Understanding the source of a fever: Typical triggers and when to seek medical attention
In the realm of health concerns, fevers are a common symptom that often signal an underlying infection. However, fevers can also be indicative of more complex health conditions. Here's a rundown of what you need to know about fevers, their causes, and when to seek medical attention.
If a child experiences severe symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or a seizure, it's crucial to seek urgent medical attention. Adults should contact a doctor for a fever of 103°C (39.4°C) or above, while in children, a fever for 5 days or longer, or a fever in a child under 6 months old, should prompt a call to the doctor.
Febrile seizures, while usually harmless, can increase the risk of developing epilepsy. These are seizures due to a fever, often above 39°C. If people are unsure of the underlying cause of a fever, they should speak with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Beyond typical infections like the flu or cold, fevers can stem from complex immune conditions, certain cancers, medication reactions, rare infectious diseases, or unusual complications like neurological damage from influenza.
For instance, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (SLE), inflammatory bowel disease, and vasculitis can cause prolonged or recurrent fever. Similarly, cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, kidney, or liver cancer can present with persistent fever that is not due to infection.
Medication-induced fever is another less common cause, where certain drugs—including some antibiotics, antiseizure meds, and blood pressure drugs—cause fever as a side effect. Rare complications from infections, such as influenza-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) in children, a severe and often fatal brain swelling condition triggered by flu virus but not common, should also be considered.
In children, other causes include overdressing/hyperthermia, a non-infectious fever-like elevation in body temperature, and post-immunization fever, a mild fever following vaccines. Specific infections like rheumatic fever, an immune response to untreated strep infections, are rarer causes of fever, especially more common in children aged 5–15 years.
When common viral or bacterial infections causing fever are ruled out, clinicians consider these less common causes, especially if the fever is prolonged or unexplained.
It's essential to remember that a fever can be a sign of various infections, such as colds, flu, stomach bugs, chickenpox, or tonsilitis. However, if you or your child experience any other concerning symptoms, such as severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, abdominal pain, light sensitivity, seizures, difficulty breathing, rash, dehydration, other signs of illness, lack of interest in food, or any other concerning symptoms or changes in behavior, seek emergency help immediately.
Additionally, a fever due to heat exhaustion can have symptoms such as clammy, cold skin, increased sweating, weakness, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded. If you suspect heat exhaustion, move to a cooler environment, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
In conclusion, while fevers are often associated with common colds or flu viruses, they can also signal more complex health conditions. If you or your child experience a fever accompanied by severe symptoms or for an extended period, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Febrile seizures, which can occur due to a fever above 39°C, may slightly increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
- Beyond common infections like the flu or cold, fevers can stem from complex immune conditions, certain cancers, medication reactions, rare infectious diseases, or unusual complications like neurological damage from influenza.
- In children, causes of fever can also include overdressing/hyperthermia, a non-infectious fever-like elevation in body temperature, and post-immunization fever, a mild fever following vaccines.
- If experiencing a fever for an extended period or accompanied by severe symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Keep in mind that mental health is an essential part of overall health-and-wellness, and seeking help for mental-health concerns should not be neglected.
