La fièvre

La fièvre, also known as pyrexia, is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. It is a common medical sign characterized by a body temperature above the normal range, which is generally accepted as 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). While the exact threshold for defining a fever varies, a temperature of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher is commonly considered a fever.

Causes:

Fever is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, most often an infection. Common causes include:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections are the most frequent causes of fever. These include the common cold, influenza (flu), pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and meningitis.
• Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, can cause fever.
• Medications: Certain medications can induce fever as a side effect.
• Vaccines: Some vaccines can cause a mild fever as a normal immune response.
• Heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, which is characterized by a dangerously high body temperature.
• Malignancy: In some cases, cancer can cause fever.

Symptoms:

Besides an elevated body temperature, other symptoms that may accompany a fever include:

• Chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• General weakness

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of the underlying cause of a fever typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and potentially laboratory tests. Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies may be performed to identify the source of the infection or inflammation.

Treatment:

Treatment for fever primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Symptomatic relief may involve:

• Rest: Getting adequate rest allows the body to focus on fighting the illness.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to prevent dehydration.
• Over-the-counter medications: Antipyretics, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever and relieve discomfort. Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• Cooling measures: Applying cool compresses to the forehead or taking a lukewarm bath can help lower body temperature.

Complications:

While fever is usually a benign symptom, high or prolonged fevers can lead to complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and the elderly. Potential complications include:

• Febrile seizures: In young children, high fevers can trigger seizures.
• Dehydration: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration.
• Hallucinations: Very high fevers can cause confusion or hallucinations.

Prevention:

Preventing the underlying causes of fever, such as infections, can help reduce the risk of developing a fever. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, getting vaccinated, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.