Fever Health Article

Diagnosis

A fever is usually diagnosed using a thermometer. A variety of different thermometers are available. Glass thermometer should not be used since they can break and release mercury, which is toxic. Digital thermometers can and should be used in place of glass thermometers rectally, orally, and under the arm in all age groups. Electronic thermometers can be inserted in the ear to quickly register the body's temperature.

As important as registering a person's temperature is determining the underlying cause of the fever. The presence or absence of accompanying symptoms, a person's medical history, and information about what he or she may have ingested, any recent trips taken, or possible exposures to illness all help the physician make a diagnosis. Blood tests can aid in identifying an infectious agent by detecting the presence of antibodies against it or providing samples for growth of the organism in a culture. Blood tests can provide the doctor with white blood cell counts. Ultrasound tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, or computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered if the doctor cannot readily determine the cause of a fever.

Treatment

Physicians agree that the most effective treatment for a fever is to address its underlying cause, such as through the administration of antibiotics. Also, because a fever helps the immune system fight infection, it usually should be allowed to run its course. Drugs to lower fever (antipyretics) can be given if a person (particularly a child) is uncomfortable. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Aspirin, however, should not be given to a child or adolescent with a fever since this drug has been linked to an increased risk of Reye's syndrome. Bathing a person in tepid water can also help alleviate a high fever.

A fever requires emergency treatment under the following circumstances:

• newborn (three months or younger) with a fever over 100.5°F (38°C)
• infant or child with a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
• fever accompanied by severe headache, neck stiffness, mental confusion, or severe swelling of the throat

A very high fever in a small child can trigger seizures (febrile seizures) and, therefore, should be treated immediately. A fever accompanied by the above symptoms can indicate the presence of a serious infection, such as meningitis, and should be brought to the immediate attention of a physician.

Prognosis

Most fevers caused by infection end as soon as the immune system rids the body of the pathogen, and these fevers do not produce lasting effects. The prognosis for fevers associated with more chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disease, depends upon the overall outcome of the disorder.

Prevention

Fevers may be prevented by avoiding the various diseases that cause them.

Nutritional concerns

Adequate nutrition via a well-balanced diet and sufficient intake of liquid help to reduce many fevers. Adequate intake of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphate, and bicarbonate helps to prevent dehydration that often accompanies a fever.

Parental concerns

Parents should carefully monitor their infants and young children for symptoms of fever. Any fever that exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) for more than a few minutes should be promptly treated.