When your body speaks, you should listen. Most people aren't very good at it, though, and it's tempting to ignore a problem that could signal something bad. Even if you do pay attention to your symptoms, it's not easy to know what they mean. That's why diagnosis is a job for a doctor. But you can use the information here to help you decide how urgently you need to see one.
Symptoms you should never ignore: fever
Do you have a fever?
Description: a small increase in body temperature, 0.5–1°C (1–2°F) with no other symptoms.
Possible causes: exercise, menstruation, heat, heavy clothing or intense emotion.
Response: Normal body temperature is about 37°C (98.6°F). In adults and children over age 6, a variation of 1 to 2 degrees is normal. To reduce your temperature, turn on air conditioning, loosen clothing, drink fluids or bathe in lukewarm water.
Description: a rapid, dramatic increase in body temperature after exposure to heat, sun or intense exercise; may be accompanied by rapid pulse, nausea and disorientation.
Possible causes: heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
Response: move to a cool place and spray yourself with and drink cool water. If symptoms are extreme — temperature of 41°C (106°F) or higher — call an ambulance. Heat exhaustion is less serious; heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Description: a moderate fever, 38–40°C (100.5–104.5°F); may be accompanied by nasal discharge, sore throat, cough, earache, vomiting or diarrhea.
Possible causes: a viral or bacterial infection such as a cold, the flu, strep throat, an ear infection, bronchitis or a urinary tract infection.
Response: medication can reduce the fever. If your fever is above 39.4°C (103°F) or lasts more than three days, call your doctor. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Stay hydrated with water or an electrolyte solution.
Description: a high fever 40.5°C (105°F) or higher; may be accompanied by confusion, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, hallucinations or convulsions.
Possible causes: a viral or bacterial infection or pneumonia, a kidney infection, mononucleosis or other serious condition.
Response: go to the emergency room, especially if the patient seems lethargic or unresponsive. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce the fever, as can bathing in lukewarm water. Stay hydrated by drinking water or an over-the-counter electrolyte solution.
Description: fever after starting a new medication.
Possible causes: a side effect of medications such as some antibiotics, antihistamines, barbiturates, anti-seizure medications and hypertension drugs.
Response: talk with your doctor about whether a different drug should be substituted. Side effects sometimes disappear after a few days or weeks of taking a medication.
Description: a mild fever that occurs after a vaccination.
Possible causes: a side effect of some routine immunizations, like those for diphtheria, tetanus and pneumonia.
Response: fever usually subsides in a day or two; take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce discomfort.
Description: a fever that occurs with other unexplained symptoms, such as weight loss, muscle or joint aches or stomach pain, and may come and go.
Possible causes: a wide variety of conditions and diseases, such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, lupus, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
Response: see your doctor, who may order diagnostic tests.
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