Raodoctor Logo

Dr. K. P. V. Rao’s Health Blogs

Where Your Health Matters the Most

Fever FAQs (contd.)- Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Diagnosing fever in a child by using a thermometer

FEVER FAQs (contd.)

In my previous article I covered the types of illness and the causes. In case you have missed it, click below to read- FEVER FAQ- Part 1

Fever Diagnosis: How is your health assessed?

When assessing a fever, we doctors employ a systematic approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Fever is a common response of the body to various infections and diseases, making it an important indicator for health assessments.

Fever is a common indication that the body is fighting off infection.

One of the primary tools used in diagnosing fever is the thermometer, an instrument that measures body temperature. Various types of thermometers are available, including digital, infrared, and mercury-in-glass thermometers.

Different types of thermometers to measure fever

Digital thermometers are commonly used due to their accuracy and ease of use. Infrared thermometers, which measure temperature from the forehead or ear, are also prevalent in clinical settings.

To obtain an accurate reading, body temperature can be measured via–

I normally apply the oral technique as it gives you a measure of the “core” temperature. Rectal method is more appropriate for infants, children and unconscious or comatose patients who are not able to hold the thermometer in their mouth.

Other methods usually tell you the surface temperature, which is not the exact measure of internal body temperature.

The choice of method depends on the patient’s age, condition, and preference, with rectal measurements often being the most precise for infants and young children.

Assessing Accompanying Symptoms in fever

In addition to temperature measurement, we doctors evaluate accompanying symptoms to determine the potential causes of illness.

Common symptoms include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and irritability. More severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, chest pain, or seizures, are red flags that necessitate immediate medical attention.

Understanding the patient’s medical history is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. A comprehensive history includes:

A body temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C) is generally regarded as indicative of illness.

This information can help pinpoint possible causes of illness and guide further investigations.

Fever can present alongside other symptoms, such as chills and fatigue, which may help in diagnosing the underlying cause.

Importance of Physical Examinations

Physical examinations also play a significant role in diagnosing health conditions.

During the examination, healthcare providers assess vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and look for physical signs of infection or illness.

Swollen lymph nodes, rashes, and abnormal lung sounds can offer valuable clues about the underlying condition.

Ultimately, knowing when to seek medical attention for a fever is vital. While mild fevers often resolve on their own, persistent or severe fevers warrant professional evaluation.

Fever in infants under three months, a fever lasting more than three days, or a fever in individuals with weakened immune systems should be promptly addressed by a doctor for appropriate management and treatment.

What are the Management and Treatment Options in a case of fever?

Managing and treating an illness involves several steps. First, drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths to stay hydrated.

Rest is crucial to help the body recover. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen can reduce temperature and ease discomfort. Follow the directions suggested by your doctor to avoid side effects.

Sometimes, prescription medications are needed, especially for severe infections like bacterial pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Antibiotics or antivirals may be prescribed by a doctor after an evaluation. Treating the root cause is key to managing health effectively.

Keep a close eye on the high temperature by regularly checking with a thermometer. Persistent, high, or severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion require immediate medical attention. Consulting your doctor ensures proper treatment.

Using these methods can reduce temperature discomfort and minimize complications. Knowing when to seek medical help is important for overall health.

Useful Resource- NIH

Monitoring fever closely is essential, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly.

Prevention of fever0: How to Reduce Health Risk

Preventing illness is not easy if some sort of epidemic is going on, be it influenza, malaria or dengue.

However, you can try to prevent it by following the few tips discussed below-

Resource Links for Further Information

When seeking further knowledge about the causes of illness, its types, management, and myths surrounding it, it is imperative to rely on credible sources for accurate information. And I do this regularly.

Understanding illness extends beyond simple definitions and symptoms, as it involves a comprehensive overview of its context in health science.

The following are reputable resources that provide detailed insights and updates on health:

Strategies for managing fever

While these resources are invaluable for augmenting your understanding of fever, they should complement, rather than replace, professional medical advice.

Consulting healthcare professionals is crucial for personalized assessments and treatments, ensuring that any underlying causes are appropriately diagnosed and managed.

Relying on expert guidance is paramount for effective health management and achieving optimal outcomes.

Debunking Myths About Fever

Fevers are often misunderstood, leading to myths and misconceptions. Understanding fever myths can help in better management and treatment.

Some of the common misunderstandings are listed below:

Conclusion

I hope this article and the previous one has cleared away any doubts about health and its management.

My next article will be on improving your health and vitality by adding Sprouts to your diet-do subscribe and get this article in your mail.

Finally

If you are interested in receiving articles from Dr. K. P. V. Rao’s Health Blogs directly in your mailbox as soon as it is published, you can do it by joining my email list by filling up the subscription form below-

Share this article

If you have found this article useful, do share it using the social media icons below-

By Dr.K.P.V.Rao

Dr.K.P.V.Rao is a General Medical Practitioner. He graduated as an MBBS from Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Medical College, Solapur, Kolhapur University, India in May 1983. He was a resident doctor in Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery at B Y L Nair Hospital, Mumbai in 1983-84. At present, he is practicing medicine at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, India. He has 36 years of experience in General Medical Practice and writes medical blogs.

You cannot copy content of this page