Fever: Causes, Diagnosis, When to seek care
الحمى
Fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, often a normal response to fighting infection. It may be accompanied by chills, fatigue, and body aches. Most mild fevers are managed at home with rest and fluids, but high or persistent fever needs medical evaluation.
What is Fever?
Fever is a body temperature above the usual range and is a sign rather than a diagnosis. Normal temperature varies between people and throughout the day. Interpretation considers the measurement method, age and accompanying symptoms. Infection is common, but medicines, inflammatory conditions and other causes can also raise temperature.
Care depends on the cause and the person's condition; the temperature number alone does not determine illness severity. Infants and people with weakened immunity need early assessment. Fever with breathing difficulty, altered consciousness or a stiff neck requires urgent care.
Possible causes
- Viral infections such as colds and influenza.
- Bacterial infections in the throat, urinary tract, or elsewhere.
- Some inflammatory conditions.
- Sometimes briefly after vaccinations.
- Heat stroke in extremely hot weather.
These are common causes; identifying the source of fever may require medical evaluation if needed.
Diagnosis
Temperature is interpreted alongside age, measurement method, fever duration, overall condition and accompanying symptoms. Examination looks for a possible source, such as the throat, chest or abdomen. Urine or blood tests, or a chest X-ray, may be selected according to the findings. Temperature alone does not identify the cause or its seriousness; fever in young infants needs particular medical attention.
Self-care
Maintain fluids and rest. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers for fever; ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable medicine.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Fever persists for more than three days or returns after improvement.
- Temperature is very high or does not decrease with usual care.
Seek emergency care immediately if fever is accompanied by neck stiffness, rapid spreading rash, difficulty breathing, or confusion. For infants and young children, consult a doctor early.
This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a specialist doctor, and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.
FAQs about Fever
متى تُعدّ درجة الحرارة حمّى؟
ما الذي يساعد في خفض الحمى البسيطة منزلياً؟
هل الحمى دائماً علامة على عدوى خطيرة؟
متى تكون حمّى الطفل طارئة؟
Related Q&A
قد تنخفض الشهية مؤقتًا مع مرض عابر أو ضغط نفسي أو دواء، وقد ترتبط بمشكلة بالفم أو البلع أو الهضم. استمرارها أو ترافقها مع نقص وزن غير مقصود يحتاج تقييمًا. لا يُنصح بمنشط شهية قبل معرفة السبب.
قد ينتج التعرق أثناء النوم عن حرارة الغرفة أو الأغطية، لكن تبلل الملابس والفراش رغم برودة الجو يستحق الانتباه إذا تكرر. تشمل الأسباب المحتملة تغيرات هرمونية وبعض الأدوية أو انخفاض السكر أو عدوى؛ لا يعني التعرق وحده مرضًا خطيرًا.
يحتاج من يتبع غذاءً نباتيًا صرفًا إلى مصدر موثوق لفيتامين ب١٢، مثل الأغذية المدعمة أو المكمل المناسب. لا تكفي الخضار غير المدعمة لتأمينه. تُحدد الخطة حسب الغذاء والعمر والامتصاص والفحوص، ولا يحتاج كل نباتي إلى حقن.