Fever (Elevated Temperature)
Description
A fever is the body's way of reacting to something abnormal in the body. Fevers aren't bad unless they become too high or last too long. Fevers may help the body fight infections but that should not prevent a patient from trying to lower the temperature. Fevers can be caused by infections, reactions to medications, reactions to blood transfusions, or after traumatic injuries.
Symptoms
Elevated temperature, weakness, chills, uncontrollable shivering (rigors), body aches, dizziness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests will be done to search for the source of infection or the inflammatory cause of the fever.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment includes: antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), treatment of the underlying cause when found including broad spectrum antibiotics if needed. Do not give infants aspirin as it could lead to a serious disease called Reyes syndrome.
Related Videos
News
People are already lining up for tonight's U2 conce...
Beyond specifically following the instructions on y...
World Health Organization confirms outbreak, as wel...
The Tri-Cities Fever added two big playmaking wide ...
Is it the flu or something more serious? Doctors a...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Fever (Elevated temperature)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.