Fever Assessment - Basic

A temporary spike in the body's temperature is termed a fever. It is caused by the hypothalamus – the part of the brain responsible for maintaining normal body temperature. When the immune system detects an infection in the body, it triggers complex processes that produce more heat and activates the hypothalamus to increase the body’s temperature.

The overall process restricts heat loss from the body and may lead to patients experiencing shivers. While fever is usually a temporary problem that goes away without medication, it can also lead to severe or life-threatening complications. Some of the possible causes of fever include:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Malignant tumour
• Specific inflammatory ailments like rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-exercise heat exhaustion

Detecting the cause of the fever can be difficult without consulting a medical practitioner. Hence, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention if the fever is accompanied by one or more of these symptoms:

• Constant headache
• A body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormality in urine; dark urine or low output
• Body ache

At times like these, the doctor may suggest a fever test package to determine the cause of the fever and start suitable treatment.

Apollo 24/7 offers an exhaustive fever profile test to check for some of the most common causes of fever. It comprises a series of 52 tests that check for diseases like malaria, typhoid and dengue and assess blood and urine samples to confirm the cause of fever. The tests included in this package are:

• Widal Test (Slide Method): It is a definitive test to check for enteric fever, which can help detect the presence of typhoid and paratyphoid antibodies. Using the slide method, the lab can test the patient's blood samples against typhoid bacilli to confirm the disease.
• C-Reactive Protein CRP (Quantitative) Test: The lungs release the CRP proteins in the blood only during inflammation. This response can be used to ascertain the cause of the fever and adjust the treatment accordingly.
• Malarial Antigen Test: It is a rapid diagnostic test used to detect multiple species of malarial parasites in the blood – namely Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum to confirm if the underlying cause of the fever.
• Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen, Rapid Test: The NS1 protein is secreted into the bloodstream during the acute stages of dengue fever, i.e., within seven days from infection. A positive result on the NS1 antigen test can assist doctors in diagnosing dengue and starting treatment before it worsens.
• Complete Urine Examination: The body can also experience high temperatures due to a urinary tract infection, which can be detected by a comprehensive urine examination. 
• Complete Blood Count Test: The complete blood count test aims to gauge the level of white blood cells in the body. High white blood cells may indicate inflammation or infection, and the treatment can be performed as such.
• Dengue IgG/IgM Antibodies Rapid Test: The dengue antibodies test is a marker to confirm the presence of dengue fever and understand if the fever is acute or otherwise.

A blood test for fever can facilitate timely detection of the underlying cause. Timely detection can assist in the preparation of effective treatment methods for fever to minimise the impact of the disease. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amitava Ray, Family Physician, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature range for fever?

The normal body temperature is between 97.5 to 98.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The typical fever temperature range begins from 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in adults and children. If this temperature rises above 104 degrees, it is mandatory to consult a doctor who may recommend a blood test for fever.

What are the common causes of fever?

Usually, fevers are caused due to the immune system's response to an infection in the body. However, fever is a rise in the body's temperature that can also occur due to heat exhaustion or allergies. It is always safe to visit a doctor if the fever is causing severe complications in your body. A fever profile test can check for common issues to help start treatment quickly.

Can fever be life-threatening?

The severity of fever can depend on multiple factors, particularly the underlying cause. For instance, harmless fevers lead to a temporary spike in body temperature but fade away without medical assistance. However, fever caused due to infections like malaria, dengue, and typhoid may induce additional symptoms, like vomiting and headache, which could prove fatal if left untreated.

Why should you take the fever assessment test?

The fever profile test checks for the most common reasons for infection. It is a group of 52 tests that check for lethal diseases like malaria, typhoid and urinary tract infections to detect them early and start treatment before they evolve into subsequent stages.

How do I know if my fever requires a doctor's visit?

It is essential to visit a doctor and get a blood test for fever done in either or both of these cases. If the fever persists beyond a couple of days Additional symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and dark urine accompany the fever These signs may indicate fatal infections that can only be treated by a licensed medical practitioner.