Causes of Fever

A part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls body temperature, which usually varies
throughout the day from the normal temperature of 98.6 F.
In response to an infection, illness, or some other cause, the hypothalamus may reset the body to a
higher temperature.
Although the most common causes of fever are common infections such as colds and gastroenteritis,
other causes include:

Infections of the ear, lung, skin, throat, bladder, or kidney
Conditions that cause inflammation
Side effects of drugs
Cancer
Vaccines

Other causes of fever include:

Blood clots
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease
Hormone disorders such as hyperthyroidism
Illegal drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine

Fever
When your body temperature rises because of an infection, it's called a fever. Fevers are caused
by chemicals called pyrogens flowing in the bloodstream. Pyrogens make their way to the
hypothalamus in the brain, which is in charge of regulating body temperature. When pyrogens
bind to certain receptors in the hypothalamus, body temperature rises.

One common pyrogen is called Interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is produced by white blood cells called
macrophages when they come into contact with certain bacteria and viruses. IL-1 has multiple
purposes, one of which is to signal other white blood cells, called helper T cells, into action
Body temperature increases as a protective response to infection and injury. An elevated body
temperature (fever) enhances the body's defense mechanisms, although it can cause discomfort (see
Fever in Adults).
A part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls body temperature. Fever results from an actual
resetting of the hypothalamus's thermostat. The body raises its temperature to a higher level by moving
(shunting) blood from the skin surface to the interior of the body, thus reducing heat loss.
Shivering (chills) may occur to increase heat production through muscle contraction. The body's
efforts to conserve and produce heat continue until blood reaches the hypothalamus at the new,
higher temperature. The new, higher temperature is then maintained. Later, when the thermostat
is reset to its normal level, the body eliminates excess heat through sweating and shunting of
blood to the skin.
Certain people (such as alcoholics, the very old, and the very young) are less able to generate a fever.
These people may experience a drop in temperature in response to severe infection.
In order to kill pyrogens, it is best at about 98.6 Fahrenheit.
The causes of high fever vary
sore throat
sinusitis
urinary tract
appendicitis
pneumonia
arthritis
lupus
gastrointestinal and vascular disorders

What other symptoms might occur with high fever?

You may experience other symptoms with a high fever, and these vary depending on the
underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Symptoms that may occur along with high fever

High fever may accompany other symptoms related to infection or inflammation including:

Abdominal pain
Bone pain
Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Chills
Confusion
Cough
Excessive sweating
Headache
Loss of appetite
Rash or blisters
Shaking, seizure or convulsion
Shortness of breath
Warmth, redness or swelling of a body area

Other symptoms that may occur along with high fever

High fever may accompany symptoms unrelated to infection including:

Bloody stool
Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
Enlarged lymph nodes
Hair loss
Joint pain or swelling
Reduced mobility (range of motion of the joint)
Sores around the mouth

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, high fever may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition which should be
immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or
someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

Abnormal pupil size or nonreactivity to light
Abrupt and severe confusion
Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty walking
Rash affecting trunk and extremities
Seizure
Severe dizziness
Severe headache
Stiff neck