Finally, excessive fever can, on rare occasions, cause seizures, collapse and delirium--all of which may be further complicated by recent eating. Fever can help fight infection, but sometimes it can climb too high for the body's own good. Internal body temperatures in excess of degrees F, for instance, expose proteins and body fats to direct temperature stressors. This form of heat distress can threaten the integrity and function of proteins accustomed to the body's usual temperature variations and the occasional less excessive fevers.
Cellular stress, infarctions, necrosis, seizures and delirium are among the potential consequences of prolonged, severe fevers. The receptor environment at the hypothalamus maintains limitations on high fevers.
In the rare instances in which the hypothalamus itself malfunctions, the result is typically low body temperature, not elevated body temperature. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Discover World-Changing Science. Get smart. Fever also activates your body's immune system. Treatment depends on the cause of your fever. If the fever is very high, your health care provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Adults can also take aspirin, but children with fevers should not take aspirin. It is also important to drink enough liquids, to prevent dehydration. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Fever Also called: Pyrexia. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles.
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. It is a common sign of an infection. Eating, exercise, sleeping, the time of day , and individual factors can also affect temperature. When an infection occurs, the immune system will launch an attack to try to remove the cause. A high body temperature is a normal part of this reaction. A fever will usually resolve on its own.
However, if body temperature rises too high, it may be a symptom of a severe infection that needs medical treatment. In this case, a doctor may recommend medication to reduce it. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of a fever, as well as some causes and treatment options. If a baby has a fever, they may :. The person should also wear a face covering if other people are near. However, if the person also develops severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, they should call and ask for medical help.
To take a temperature, most people now use a digital thermometer. Experts do not recommend using a glass thermometer, as these can be dangerous. Some people use a forehead strip, but these may be less accurate. To use a digital device :. Normal armpit temperature will be around 0.
Thermometers are available for purchase over the counter or online. Find out here. Doctors classify fevers according to how long they last, whether or not they come and go, and how high they are. Most experts consider a temperature of Without treatment, this can lead to complications. Learn more about normal body temperature and when a person should worry here.
It helps the body fight off infection. Acetaminophen Tylenol can also reduce a fever. Aspirin can help, but it is not suitable for children, and it may not be suitable for people who take blood thinners.
If a person is sweating a lot, they may experience dehydration.
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