Temperature: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
About the Symptom
Body temperature is an important indicator of a person’s health status, which can indicate various diseases or physiological processes occurring in the body. Normal temperature is about 36.6°C; however, it can vary depending on the time of day, age, and individual characteristics of the body. An increase in temperature (hyperthermia) most often indicates the presence of an infectious process, inflammation, or another ailment that requires medical attention. It is important to note that temperature can be either localized or generalized, and its measurement is mandatory during the diagnostic stage.
There are several methods for measuring temperature: orally, rectally, axillary, and with special ear thermometers. Different methods may yield slightly different values, which should also be considered when assessing the condition. Fluctuations in temperature, sharp changes, or a prolonged absence of normal readings can be alarming symptoms that require medical intervention. It is essential to remember that self-treatment, especially with high fever, can lead to complications. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of disease, it is recommended to consult a specialist immediately for a complete examination and accurate diagnosis.
diseases
Elevated body temperature can be a symptom of various diseases and conditions, ranging from mild infections to more serious illnesses. Temperature is a natural protective mechanism of the body that helps cope with infections. However, its causes can be both viral and bacterial infections, inflammatory processes, chronic diseases, as well as reactions to medications or vaccines. Therefore, if there is a prolonged or significant increase in temperature, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
There are many diseases in which temperature can be one of the central symptoms. It is important to understand that temperature itself is not a disease, but an indicator that indicates the need for medical intervention. Depending on the nature and accompanying symptoms, a doctor may prescribe additional tests to identify the cause of the elevated temperature.
- Acute respiratory infections (ARI, cold)
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- Tonsillitis (angina)
- Sepsis
- Bacterial infections (e.g., cystitis, pyelonephritis)
- Viral infections (e.g., COVID-19, rubella)
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., appendicitis, pancreatitis)
- Some chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disorders)
- Vaccination reactions
Diagnostics
Body temperature is one of the key indicators of a person’s health status. An increase or decrease in temperature may indicate the presence of various diseases and disorders in the body. For the correct interpretation of these changes, it is important to conduct a quality diagnosis that will allow identifying the cause of deviations and determining the optimal treatment methods.
In medical practice, various methods and services can be used for temperature diagnosis. This may include both standard clinical examinations and more detailed tests aimed at determining the causes of temperature elevation. Timely diagnosis not only significantly speeds up the treatment process but also allows predicting possible complications.
- Complete blood count
- Biochemical blood analysis
- PCR tests for infections
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs
- X-ray of the chest
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- Microbiological study
Which doctor to consult
When there is an increased body temperature, it is important to consult a specialist to determine the cause of this symptom and start appropriate treatment. In most cases, the first contact is with a therapist who will conduct a primary examination, listen to complaints, and, if necessary, refer you to a more specialized doctor. The therapist can also draw conclusions based on other symptoms characteristic of accompanying diseases.
If the increased temperature is accompanied by specific symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, a consultation with an infectious disease specialist or pulmonologist may be required. In some cases, it may also be necessary to consult an otolaryngologist to rule out diseases of the nasopharynx. It is important to remember that prolonged or excessively high fever can be a sign of a serious illness, so it is not advisable to postpone a visit to the doctor.
- Therapist
- Infectious disease specialist
- Pulmonologist
- Otolaryngologist
- Immunologist
- Gastroenterologist
- Oncologist
Types of Temperature
The human body temperature is an important indicator that allows us to determine health status. There are several types of temperature that can vary depending on the method of measurement and the time of day. The most common of these are normal, high, and low temperatures. The normal body temperature ranges from 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius. A high temperature, exceeding 37.5 degrees, often indicates the presence of an infection or inflammation in the body, while a low temperature (below 36 degrees) may suggest hypothermia or metabolic issues.
It is important to note that temperature can also vary significantly depending on age, time of day, and level of physical activity. For example, in children and the elderly, the temperature may be lower or higher than normal. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors when interpreting temperature readings. A proper understanding of the types of temperature will aid in more accurate diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
- Normal temperature (36.1-37.2°C)
- Mild fever (37.3-38.0°C)
- Moderate fever (38.1-39.0°C)
- High fever (39.1-40.0°C)
- Hyperpyretic temperature (above 40°C)
- Hypothermia (below 35°C)
Causes of Temperature
Body temperature is an important health indicator that can vary depending on numerous factors. Increased or decreased temperature can serve as a signal of the presence of disease, the body’s reaction to stress or infection. Reasons that impair thermoregulation can be of both infectious and non-infectious origin. For example, viruses and bacteria, upon entering the body, trigger inflammatory processes that lead to an increase in temperature as a protective mechanism.
In addition to infectious diseases, there are other factors that contribute to changes in temperature. These can include autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, hormonal changes, or even heavy physical exertion. It is important to remember that both increased and decreased temperature can indicate serious health problems that require medical attention.
