HIGH FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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High fever is a medical term that refers to a significantly elevated body temperature beyond the normal range, typically above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius). It is a symptom typically associated with an underlying infection, illness, or medical condition, often indicating an active immune response. Fever is the body's natural defense mechanism to combat infectious agents and promote healing.
The exact threshold for what constitutes a high fever may vary depending on individual factors such as age, body weight, and overall health status. Infants and young children may develop higher fevers more easily than adults since their immune systems are still maturing. In some cases, a high fever can lead to complications, especially if it persists for an extended duration.
High fever often includes symptoms such as profuse sweating, flushed or red skin, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and an increased heart rate. It can result from various infections like the flu, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or viral illnesses. Additionally, non-infectious causes like heatstroke or autoimmune diseases can also cause high fevers.
The treatment of high fever typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause while providing symptomatic relief. This might involve taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever and alleviate discomfort. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, particularly for fevers in young children or those accompanied by severe symptoms, as they can be indicative of serious medical conditions requiring further investigation and treatment.
Common Misspellings for HIGH FEVER
- gigh fever
- bigh fever
- nigh fever
- jigh fever
- uigh fever
- yigh fever
- hugh fever
- hjgh fever
- hkgh fever
- hogh fever
- h9gh fever
- h8gh fever
- hifh fever
- hivh fever
- hibh fever
- hihh fever
- hiyh fever
- hith fever
- higg fever
- higb fever
Etymology of HIGH FEVER
The etymology of the phrase "high fever" can be understood by examining the origins of each individual word.
1. High: This word originated from the Old English word "heah" which means "tall" or "above others". Over time, it evolved to include the meaning of "having a great or considerable vertical extent".
2. Fever: The term "fever" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "febris" which means "a fever". It is also related to the Latin word "fervēre" meaning "to boil" or "to be hot".
Therefore, when we combine both words, "high fever" refers to an elevated body temperature above the normal range, characterized by excessive heat or boiling sensations.
