An increase in body temperature above normal is defined as fever. Limits of normal body temperature are difficult to determine. In general, normal body temperature measured from the rectum is accepted as 36.1 – 37.8 Cº.

Why does the body temperature rise?
Fever is the most important and biggest sign of microbial diseases. Substances secreted by some bacteria or viruses, or themselves, cause an increase in body temperature. It is useful to evaluate the person with fever in terms of infection. Flu, pneumonia, appendicitis, ear, kidney, stomach and intestinal infections often cause fever. Fever may also occur as a result of inflammation in the body.

Apart from all these, a detailed examination is required for fever whose cause cannot be determined.

What does high fever cause in the body?
When the body temperature rises, symptoms such as chills, cold hands and feet occur.

The metabolic rate increases by 10-12% for every 1 degree increase over 37ºC. Accordingly, the heartbeat accelerates, and the need for fluid and calories increases. All of this puts additional strain on the heart and respiratory system. Fever can cause convulsions in children aged 6 months to 6 years. It can also cause effects such as restlessness, delirium and hallucinations.