Febris
Febris, commonly known as fever, is a medical condition characterized by an elevation in body temperature above the normal range. This increase in temperature is often a sign of the body's immune response to infection, although it can also result from other conditions such as autoimmune diseases, heat exhaustion, certain medications, and cancers. Febris is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Febris can be caused by a wide array of health issues, most commonly by infections such as the flu, common cold, COVID-19, and bacterial infections. Other causes include:
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Adverse reactions to medications or vaccines
- Cancers, particularly leukemia and lymphoma
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of febris is an increase in body temperature, typically above 37.5-38.3°C (99.5-100.9°F). Other symptoms may accompany febris, depending on its cause, including:
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of febris involves measuring body temperature with a thermometer. Additional tests may be required to identify the underlying cause, including:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans
- Lumbar puncture in cases where a central nervous system infection is suspected
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of febris focuses on addressing the underlying cause. In cases where febris is caused by an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. Other treatments may include:
- Antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
- Adequate hydration
- Rest
- Cooling measures in cases of high fever
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures against febris largely involve reducing the risk of infections and include:
- Regular hand washing
- Vaccination
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to strengthen the immune system
See Also[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD