes of fever.
Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease can also cause fever.
Side effects of medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or antidepressants, can cause fever as a side effect.
Tumor diseases: In rare cases, fever can also be caused by tumor or autoimmune diseases.
3: Measuring fever
To detect fever, it is important to measure body temperature correctly.
Types of thermometers: There are different types of thermometers, such as digital, infrared, or mercury thermometers.
Measurement locations: Body temperature can be measured at various locations, such as in the ear, mouth, armpit, or rectum. Each measurement method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Carrying out the measurement: Make sure to follow the instructions of the respective thermometer carefully and measure the temperature several times if necessary to obtain accurate results.
4: Relieving fever
If you or your loved ones have a fever, there are measures you can take to relieve the symptoms and support recovery.
Pain and fever relievers: Medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help lower fever and relieve pain. Make sure to follow the correct dosage and possible contraindications.
Sufficient fluid intake: Make sure you drink enough to compensate for fluid loss through sweating. Water, tea, or diluted fruit juices are good options.
Cooling measures: Light, breathable clothing and cool, moist cloths on the forehead can help lower body temperature.
Rest and sleep: Give your body enough time to recover by resting and sleeping. Avoid physical exertion until the fever has subsided.
5: When to see a doctor?
In some cases, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause of the fever and avoid possible complications.
Persistent fever: If the fever lasts longer than three days or recurs, you should see a doctor. Severe accompanying symptoms: Seek medical help if you have severe headaches, neck stiffness, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain in addition to the fever. Fever in children: With infants and young children, you should be more cautious with fever and seek medical advice early on. For infants under three months with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The question “When does one have a fever?” is easily answered: fever begins at a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It’s important to know how to measure a fever correctly and what causes it. In many cases, fever can be relieved with simple measures, but in some situations, it’s necessary to see a doctor. With this knowledge, you are well equipped to respond appropriately to fever and elevated body temperature and support recovery as best as possible.
