FEVER &THROAT INFECTION
Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal. Rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease- producing organisms. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated. Although, if the fever is accompanied by any other troubling symptoms, you may need to see your doctor to be certain. As fevers range to 104 degrees F and above, however, there can be unwanted consequences, particularly for children. These can include delirium and convulsions. A fever of this sort demands immediate home treatment and then medical attention. Home treatment possibilities include the use of aspirin or, in children, non-aspirin pain-killers such as acetaminophen, cool baths, or sponging to reduce the fever while seeking medical help. Fever may occur with almost any type of infection of illness. The temperature is measured with a thermometer. 
Fever, or pyrexia or controlled hyperthermia is when the human's body temperature goes above the normal range of 36-37C (98-100F) - it is a common medical sign. As the individual's body temperature goes up, there may be a sensation of cold until the temperature plateaus (stops rising).An elevated body temperature (fever) is one of the ways our immune system attempts combat an infection. Usually the rise in body temperature helps the individual resolve an infection. However, sometimes it may rise too high, in which case the fever can be serious and lead to complications.
Doctors say that as long as the fever is mild, we do not generally need to try and bring it down - if the fever is not severe it is probably having an effect in neutralizing a the bacterium or virus that is causing the infection. Medications to bring down a fever are called antipyretics. If the fever is causing undue discomfort, an antipyretic may be recommended. US and UK doctors say that when the fever reaches or exceeds 39.4C it is no longer mild.
What are the signs and symptoms of fever?
A symptom is something the patient reports and feels, while a sign is something other people, including a doctor may detect. For example, a headache may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. When somebody has a fever, signs and symptoms are linked to what is known as sickness behavior, and may include:
Feeling cold when nobody else does
- Shivering
- Anorexia- lack of appetite
- Dehydration-preventable if the patient drinks plenty of fluids
- Depression-Hyperalgesia - the individual is much more sensitive to pain
- Lethargy
- Problems concentrating
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
Fever in Adults Overview
A fever (also termed pyrexia) is a higher-than-normal body temperature. It is a symptom caused by a variety of illnesses.
Every one of us has experienced the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever causes. Fever usually occurs in response to an infection or inflammation. However, many other causes are possible, including drugs, poisons, cancer, heat exposure, injuries or abnormalities to the brain, or disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system.
A fever rarely comes without other symptoms. It is often accompanied by specific complaints, which may help to identify the illness causing the fever. This can help the doctor determine which treatment is necessary.
Normal body temperature can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather. For most people, a temperature of 98.6 F (37 C) is baseline.
Temperature is usually controlled by the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like a thermostat for the body. It maintains normal temperature through heating mechanisms, such as shivering and metabolism, and cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and dilating (opening) blood vessels close to the skin.
Fever occurs when the body's immune response is triggered by pyrogens (fever-producing substances). Pyrogens usually come from a source outside the body and, in turn, stimulate the production of additional pyrogens inside the body. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point. In response, our body begins to shiver; our blood vessels constrict (close); we get under the covers in an attempt to reach the new temperature that is higher than our baseline. Pyrogens (fever-producing substances) that occur outside the body
*Viruses * Bacteria *Fungi *Drugs * Toxins
Body temperature measurements are usually measured by temperature devices inserted on or into the rectum, mouth, axilla (under the armpit), skin, or ear. Some devices (laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes, rectal probes) may have temperature-sensing probes that can record temperature continually. The most common way to measure body temperature was (and still is in many countries) with a mercury thermometer; because of glass breakage and the possibility of subsequent mercury contamination, many developed countries use digital thermometers with disposable probe covers to measure temperature from all of the body sites listed above. Disposable temperature-sensitive strips that measure skin temperature are also used. Oral temperatures are most commonly measured in adults, but rectal temperatures are the most accurate because environmental factors that increase or decrease temperature measurements have the least effect on the rectal area. Rectal temperatures, when compared to oral temperatures taken at the same time, are about 1.8 F (0.6 C) higher. Consequently, an accurate measurement of body temperature (best is rectal core temperature) of 100.4 F (38 C) or above is considered to be a "fever."
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat can have many causes including:
*Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").
* Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.
* Sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat.
*A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (whichcauses strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash
*Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as ‘thursh”
*A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.
Generally, sore throats must run their course (exception, strep throat will be addressed below.)
- Salt water gargles, hard candies, sprays for example, Chloraseptic) and lozenges can provide temporary pain relief. (Caution: Lozenges and hard candy are a choking hazard for children. Avoid their use in young children.)
- A humidifier may be helpful in relieving symptoms, especially in sore throats caused by mouth breathing and dry air.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofenmay help control the pain.
- For adults, if your nose is plugged, nasal sprays such as Afrin may be used for two to three days to prevent mouth breathing. It is NOT a good idea to use these products for more than a couple of days; you may become dependent on them.
- Other decongestant products, such as Sudafed, may be helpful.
If you have health problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure, contact your health care professional before using these products.
Prof. John Kurakar
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