What Causes Body Temperature to Rise?
August 20, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
An increase in body temperature, known as fever or pyrexia, is typically a response to an underlying condition or trigger. It is a part of the body’s immune response and can be caused by various factors. Here are some common causes of an elevated body temperature:
- Infections: Fever is a common symptom of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens. Examples include the common cold, flu, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of autoimmune disorders, can lead to fever.
- Heat Exposure: Excessive exposure to high temperatures or hot environments can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can cause elevated body temperature.
- Medications: Some medications can cause fever as a side effect. For instance, certain antibiotics and drugs used to treat inflammatory conditions can lead to fever.
- Vaccinations: Fever can be a normal response to certain vaccines as the body’s immune system mounts a defense against the vaccine components.
- Trauma or Injury: Severe injuries, burns, or tissue damage can trigger an inflammatory response that leads to fever.
- Certain Cancers: Some cancers, especially those involving the immune system, can lead to fever.
- Blood Clots or Thrombosis: Blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis, can lead to localized inflammation and fever.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus, vasculitis, and other autoimmune diseases can cause immune-related inflammation and fever.
- Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, especially those involving anaphylaxis, can cause an increase in body temperature.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or in certain medical conditions can lead to mild increases in body temperature.
- Thyroid Disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can result in an elevated body temperature.
- Medication Withdrawal: Stopping certain medications suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including fever.
- Bloodstream Infections (Sepsis): Severe infections that spread to the bloodstream can lead to high fever and other symptoms of sepsis.
- Stress and Anxiety: Intense stress, anxiety, or emotional distress can sometimes cause a temporary elevation in body temperature.
It’s important to note that while fever is often a sign of the body’s immune response to an underlying issue, it’s not always harmful. In fact, fever can help the body fight off infections and promote the activity of immune cells. However, persistent or high fever, especially in combination with other symptoms, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The underlying cause of the fever needs to be identified and treated appropriately.