What is a fever? When should you go to the ER for a fever? How will Advance ER in Dallas treat a fever? Get the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Fever: What Is It and What Causes It?

A fever is a symptom that indicates your body is trying to fight off an underlying condition or infection. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, raises the body’s temperature in response to an infection or other illness. This higher temperature makes it inhospitable for viruses and bacteria, helping your immune system do its job. Fevers can be caused by a variety of factors beyond just infections, including drug abuse, alcohol withdrawal, and environmental factors like heat stroke.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care for a Fever?

While a fever is often a sign that your body is working to combat an illness, very high or prolonged fevers can be dangerous. Temperatures above 105°F can start to damage proteins and body fats, leading to complications like cellular stress, organ damage, seizures, and delirium. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial in these cases.

Fever in Infants Under 90 Days Old

For infants younger than 90 days, any fever should prompt a trip to the emergency room. Changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns, or bowel movements, as well as symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, rash, eye discharge, or difficulty breathing, all require immediate medical evaluation in this age group.

Fever in Babies 90 Days to 36 Months Old

Babies between 90 days and 36 months old should also be taken to the ER if they have a fever accompanied by any of the concerning symptoms listed above. Additionally, unvaccinated babies in this age range need prompt medical care for any fever.

Fever in Children Over 36 Months Old

Older children with a fever should be taken to the ER if they exhibit the same worrisome symptoms, or if they experience abdominal pain or persistent discomfort alongside the elevated temperature.

Fever in Adults

For adults, emergency care is warranted for fevers accompanied by severe headache, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, confusion, a rash, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. Adults with compromised immune systems or who have recently undergone chemotherapy should also seek immediate medical attention for any fever. Fevers lasting more than 3 days or reaching above 103°F also require prompt evaluation.

What Will Advance ER in Dallas Do for a Fever?

At Advance ER in Dallas, our experienced emergency medical team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, advanced care for patients of all ages with fevers. We will work diligently to identify the underlying cause of the fever and administer the appropriate treatment to address the root issue. Our integrative approach ensures you receive the highest quality care to get you on the path to recovery.

How to Know if You Should Go to the ER for a Fever

While a low-grade fever on its own may not necessarily require emergency care, any high or prolonged fever can be indicative of a serious condition that needs prompt medical attention. If you have any concerns about your fever or accompanying symptoms, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek evaluation at the emergency room.

Key Takeaways

• Fevers are a symptom of the body trying to fight off an infection or other underlying condition.
• Temperatures above 105°F can lead to dangerous complications and require immediate medical care.
• Infants under 90 days old, unvaccinated babies, and those with certain symptoms should always go to the ER for a fever.
• Adults with compromised immune systems, severe symptoms, or persistent fevers should also seek emergency treatment.
• Advance ER in Dallas provides comprehensive, advanced care for patients of all ages with fevers.

Why Trust Advance ER?

At Advance ER, our team of emergency medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality, integrative care for patients with a wide range of urgent health concerns, including fevers. We have extensive experience treating patients of all ages and will work diligently to identify and address the underlying cause of your fever, getting you the care you need to recover quickly. You can trust Advance ER to deliver exceptional service and personalized attention when you need it most.