Causes of fever
How does fever occur?
Fever occurs when the hypothalamus resets the normal temperature point to a higher level. Though the body is still working to balance the heat produced with that which it releases, since the set-point is now higher, the body temperature rises.1
The increase in body temperature occurs due to various reasons such as release of certain chemicals called cytokines in response to invading microorganisms, cancer cells or any other foreign matter. It is also in response to the body producing white blood cells and antibodies to protect it from the invading foreign matter.2
Common causes of fever
Infectious causes of fever3,4
Any form of infection can cause the body to respond with a fever. These include viral and bacterial infections. Some examples are:
| Viral infections | Common cold Influenza Meningitis Dengue fever Gastroenteritis |
| Bacterial infections | Dysentery Bacterial pneumonia Tuberculosis Skin infections Urinary tract infections Otitis media (ear infections) Eye infections |
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Non-infectious causes of fever1
Though it is more common for a person to develop fever because of an infection, there are non-infectious causes of fever. These include:
Auto-immune diseases Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cancers Leukaemias
Lymphomas
Drug induced Sulfa drugs
Some anti-epileptic medications
Antiretroviral medicines (for treatment of HIV)
Some antiarrhythmic medications (e.g. amiadarone)
Crystal-induced arthropaties Gout (accumulation of uric acid in the joints) Thromboembolism Deep vein thrombosis Abdominal conditions Acute pancreatitis Central nervous system conditions Stroke (haemorrhagic and ischaemic) -
Common causes of fever in children5–7
Some of the more common causes of fever in children are:
Upper respiratory tract infections Influenza Ear infections Roseola which is caused by a virus and associated with a rash Tonsillitis Common childhood illnesses e.g. chicken pox After immunisations However, contrary to popular believe, teething does not cause fever. There may be a slight increase in temperature during teething due to the irritation of the gums, but it is not high enough to qualify as a fever.7 This is important to remember as, if the child who is teething has a fever, then there may be an underlying infection that should be treated.
Understanding fever
How do they present?
Refresh your knowledge on the signs and symptoms of fever and learn about “red flag” symptoms that indicate a referral to the doctor.
What can you recommend to your patients for fever?
Find out more about both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for fever in both adults and children.
Learn more
Calpol Tablets
S0CALPOL Tablets. Each tablet contains 500 mg Paracetamol. Reg no: 44/2.7/0321.GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 39 Hawkins Avenue, Epping Industria 1, Cape Town, 7460. Reg. No: 2014/173930/07. For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. For any further information, including safety, please contact the GSK Hotline on +27 11 745 6001 or 0800118274.
Learning module for pharmacists
A useful tool specifically tailored for pharmacists to treat children’s fever and pain using appropriate over-the-counter products.
Calpol Paediatric suspension
S0CALPOL Paediatric Suspension. Reg no: B/2.7/.767 Each 5 ml contains 120 mg Paracetamol. Preservatives: Methyl Hydroxybenzoate 0,1 % m/v, Propyl Hydroxybenzoate 0,02 % m/v. Contains sugar (glucose and sorbitol). Alcohol Free. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 39 Hawkins Avenue, Epping Industria 1, Cape Town, 7460. Reg. No: 2014/173930/07. For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. For any further information, including safety, please contact the GSK Hotline on +27 11 745 6001 or 0800118274.
