Ailments and Situations - Fever

 
Description

A fever is an elevation in body temperature and is a normal physiological response by the body to destroy microorganisms and eliminate toxins. Normal body temperature hovers around 37ºC. A fever occurs with a temperature of 37.8ºC or above (oral temperature). Although it may cause mild discomfort, it is usually best to let it run its course as it is part of your body's defense mechanisms. For example, viruses cannot multiply at temperatures of 38ºC to 39ºC. There is also some evidence that suggests some of your body's other defense mechanisms are enhanced at slightly elevated body temperatures.

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. It is similar to a thermostat and it is set at 37ºC. Bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents cause the release of substances called endogenous pyrogens by certain cells in your body. These endogenous pyrogens cause the hypothalamus to "reset" your body temperature to a higher level.

Once this occurs, certain processes begin to occur in the body to raise and maintain your temperature at this new level. Blood is shunted away from your extremities to your core. Shivering creates heat from the rapid contraction and relaxation of your muscles. Your body's heat conserving mechanisms are also put in place. This carries on until the infection is overcome by the body's defenses and eliminated. The hypothalamus then "resets the thermostat" back to normal temperature. Your body eliminates the extra heat through sweating and blood redistribution.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

The signs and symptoms of a fever include a body temperature of 37.8ºC or above (oral temperature), hot skin, red cheeks, glassy eyes, increased pulse rate and respiratory rate, irritability, and restlessness. Sweating and chills are also sometimes experienced.

 

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