Fever: immune reaction of the body

Chills, fatigue and a hot forehead – a high fever, the body is literally out of battle. Who is affected, for the a lot of heat, and bed rest is called for. But what is fever and what treatment measures are there?

  • Fever a by the own organism generated immune response of infectious diseases.
  • Typical signs of fever, increased body temperature, chills, sweating, malaise, headache and a dry mouth sweat.
  • Patients should not reduce a slight fever.

In the case of fever (pyrexia) is a by the immune system-induced increase in the body temperature. The increased temperature is usually a immune response of the body to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Many of the harmful intruders are very sensitive to heat and die, consequently, faster. Fever is a typical Symptom of infection and is a sign that the body is going on against pathogens. Therefore, fever is considered as a useful and important defense reaction of the body. The defense substances that cause fever are called Pyrogens.

Forms of fever

Of fever the speech is, in General, from a body temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius. However, since the normal body temperature of man varies to person and to an individual’s circadian rhythm is subject to, and may differ to this guide. On average, the normal body temperature of a human between 36,0 and 37.4 degrees Celsius. Basically, doctors distinguish between different forms of fever.

A standard temperature of 38 degrees is considered to be a precursor of fever (subfebrile), a slight fever (febril) is a temperature of 38.1 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Of fever the speech is only from a temperature of between 38.6 to 39 degrees. Temperatures above are considered as high (up to 40 degrees) and very high fever (over 40 degrees). The temperature rises to over 41 degrees, speak to a physician of extreme fever (Hyperpyrexia). A natural fever is rising, but rare on this value.

Fever measure

A fever is with a suitable thermometer well to measure. For most accurate results, the rectal body temperature measurement in the Anus is recommended, alternatively, a fever can be through the armpit (axiliar), in the ear (aurikulär) or in the mouth under the tongue (oral).

Signs and causes of fever

In addition to a increased temperature, his main symptoms, manifested as fever often with the following symptoms:

  • Shivering or chills
  • Sweats
  • shiny eyes
  • dry and coated tongue
  • Thirst and loss of appetite
  • rapid breathing

 

Fever is often a Symptom of infectious diseases such as a cold, flu or pneumonia. But also autoimmune diseases, tumors, medication, or drugs are possible causes of fever.

Treatment of fever

Fever is a Symptom of a certain disease. Therefore, you should set up a therapy mainly against the triggering cause. Symptomatic treatment of fever due to a lot of sleep and adequate hydration to dehydration of the body to prevent. Popular home remedies for fever cooling in addition, at the end of the calf wrap, Linden flowers and elderberry flower tea with honey, or the tried-and-true chicken soup.

As a sensible defensive reaction of the body, patients should not engage immediately to antipyretic measures. Only after consultation with the doctor or if the fever rises to over 39 degrees Celsius, are these really useful. The reduction of Fever is due to anti-inflammatory and antipyretic analgesics, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.