Fever – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments



Most of us know that a fever is when normal temperature of the body increases. Normally, for an average adult, a fever constitutes above 37.2 °C – 37.5 °C. The state of fever occurs when our body is fighting off infections. Mostly fever is treated by counter medications, which includes ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Further, we have discussed about the symptoms, treatments and causes for a fever.

Causes of Fever

When a person is affected by virus, the immune system of the body gets ready to fight it off. During this process, a part of the immune response increases the temperature of the body, which results in fever. The body temperature increases, when the immune system fights off bacterial infections. As it is commonly known fever increases the body temperature, thus physical overheating is one of the important causes a fever.

Fever is part of the autoimmune, inflammatory disorders or immune response; and includes various disorders such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and ulcerative colitis. Sometimes, the state fever becomes the first symptom of cancer.

Symptoms of Fever

Other than the increased temperature of the body, few other symptoms that accompany Fever are sweating, headache, shivering/chills, muscle aches, loss of appetite, treatments for a fever and dehydration.

Treatments of Fever

One of the easiest treatments for fevers is medication. However, no medication is provided to children who are less than 3 months old, unless prescribed by a doctor. Normally, medical dosages are based on the body weight of an individual.

Home Remedies for Fever

Drink lots of fluids

It is one of the most common home remedies of fever. Drinking lots of fluids such as juice and water helps in replenishing the body’s fluid and getting better. Also, a child who is less than a year old can will get rehydrated after consuming drinks such as Pedialyte.

If you are suffering from a Fever it is important that you take proper rest. Resting helps the body in using its energy for fighting off various infections, however being active increases the temperature of the body. It is common that you have strong chill when you suffer from fever, however it is advisable that you keep the temperature of your body low.

You should wear light clothing and cover yourself with thinner blanket when you sleep. Taking a bath of lukewarm water will help you to cool off the body as well as lower its temperature.