Other names: Febris, fever, pyrexia, hyperpyrexia

Body temperature is controlled mainly from the part of the brain called hypothalamus. In it is set to a specific value (set-point) around which body temperature during the day oscillates. We are seeing the highest temperature usually around six o’clock in the evening, the lowest at about six o’clock in the morning. Set-point each of us is an individual, so some people may be normal and the temperature that in other populations consider an increased or decreased vice versa.

For temperature measurements, we remember that, in the rectum and in the mouth at a higher temperature up to 0.5 ° C than in the armpit.

The elevated temperature (subfebrile) talking, moving if its value is in the range of 37-38 ° C.Normally occurs after physical exertion, otherwise it is most often a symptom of a viral disease.

At temperatures above 38 ° C fever and talking about temperatures above 40 ° C for hyperpyrexia. Such a state, if it is also accompanied by chills (fever) at the onset of fever, usually testifies for bacterial diseases. Furthermore Fever Thermometers recognize also by the blazing face and gleaming eyes.

High body temperature may also occur in the total hyperthermia. The culprit may be a serious allergic reaction, connective tissue diseases and cancer (at present this is not shivering).

In a number of cases, the cause of the fever fails to detect.

Therapy

Administering fever reducing preparations containing eg. Paracetamol or ibuprofen, or apply a cold pack or showering in cold water (beware of secondary hypothermia in children!). Only if the fever is manageable given the means, we turn to a doctor.