When To Go to the ER for a Fever
A fever is defined as a temporary rise in the body’s temperature that is usually caused by an infection. A fever is thought to be a certain type of immune response where the body tries to fight off a foreign organism. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable but it is usually not a cause for concern. However, there are a few red flags or symptoms to look out for that can turn a fever into a potential emergency.
What is a fever?
- For adults, a fever is when your temperature is higher than 100.4°F.
- For kids, a fever is when their temperature is higher than 100.4°F (measured rectally); 99.5°F (measured orally); or 99°F (measured under the arm).
What can cause a fever?
Fever in adults, children, and newborns should be addressed slightly differently due to the way our bodies respond to infections. Adults are better able to tolerate infections while children and newborns have more difficulty. That is why the threshold for seeking medical help is significantly lower in children and newborns than in adults.
Adults
Common causes of fever in adults are chest infections, colds, and stomach bugs. Infections can also be caused when bacteria invade different organs such as the kidneys, bladder, or skin. If a fever is accompanied by one or more of the following items then urgent medical care should be sought:
- A fever following a recent head injury or trauma to the head
- A fever alongside a migraine or severe headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A fever accompanied by confusion, dizziness, or nausea
- A fever that has lasted for more than 3 days
If you experience a fever alongside one or more of these issues, seek urgent medical care.
Children/Toddlers (Older than 12 months)
Children and toddlers may have a fever for similar reasons to those experienced by adults such as a stomach bug, the flu, or a chest infection. Urgent medical attention should be sought if a fever is associated with one or more of these symptoms in a child
- They are not eating or drinking as normal (or are drinking very small amounts of fluids)
- For toddlers if they have no wet nappies over an 8-10 hour period
- They are lethargic or irritable
- They have developed a new rash on the body
- They have diarrhea or have been vomiting
- The fever has lasted more than 12-24 hours without breaking
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-feverhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/fever-in-children-child/related-factors/itt-20009075
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
