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Fever

Fever

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Fever is a common medical condition characterized by an increase in body temperature above the normal range. The normal range of body temperature is typically between 97°F and 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C) in adults, although it can vary depending on age, gender, and time of day.

Fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection or other medical condition. Some common causes of fever include:

  1. Infections: such as colds, flu, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
  2. Inflammation: such as from rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders.
  3. Medications: such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and some types of blood pressure medications.
  4. Heat exhaustion: which can occur from exposure to high temperatures and excessive sweating.
  5. Cancer: some types of cancer can cause fever as a symptom.

Symptoms of fever may include a high body temperature, sweating, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Treatment for fever typically involves managing the underlying cause of the fever, such as taking medications to reduce inflammation or treating an infection with antibiotics. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help to reduce fever and relieve symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if fever persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe headache, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

In some cases, fever can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as meningitis or sepsis, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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References

  • "Fever." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Dec. 2021, https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html.
  • Mackowiak, Philip A. "Fever: Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Antipyretics." Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, vol. 21, no. 3, 2008, pp. 244–248.