Medically reviewed by Amir Zegar, DO
When to Go to the ER For a Fever
A fever is basically a temporary increase in body temperature. When a fever occurs, it means that something isn’t right inside the body. A fever is commonly a sign that your body is trying to fight off a virus or bacteria. The higher temperatures signal from a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, responsible for controlling your body temperature.
The average normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37C). The higher temperature associated with a fever makes your body a less welcoming host for replicating bacteria and viruses. When you’re suffering from a mild fever, it’s usually a good sign that your immune system is working normally. However, infections aren’t always to blame for a fever. In some cases, fever can be a sign of alcohol withdrawal, amphetamine abuse, environmental changes, and more.
Generally, mild fevers usually go away within a few days or hours. Over-the-counter medications can also help lower a fever. However, fever shouldn’t be ignored, especially in children. If you have a body temperature of 39.4 C or higher or your child has a slightly elevated temperature, you should seek immediate treatment in an ER near me.
Symptoms of Fever
If your body temperature rises beyond the normal range, about 98.6 F (37C), you likely have a fever. However, your normal temperature can vary by a degree or more. Your fever tends to be lower in the morning and slightly higher in the late evenings and afternoons.
To take your body temperature, you can use a variety of thermometers such as oral, ear (tympanic), forehead (temporal artery), and rectal. Rectal and oral thermometers provide the most accurate results.
Depending on the underlying cause, additional signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Chills and shivering
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Dehydration
- General weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Febrile seizures in children
Causes of Fever
Generally, fever is caused by:
- A virus and bacterial infection
- Heatstroke and exhaustion
- Certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause an inflammation of the lining of the joints.
- A malignant tumor
- Some medication like antibiotics and medication used to treat seizures and high blood pressure
- Immunizations including diphtheria, acellular pertussis (DTaP), tetanus, and pneumococcal vaccine
In some cases, the underlying cause of fever may be impossible to diagnose.
When to Visit the ER for a Fever
While having a fever is a good sign that your immune system is at work, sometimes a fever can rise to unhealthy levels. For instance, if a fever rises to 105°F or higher, it exposes the body’s proteins and fats to temperature stressors, interfering with their functioning. Prolonged exposure can cause complications such as cellular stress, neurosis, delirium, infarction, and seizures.
To prevent these conditions from happening, below are signs that signal emergency medical care might be needed.
- Babies and children
You want to take it even more seriously if you have an infant under 3 months old. Their immune system is still immature, and you should take any fever seriously. Below are a few reasons to visit the ER:
- Body temperature changes. Both low and high temperatures in babies aren’t normal. If your baby has a rectal temperature below 97°F or higher than 100.4°F, you should visit an ER right away.
- Poor feeding. Typically, babies feed every 2-3 hours. As they grow, their stomach expands, and they eat more. If your baby or child has a consistently decreased desire to feed or won’t wake up to feed, seek medical attention immediately.
- Fewer diapers. Poor feeding will likely lead to a consistent decrease in short calls. It could signify that your child is hydrated, and you should seek medical attention.
- Trouble breathing. If your child has congested and noisy breathing or struggles to breathe, you should take them to the ER right away.
- Discolored skin or lips. If your child’s skin or lips turn blue, it could be a sign of low oxygen levels. It could indicate infections.
- Green vomit. It could indicate a severe condition of the abdomen.
- Rash. Fever accompanied by new or spontaneous rash requires immediate medical attention.
- Change in arousal or activity
- Convulsions or febrile seizures require emergency care.
- Adults
Generally, adults have fewer fevers than children. You should seek emergency treatment if you have a fever along with the following symptoms:
- Body temperatures higher than 105°F
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness. It could indicate meningitis.
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abnormal pain. It could signify diverticulitis or appendicitis.
- New rash
- Confusion, lethargy, or disorientation. It could be a sign of organ failure, severe dehydration, or severe infection.
- Weakness or dizziness
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you looking for an emergency room in Memorial – Houston, TX? Contact Memorial Village Emergency Room.