Respiratory Problems and Fever

Chest | Pulmonology | Respiratory Problems and Fever (Symptom)


Description

When a person is short of breath, it is hard or uncomfortable for him or her to take in the oxygen the body needs. The person may feel as if he or she is not getting enough air. Sometimes mild breathing problems are from a stuffy nose or hard exercise. But shortness of breath can also be a sign of a serious disease.

Fever is a common medical sign characterized by an elevation of temperature above the normal range of 36. 5–37. 5 °C (98–100 °F) due to an increase in the body temperature regulatory set-point. This increase in set-point triggers increased muscle tone and shivering. Fever is the result of an immune response by the body to a foreign invader. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, drugs or other toxins.

Most fever is beneficial, causes no problems, and helps the body fight off infections. The main reason for treating a fever is to increase comfort. High fever (>103 F/40 C) or prolonged bouts of fever can lead to seizures, hallucinations or dehydration. Avoiding sources the infection and maintaining good hygiene practices are your best way to prevent a fever.

Causes

Breathing difficulties are symptoms of a variety of mild to serious underlying disorders, diseases and conditions that interfere with normal respiration and breathing. Breathing difficulties, sometimes called dyspnea, can be caused by infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, airway obstruction and other abnormal processes.

Atypical pneumonia, mycoplasmal pneumonia, primary atypical pneumonia are acute respiratory diseases marked by high fever and coughing. They are caused by mycoplasma primarily affecting children and young adults.

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