Effects of Elevated Body Temperature

Symptoms of Elevated Body Temperature

Fever is defined as an increase in body temperature exceeding 37 degrees Celsius. However, medical consultation is generally not required unless the temperature surpasses 38 degrees Celsius. It's important to note that fever results from the body's immune response to external factors such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, and others. It often causes discomfort and may be accompanied by various symptoms, including:

• Chills and shivering.
• Muscle and joint pain, along with other body aches.
• Headache.
• Excessive or intermittent sweating.
• Increased heart rate and palpitations.
• Redness of the skin.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Eyestrain or eye pain.
• General weakness.
• Lack of appetite.
• Dehydration.
• Swelling of lymph nodes.
• Specific symptoms in infants and young children, such as increased irritability, lethargy, difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat or drink, and paleness.

Symptoms of Severe Fever

In severe cases, elevated body temperature may lead to the following symptoms:

• Excessive drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Seizures.
• Skin rash.
• Pain during urination.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.

Potential Complications of High Body Temperature

Failure to properly treat moderate to severe fever can lead to serious complications that may endanger life and, in some cases, result in death. Among these health risks are:

• Brain damage.
• Coma.
• Febrile seizures—common in children aged six months to five years due to high body temperature. These episodes typically involve loss of consciousness and limb tremors. Fortunately, most febrile seizures do not cause lasting effects and usually resolve on their own once body temperature returns to normal.

References

1. ↑ John P. Cunha (4-3-2019), "Fever facts", Retrieved 16-3-2019. Edited.
2. ^ ^{A B} Stephanie Faris (15-5-2018), "Do You Have a Fever? How to Tell and What You Should Do Next", Retrieved 16-3-2019. Edited.
3. ↑ Bronwen Watson, "Risk factors and common complications of fever", Retrieved 16-3-2019. Edited.
4. ↑ "Fever", 21-7-2017, Retrieved 16-3-2019. Edited.