I Have a Slight Fever and Occasionally Cough
What Causes Fever and Cough?
Fever and cough are two common symptoms of many different illnesses, including the flu, the common cold, and pneumonia. A slight fever is usually defined as a temperature between 100.4 and 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature is higher than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, you should seek medical attention. A dry cough is a cough that does not produce any mucus. A wet cough is a cough that produces mucus.
Causes of Fever
A fever is the body's natural response to infection. When the body is infected with a virus or bacteria, the immune system releases chemicals called pyrogens. These pyrogens cause the body temperature to rise, which helps to kill the invading organism.
Causes of Cough
A cough is a reflex that helps to clear the throat and airways of mucus, dust, and other irritants. Coughing can be caused by many different factors, including:
Infections: The flu, the common cold, and pneumonia are all common causes of coughing.
Allergies: Allergens, such as pollens, dust mites, and pet dander, can cause the airways to become inflamed and produce mucus, leading to coughing.
Irritants: Smoke, air pollution, and other irritants can irritate the throat and airways, leading to coughing.
Post-nasal drip: Post-nasal drip is a condition in which mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat. This can cause coughing, especially at night.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if your fever is higher than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, if your cough is severe or persistent, or if you have any other symptoms, such as:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Confusion
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Treatment for Fever and Cough
The treatment for fever and cough depends on the underlying cause. If the fever is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the cough is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays. If the cough is caused by an irritant, your doctor may recommend avoiding the irritant.
Home Remedies for Fever and Cough
There are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve fever and cough, including:
Rest: Getting plenty of rest can help your body fight off infection.
Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup, can help to prevent dehydration and thin mucus.
Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to reduce fever and pain.
Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants can help to reduce coughing.
Expectorants: Expectorants can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Prevention of Fever and Cough
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent fever and cough, including:
Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against the flu and other respiratory illnesses can help to protect you from infection.
Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water can help to prevent the spread of germs.
Avoid contact with sick people: If you are sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading your illness to others.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze: Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze can help to prevent the spread of germs.
Clean and disinfect surfaces: Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and countertops, can help to prevent the spread of germs.
Outlook
The outlook for fever and cough depends on the underlying cause. If the fever and cough are caused by a minor illness, such as the flu or the common cold, they will usually go away on their own within a few days. If the fever and cough are caused by a more serious illness, such as pneumonia, they may require more intensive treatment.
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