Fever is the most important and biggest sign of microbial diseases. Normal body temperature, which ranges from 36 to 37.2 degrees Celsius, is determined by a structure in the brain called the hypothalamus. The temperature regulation center located in the hypothalamus is responsible for the function of pulling the temperature setting to upper values when an abnormal change occurs in the body. Thus, chemical changes that occur as a result of various ailments can cause an increase in body temperature and fever. An increase in body temperature is called fever. Factors that cause fever are called pyrogens. Diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi and some drugs have pyrogenic effects.
With the formation of fever, changes such as an increase in the basal metabolic rate in the body, an increase in the need for fluid, and the acceleration of breathing may occur. In response to each 1 degree Celsius increase in body temperature, an increase in heart rate occurs by 10-20 beats per minute. A decrease in fever response occurs with advancing age, and care should be taken as fever may not be detected as high even in the presence of serious infectious diseases.
Fever is a condition that usually tends to regress within a few days. After a while, changes such as enlargement of the veins and sweating ensure that the body temperature is reduced to normal levels again.
What are the Causes of Fever in Adults?
Body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. Body temperature, which is usually lower during the day, can be detected higher in measurements made at night. Many conditions can cause the body temperature to stay above normal levels by stimulating the heat regulation center in the hypothalamus:
- Infectious diseases such as influenza and pneumonia caused by viruses or bacteria
- Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine after
- Inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's disease
- After blood clotting in a vein
- G Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Food poisoning
- Malignant tumor (cancer)
- After the use of drugs that prevent seizures, drugs that control blood pressure, or antibiotics.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, known as stomach cold among the people, is an infection disease of the digestive system that occurs due to various viruses. Diarrhea and abdominal pain occur after the development of gastroenteritis. Apart from these symptoms, it is among the causes of fever that may occur in the summer due to the presence of symptoms such as headache, fever and pain. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, as well as various environmental and chemical substances can cause pneumonia. In addition to producing dark yellow-green sputum, shortness of breath and stinging chest pain, conditions such as chills, fever and headache are among the symptoms of pneumonia.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the airways in the respiratory system is called bronchitis. Causes of bronchitis include exposure to various chemicals, such as smoking, in addition to microorganisms that cause pneumonia. In addition to complaints such as coughing, sputum production, and shortness of breath, symptoms such as fever, chills, and weakness may also occur during the course of bronchitis.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning may occur after consuming foods that contain bacteria, parasites or viruses that have the potential to cause disease. After poisoning, symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea occur.
What are the Symptoms of Fever in Adults?
Depending on the underlying cause of fever formation, many symptoms may accompany fever:
- Chills, chills and sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Increased fluid requirement
Fever and sweating that occur at night are among the symptoms to be considered. In cases such as the temperature of the sleeping room and excessive covering, an increase in body temperature and night sweats can be considered normal. However, sweating at a level that causes the laundry to get wet at night without these conditions may indicate an underlying disorder.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Fever? br>
Washing hands regularly is one of the main measures to be taken to prevent fever due to infectious diseases. Washing hands regularly becomes more important before meals, after leaving crowded environments, or in the presence of sick individuals. Having disinfectants available is another precaution that can be taken when hand washing is not possible. Avoid contact of hands with nose, mouth and eyes. Another situation that should be avoided in order to prevent the occurrence of fever due to infectious diseases is not to share kitchen utensils such as water bottles or glasses with other people. What are the Relaxing Practices That Can Be Done at Home After Fever Develops?
In cases where body temperature rises above normal levels, treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. In case the fever occurs due to a non-severe infectious disease, the defense system's fight against the disease-causing microorganism
In case of fever due to mild reasons such as flu, resting, consuming plenty of fluids, taking a warm bath, choosing non-thick clothes and lowering the room temperature, such as apps can help control the symptom of fever.
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