- Infectious diseases (influenza, angina, pneumonia)
- Inflammatory processes (appendicitis, cholecystitis)
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Hormonal changes (hyperthyroidism, menopause)
- Allergic reactions
- Heat strokes or overheating
- Injuries and surgical interventions
Common Related Pathologies
Temperature is an important indicator of a person’s health status and can serve as an indicator of various diseases. An increase in body temperature (fever) is often associated with infectious processes, inflammatory reactions, or other pathologies. This condition may be temporary and indicate that the body is fighting an infection, or it may be a sign of a more serious illness that requires medical intervention.
Additionally, temperature fluctuations may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases or disorders of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. A decreased body temperature can also be the result of chronic diseases that affect metabolism or reflect serious conditions such as pneumonia or shock. Therefore, it is important to monitor temperature changes and consult specialists to identify their cause.
- Influenza and other respiratory infections
- Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis)
- Viral infections (e.g., COVID-19, herpes)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid diseases)
- Oncological diseases (e.g., lymphoma)
- Heat stroke or hypertension
Expert Opinion
Body temperature is an important clinical indicator that can tell a lot about a person’s health status. Normally, the temperature ranges from 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, but various factors can cause it to change. As experts note, an increase in temperature is a protective reaction of the body to infections or inflammatory processes. It signals that the immune system has been activated and is starting to fight the illness. However, when the temperature rises above 38 degrees, this can be a worrying sign and may require additional diagnostics.
According to specialists, it is important to pay attention not only to the change in temperature itself but also to accompanying symptoms. For instance, a temperature accompanied by coughing, difficulty breathing, or rashes may indicate serious diseases such as pneumonia or infectious diseases. This is why it is so important to have the ability to seek medical help at the first signs of illness, especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is always advisable to consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment.
Treatment of Temperature
Treatment of temperature depends on the cause of its increase and the overall condition of the patient. Body temperature can be a sign of various diseases, from a cold to serious infections. Therefore, the main task in this case is to determine the source of the problem and prescribe appropriate therapy. It is important to remember that a high fever itself does not always require active intervention, especially if it is moderately elevated and there are no other symptoms. However, if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C and is accompanied by other alarming signs, it is necessary to see a doctor.
There are several approaches to treating fever. First of all, it is the use of antipyretic agents, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These medications will help lower the temperature and relieve discomfort. However, it is important to note that self-medication is not always safe. In some cases, for example, with serious infections, antimicrobial therapy or even hospitalization for more serious observation and treatment may be required.
If the nature of the high temperature is related to viruses or other infections, the doctor may need to prescribe specific therapy aimed at treating the underlying disease. Therefore, it is important not only to relieve symptoms but also to address the cause of their occurrence.
- Antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
- Specific therapy (vaccines, antiviral medications)
- Supportive therapy (plenty of fluids, rest)
- Hospitalization (in case of serious condition)
Complications
Body temperature is an important thermoregulatory indicator that can signal the presence of various diseases. Increased temperature, especially when it remains high for an extended period, can lead to serious health consequences. Short-term fever typically does not lead to complications; however, a prolonged high temperature may indicate that the body is under significant stress, which, in turn, can weaken the immune system.
The most common complications of prolonged high temperature include dehydration, cardiovascular issues, and disturbances in the central nervous system. For example, in children, high temperature can provoke seizures, causing additional concern for parents. Additionally, prolonged elevation of temperature can lead to neoplasms or exacerbate the course of chronic diseases.
- Dehydration
- Seizures and psychomotor agitation
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Kidney function impairment
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
FAQ
What are the main causes of an increase in body temperature?
An increase in body temperature can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are infectious and inflammatory processes. When viruses or bacteria enter the body, the immune system activates protective mechanisms, including an increase in temperature, which helps destroy pathogens. Additionally, temperature can rise in response to injuries, overheating, allergic reactions, and certain acute or chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer.
How should body temperature be measured properly?
Measuring body temperature must be done using an accurate thermometer, and the appropriate method depends on the person’s age and condition. The most common methods include rectal, oral, and axillary measurement. Rectal measurement is considered the most accurate, especially for small children, while oral measurement is suitable for adults. In axillary measurement, the temperature may be lower than the actual one. Before measuring, make sure that the thermometer is clean and functioning correctly, and also avoid measurements immediately after consuming hot or cold food and drinks.
What measures should be taken when a child has a high temperature?
When a child has a high fever, it is important not to panic and to follow a few basic recommendations. First, ventilate the room where the child is, and ensure they have access to fresh air. Second, you can offer the child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Additionally, if necessary, antipyretics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used, but only after consulting with a doctor, especially if the child is younger than three months. If the fever remains high for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash, or persistent vomiting, it is necessary to see a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
What is the normal body temperature and when should you be concerned?
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1°C to 37.2°C, but it can fluctuate throughout the day depending on activity, time of day, and other factors. It is a cause for concern if the temperature exceeds 38°C, as this may indicate the presence of an infection or inflammatory process in the body. Attention should also be paid to other symptoms such as chills, sweating, weakness, or other unusual manifestations that may signal serious diseases. In the case of significant temperature elevation or prolonged increase, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate measures.