Ask a doctor - Health issues: What causes fever?

Fevers are like our body 39 s built-in alarm system letting us know that something might be off Most commonly they 39 re a sign that your immune system is kicking into gear to fight off an infection Here 39 s the lowdown on what causes a fever 1 Infections Fevers are often a response to infections like the flu colds or urinary tract infections When nasty bugs invade your body your immune system releases chemicals that rev up your internal thermostat leading to a rise in body temperature 2 Viral Infections Viruses are notorious troublemakers They infiltrate your cells hijack their machinery and prompt your body to mount a defense This defense often includes a fever as part of the immune response 3 Bacterial Infections Bacteria can also stir the pot When your body detects a bacterial invasion it releases substances that trigger a fever Examples include strep throat or a bacterial sinus infection 4 Inflammatory Conditions Sometimes fevers can be a response to non-infectious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease In these cases your body thinks there 39 s a threat even when there isn 39 t an infection 5 Medications Certain medications can play tricks on your body 39 s temperature regulation If you 39 ve started a new medication and noticed a spike in temperature it 39 s worth checking with your healthcare provider 6 Heat-Related Illness Ever had a scorching day make you feel feverish That 39 s your body 39 s way of dealing with excessive heat Heatstroke or dehydration can cause your body temperature to rise dangerously 7 Vaccinations Occasionally after a vaccination especially in kids a mild fever might crop up It 39 s usually a sign that the immune system is doing its job learning and remembering how to fight specific germs 8 Autoimmune Disorders Conditions like lupus or certain types of arthritis can lead to fevers In these cases the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells triggering inflammation and an increase in body temperature Remember a fever is not an illness in itself it 39 s a symptom of an underlying issue If you or someone you know has a persistent or high fever it 39 s essential to reach out to a healthcare professional They can help identify the root cause and guide you on the best course of action In the meantime stay hydrated get plenty of rest and listen to what your body is telling you Fevers are like red flags waving signaling that it 39 s time to pay attention and give your body the support it needs to bounce back

Q. Health issues: What causes fever?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Fevers are like our body's built-in alarm system, letting us know that something might be off. Most commonly, they're a sign that your immune system is kicking into gear to fight off an infection. Here's the lowdown on what causes a fever:

1. Infections:
Fevers are often a response to infections, like the flu, colds, or urinary tract infections. When nasty bugs invade your body, your immune system releases chemicals that rev up your internal thermostat, leading to a rise in body temperature.

2. Viral Infections:
Viruses are notorious troublemakers. They infiltrate your cells, hijack their machinery, and prompt your body to mount a defense. This defense often includes a fever as part of the immune response.

3. Bacterial Infections:
Bacteria can also stir the pot. When your body detects a bacterial invasion, it releases substances that trigger a fever. Examples include strep throat or a bacterial sinus infection.

4. Inflammatory Conditions:
Sometimes, fevers can be a response to non-infectious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. In these cases, your body thinks there's a threat even when there isn't an infection.

5. Medications:
Certain medications can play tricks on your body's temperature regulation. If you've started a new medication and noticed a spike in temperature, it's worth checking with your healthcare provider.

6. Heat-Related Illness:
Ever had a scorching day make you feel feverish? That's your body's way of dealing with excessive heat. Heatstroke or dehydration can cause your body temperature to rise dangerously.

7. Vaccinations:
Occasionally, after a vaccination, especially in kids, a mild fever might crop up. It's usually a sign that the immune system is doing its job, learning and remembering how to fight specific germs.

8. Autoimmune Disorders:
Conditions like lupus or certain types of arthritis can lead to fevers. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, triggering inflammation and an increase in body temperature.

Remember, a fever is not an illness in itself; it's a symptom of an underlying issue. If you or someone you know has a persistent or high fever, it's essential to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help identify the root cause and guide you on the best course of action.

In the meantime, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and listen to what your body is telling you. Fevers are like red flags waving, signaling that it's time to pay attention and give your body the support it needs to bounce back.