Signs Of High Body Temperature

Add as a preferred source on Google

What does it symbolise when the body temperature is slightly elevated than normal? Normally your body temperature keeps alternating in the day, but it is predictably high throughout night. Most of us are aware that the average temperature for an adult is wedged between 36C-37C (96.8F-98.6F). A high temperature is a common sign of infection. It means that your immune system is combating against some infection. High body temperature occurs when there is elevated body heat than normal, which is called fever. Most often, the normal temperature during fever reaches approximately above 100.4 F (38.0 C). Known as hyperthermia and pyrexia, fever is typically a response to an illness caused by virus or sometimes by bacteria. Thus the body's immune system starts to react to the foreign invader by releasing chemicals so as to signal the brain to increase the body temperature to above normal. This can help to exterminate the infection or kill many disease producing organisms.

Some of the foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria or drugs. Fever usually causes certain kind of physical strain that is not considered to be dangerous, but hyperthermia (heat related) causes a risky rise in the body temperature. This kind of extreme temperature is connected with side effects caused by illicit drugs, and heat stroke. If your body is feeling uncomfortable to acknowledge the symptoms that come with fever, then never think twice to consult a doctor. To know what causes the fever, it's imperative to be familiar with fever signs and symptoms which include headache, convulsion, dehydration and general weakness.

Let's take a look at some of the signs of high body temperature or fever.

Chills
Chills are termed as feeling cold after coming in contact with a cold environment. This feeling of coldness comes with shivering. Usually chills occur due to two conditions; one when accompanied with fever and second due to exposure to a cold environment. Chills occur as the body produces heat when it feels cold. Extreme exposure to cold also results in hypothermia (a lowered core body temperature).

Headache
Fever and headache is considered to be a lethal combination of symptoms that are the most common among people. However a stern headache with high fever can be a sign of the evolution of bacterial meningitis. It is a life threatening infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord. During mild fever, there will be pressure like pain behind eyes and tenderness of the face.

Convulsion
In some cases, a seizure called convulsion is triggered due to fever. This kind of seizure is referred to as febrile seizure. Usually febrile seizures never harms a child; however they can be quite frightening for parents. Febrile seizure generally occurs when the fever rises quickly. Some of the examples of these illnesses include roseola, stomach infection and colds.

Dehydration

The higher your fever, the more you would get dehydrated. Fever is also one of the factors for dehydration. If your kid is feeling uncomfortable and is not consuming enough fluids, try to supplement it with acetaminophen or ibuprofen in order to control the fever.

Sweating
Sweating is heavy perspiration that is common when fever breaks in. Fever usually happens when the body temperature withdraws.

Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea describes loose and watery stools that occur more regularly than usual. It is the opposite of constipation. People suffering with fever often have stomach-ache.

Cough
Mostly cough develops over a day or two. The symptoms that build up cough are due to high temperature (fever), headache etc.

Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a kind of a response that your heart is beating too fast or skipping beats. However it is considered to be annoying or worrisome. Many things are involved in heart palpitations, though there are also non-heart-related causes of palpitations. Some of the medical causes involved are anaemia, low blood pressure, dehydration and fever.

Generally treatments differ according to the cause of fever. In case you have high fever make sure to consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.