Raised temperatures in adults and children

Raised Temperatures

What is a high temperature?
A high temperature, or fever, occurs when the body's temperature rises above the average normal level of 37deg. C. or 98.6deg F. These figures are just averages for the population at large, and therefore can vary between individuals and also during the day in the same individual. The body temperature is at it's lowest at about 3am and it's highest at about 6pm., and in women it is highest at the time of ovulation and lowest at menstruation!
Body temperature is also affected by eating and drinking, exercising and by sleep.
The medical term for a high fever, is a pyrexia, and usually results from some type of infection which has invaded the body. Viruses and bacteria release substances called pyrogens which act on that part of the brain called the hypothalamus which regulates temperature, rather like a thermostat.
When the body's temperature falls the hypothalamus sends out messages to the rest of the body to producing shivering which produces heat from muscular activity. On the other hand when the body is overheating the hypothalamus causes the body to sweat and blood vessels in the skin to widen, in order to produce a cooling effect.
In fact, because the hypothalamus also helps to control emotions, studies have shown that crimes of violence are more common in the warmer parts of France and Italy!!
What are the commonest causes of a fever?
As already mentioned infections are the commonest cause, especially the common cold (or coryza), throat infections, influenza, chest infections and urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Other causes include heatstroke from over exposure to the sun, certain disorders such as an overactive thyroid gland and even certain tumours can produce high temperatures.
High temperatures in children can be produced by measles and some of the other infectious diseases, and getting the child's temperature down is very important, because children are prone to fits or convulsions as the high fever affects the brain.
The body temperature can be measured using the standard mercury `clinical' thermometer, or a temperature gauge strip which changes colour when held against the forehead. Newer digital read out thermometers, which are battery powered are now becoming more popular.
Of course, the body's temperature can also drop, and this condition called hypothermia, particularly affects older people living on their own during the colder winter months. They may fall during the night and be left on the floor for hours, so keep a look out to see that they've taking their milk in each morning!
How should a fever be treated?
Firstly, forget the old wives tale of starving a fever and feeding a cold!
Anyone with a fever should drink plenty cold fluids, and use an antipyretic drug such as aspirin or paracetamol, but do remember never to give aspirin to children under the age of 12 yrs as it may (though rarely) cause a serious condition called Reye's Syndrome.
Keep the room cool, and keep a window slightly open to allow cool fresh air to circulate. Don't use electric blankets or hot water bottles, and keep the bedding covers light. These latter instructions are vital for babies and young children, because if they get too hot they could develop a fit or febrile convulsion!
Always talk to your doctor if your child's temperature is raised, or if any adult has had a very high temperature or a fever lasting more than 48 hours.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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