Fever
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
By a careful evaluation of properly elicited history and good physical examination, the cause of fever can be made out in almost all cases.
Approach to fever
- Duration of fever
A. Less than five days: Commonest cause of fever is viral, which usually lasts for less than 5 days, and often associated with symptoms like running nose, sore throat and myalgia which helps to differentiate it from other causes. If these associated symptoms are absent, always consider the causes for prolonged fevers as given below in B and C even if duration is less than five days, since prolonged fevers also have an acute onset.
B. More than five days: Think of common infections as given below and look for their features
a. Enteric fever
b. Urinary tract
c. Pneumonia
d. Malaria
e. Liver Abscess
Management of fever
(Also refer general care of patient)
- Avoid dehydration-as fluid loss is common due to insensible perspiration, increase fluid intake.
- Control temperature when indicated by tepid sponging and Tab. Paracetamol 500 mg 6-8 hourly. Always control temperature in patients who are seizure-prone, and in those with renal insufficiency and CCF. Avoid Inj. Paracetamol as far as possible, avoid NSAID.
- Specific treatment: depending on the cause.