When a Fever Becomes an Emergency
We have heard the term “fever” a lot, but what it actually does to your body is never learnt or discussed. A fever is your body’s way of telling you something is not right.
Simply said, fever occurs when your body is trying to kill a virus or bacteria that causes an infection. This is because a higher temperature makes the body a less welcoming host for replicating viruses and bacteria.
But fevers are not always brought on by infections
While it’s true that a fever typically means your immune system is hard at work, the fever can sometimes raise to unhealthy levels. When the body temperature exceeds 105°F, it exposes the proteins and body fats to temperature stressors that can interfere with their functioning. Prolonged exposure can lead to cellular stress, infarctions, necrosis, seizures and delirium.
A fever accompanied by a set of these symptoms requires emergency medical attention.
Fever + Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain
If you are experiencing a barking cough, convulsions, chest pain, shortness of breath or your fever you fever won’t go away even after 48 hours, you may be having a serious health complication and you need to head to the critical care hospital immediately.
Fever + Confusion + Headache + Rapid Heart Rate
When the body becomes overheated, heat stroke may occur. Heat stroke commonly involves at a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It causes irritability, dry and flushed skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and even seizures. So, if you suspect anybody is becoming overheated, move them to a cooler area immediately and contact emergency for critical care treatments.
Fever + Blood in Secretions or Excrements
If you have blood present in your urine, stool, or mucus along with a fever, seek emergency medical attention. Blood present in bodily fluids or feces can be caused by a variety of complications, including the flu and kidney failures.
Fever + Weakened Immune System
If your immune system is already weakened due to cancer, AIDS or any other serious health conditions, you need to consult emergency hospital nearby, immediately. Because your body is increasing the temperature to fight off an illness but your weak immune system may not be strong enough to help.
Fever + Abdominal Pain + Nausea or Vomiting
If you have a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and you experience pain below your navel along with nausea or vomiting, you may have appendicitis. And it is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Fever + Unresponsiveness
A fever accompanied by unconsciousness may be caused by heat stroke, meningitis or other serious conditions. If the person with fever becomes unconsciousness for any reason, take them to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Get critical fever treatment at Phoenix Hospital
Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive. If you are doubtful that the fever will resolve on its own, it is best to have the condition examined by a critical care medical professional. Visit your critical care doctor if your fever is concerning or lasts longer than a week.
At Phoenix Hosptial, we offer best emergency and critical care 24/7, with all time present professionals who are experienced in treating all age groups. We are dedicated to giving every patient the best care available, and will work diligently to identify the cause of the fever and treat the underlying condition.
