Fever in Adults: When to Worry?

Fever is a common medical condition that may signify a minor viral infection, or at times may indicate more severe inflammatory conditions. Hence, it is important to monitor body temperature and symptoms and take timely medical assistance to identify its root cause for proper treatment.

What is considered fever in adults?

The average temperature of the body is 98.6°F. However, the normal body temperature can vary from person to person and also fluctuate throughout the day, while exercising or after eating. The temperature of the body can even rise during the afternoon, as compared to the morning. But a person is said to have a fever when their body temperature rises above 100.4°F.

However, there are certain levels based on the severity of fever in adults. Below is the fever temperature chart for adults: 

If a person has a high-grade fever, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention.

What Causes High Fever in Adults?

Some common causes of fever in adults are: 

1. Viral infections like flu, common cold, dengue, chikungunya
2. Infections like tuberculosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia
3. Bloodstream infections like sepsis
4. Side effects of certain medicines
5. Vaccine reactions
6. Rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
7. Autoimmune disorders

What are the Risk Factors Associated with High Fever in Adults?

Individuals with high-grade fevers are at risk of developing health complications if the fever is not properly treated. A high fever that persists for an extended period can be dangerous or life-threatening. In extreme circumstances, a severe fever can result in brain damage or coma. When the body temperature stays elevated for a prolonged period, the hypothalamus works harder to eliminate the cause, resulting in overheating the body.

If the fever results from a medical condition, it can also be life-threatening in severe cases. An individual with compromised immunity due to an illness such as pneumonia is vulnerable to complications if the fever is not controlled. Severe fever can cause serious damage to the body’s tissues and organs if not diagnosed and treated by a doctor in a timely manner.

What are the High Fever Symptoms in Adults?

Fever is a symptom itself that often indicates an underlying illness. In adults, the following symptoms may be associated with fever:

1. Elevated body temperature
2. Chills
3. Sweating
4. Headache
5. Muscle aches
6. Fatigue
7. Weakness
8. Loss of appetite
9. Dehydration
10. Increased heart rate

How is Fever Diagnosed in Adults?

Diagnostic tests that doctors conduct to help identify the root cause of fever include: 

1. Physical examination of the patient to check vitals, skin and throat.
2. Analysis of symptoms and medical history of the patient.
3. Blood and urine tests are conducted to reveal any infection.
4. Chest X-ray is done to check respiratory conditions.
5. A CT scan or ultrasound may be conducted to detect infections.

How to Manage High Fever?

After consulting a doctor, here are some measures that can help in managing high fever in adults:

1. Take appropriate medicines prescribed by a doctor.
2. Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices, and ORS to prevent dehydration.
3. Take rest and avoid high-strain activities till the body temperature normalises.

Fever indicates an underlying inflammatory response or illness that needs timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment based on its cause. Blood tests and other diagnostic methods help determine if the source of fever is a minor self-limiting infection or a symptom of a more serious medical problem.

It is advisable to monitor the fever, and associated symptoms and consult a doctor to receive timely medical assistance. Additionally, getting accurate blood test reports is crucial for a correct diagnosis.

FAQs

1. There is a high fever in an adult. When to worry?

An adult should seek urgent medical care if they have a very high fever above 101°F, along with symptoms like chills, confusion, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Additionally, they must go to the hospital if the fever persists for more than 2 days without any improvement. At the hospital, proper diagnosis and treatment can be provided under medical supervision to prevent complications.

2. Why does fever occur repeatedly in adults?

Recurring fever in adults may indicate underlying chronic inflammatory conditions or persistent infections. Some common reasons are urinary tract infections, malaria, or autoimmune disorders. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause through diagnostic tests. Blood tests may be required for accurate diagnosis so that specific treatment can be started to manage the condition.

3. What is a dangerous level of fever in adults?

Adult fever ranges are: 

1. Low-grade Fever: up to 100.4°F
2. Moderate-grade Fever: 100.5–102.2°F
3. High-grade Fever: 102.3–105.8 °F

Persistent high-grade fever is typically considered a dangerous level in adults.