Ahmed Matiur Rahman
A fever is a rise in internal body temperature to levels that are considered to be above normal. Average body temperature is about 98.6°F or 37°C, and temperatures above 100.4° F or 38°C are generally considered to be febrile.
Body temperature is determined by the body’s thermoregulatory set-point. The body increases this set-point in response to threats such as bacterial or viral infections. Body temperature is determined by the body’s thermoregulatory set-point. The body increases this set-point in response to threats such as bacterial or viral infections. When this set point rises, a fever occurs and the body perceives itself as suffering from hypothermia (colder than it should be). As the body works toward meeting the new temperature set-point, common fever symptoms exist such as feelings of cold, increased heart rate, increased muscle tone (stiffness), and shivering.
Fever may also occur when you body has came down with a cold, flu, virus, etc. The immune system sends signals to the medulla oblongata and hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, and sends signals saying a foreign substance has entered the body. Normal bacteria dies at around 98-104 degree F. this is why you have such a high fever and usually when you are the sickest because there is a battle between the pathogens attacking your organs and immune system and the body is fighting back.
A fever may be a cause of concern, but it is rarely a reason for panic unless it is occurring in very young children, sustained for more than three days, or so high so to approach heatstroke risk.
Body temperature is regulated by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends signals to the rest of the body telling it to warm up or cool down. When the body needs to warm up after its thermal set-point is raised (the fever), the hypothalamus instructs the body to increase muscle tone, shiver, secrete hormones such as epinephrine, and constrict blood vessels.
Body temperature is measured using a thermometer. Readings are usually taken in the mouth, ear, anus, or arm, but the readings may not all be the same. Your body temperature will also change after eating, during periods of high activity levels, with different clothing, after smoking, in warm or cold rooms, at various points in the menstrual cycle, and depending on the time of day. Your temperature in the morning is often lower than during the day or in the evening.
Not all fevers require treatment, in fact, fever is an important indicator that there is something wrong with the body, and it is often used in order to gauge the success of medical treatments. Fevers may also be useful because they increase the amount of antiviral and anticancer interferon in the blood, making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to replicate.
Patients with fever should be sure to remain hydrated. Since fever often causes discomfort and increases heart rate and metabolism, many people take antipyretics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol). Aspirin is used as a treatment for adults but not in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.