What Causes Fever?
July 15, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Fever is generally a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a condition itself. It is often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or dealing with an inflammatory response. Here are some common causes of fever:
- Infections: Fever is a common response to various types of infections, including bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Examples include the flu, common cold, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, strep throat, and various other localized or systemic infections.
- Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions can cause fever as part of the body’s immune response. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and vasculitis.
- Immunizations: Vaccinations can sometimes cause a low-grade fever as the body mounts an immune response to the vaccine.
- Medications: Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can cause a drug-induced fever as a side effect. Other medications that can occasionally lead to fever include anticonvulsants, certain blood pressure medications, and certain psychiatric medications.
- Tissue injury or trauma: Fever can occur as a result of tissue injury, such as burns, deep wounds, or postoperative inflammation.
- Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can be associated with fever.
- Cancer: Some types of cancer, particularly lymphomas and certain blood cancers, can cause fever as a symptom.
It’s important to note that fever itself is not always harmful and can be a natural response of the body’s immune system. However, persistent or high fever, or fever accompanied by severe symptoms, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The underlying cause of the fever needs to be determined and appropriate treatment initiated if necessary.