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Why Does Body Temperature Increase?
Body temperature is one of the vital signs that reflect the body’s overall health and metabolic activity. The human body maintains an average temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C), but fluctuations can occur due to various factors, including environmental conditions, infections, and medical conditions. While mild temperature changes are normal, a significant increase in body temperature can indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Understanding why body temperature rises can help in early detection, effective management, and prevention of potential health risks. This blog explores the causes of increased body temperature, symptoms to watch for, and effective ways to regulate body heat.
1. Fever Due to Infections
The most common reason for an increase in body temperature is fever, which is the body’s natural response to infections. Fever occurs when the hypothalamus (the body’s thermostat) raises the temperature to help fight off bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
Common infections that cause fever include:
Viral infections: Flu, common cold, COVID-19, dengue, and viral gastroenteritis.
Parasitic infections: Malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A fever is usually a sign that the immune system is actively fighting an infection. However, persistent high fever (above 102°F or 39°C) requires medical attention, especially in children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
2. Heat-Related Illnesses
Prolonged exposure to hot weather, humidity, or excessive physical exertion can cause body temperature to rise dangerously. Heat-related illnesses include:
Heat Exhaustion: Occurs when excessive sweating leads to dehydration and overheating. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, weakness, and excessive sweating.
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition where the body fails to cool down, leading to a temperature above 104°F (40°C). Symptoms include confusion, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke requires immediate emergency care, as prolonged high body temperature can cause organ failure, brain damage, or death.
3. Dehydration and Fluid Loss
The body regulates temperature through sweating and hydration. When fluid levels drop due to insufficient water intake, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhoea, the body loses its ability to cool down efficiently.
Common causes of dehydration-related temperature rise include:
Not drinking enough water, especially in hot weather
Prolonged exercise without hydration
Diarrhea or vomiting leading to fluid loss
Certain medications (diuretics, antihistamines) that cause dehydration
Staying hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, and hydrating foods can prevent temperature spikes due to dehydration.
4. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, which affects how the body generates and dissipates heat. Hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid produces excessive hormones, can lead to:
Increased body temperature
Excessive sweating
Rapid heart rate
Weight loss
Anxiety and nervousness
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause a life-threatening condition called a thyroid storm, where body temperature rises dangerously high. Treatment includes medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery in severe cases.
5. Hormonal Changes and Menopause
Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to increased body temperature. Common examples include:
Menopause: Women going through menopause often experience hot flashes, sudden episodes of intense body heat and sweating.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow can lead to a slightly higher body temperature during pregnancy.
Menstrual cycle: Body temperature naturally rises after ovulation due to hormonal shifts.
These temperature fluctuations are usually temporary and do not require medical treatment unless accompanied by severe discomfort.
6. Medications and Drug Reactions
Certain medications can cause an increase in body temperature, either as a side effect or due to an allergic reaction. Common medications that can induce hyperthermia include:
Antibiotics: Some antibiotics can trigger fever as a reaction.
Anaesthetics: In rare cases, certain anaesthetics can cause malignant hyperthermia, a severe reaction that leads to extreme temperature rise.
Psychiatric drugs: For medication, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms like rash, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
7. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
Certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can lead to persistent low-grade fevers or periodic spikes in body temperature. These include:
Rheumatoid arthritis – Chronic inflammation that can cause intermittent fevers.
Lupus (SLE) – An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, often leading to fever, joint pain, and fatigue.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may trigger fever due to intestinal inflammation.
Managing these conditions often involves anti-inflammatory medications and immune-modulating therapies to control symptoms and temperature fluctuations. 8. Neurological Conditions and Brain Injuries
The hypothalamus, located in the brain, acts as the body’s thermostat. Any damage or disruption to the hypothalamus can cause abnormal temperature regulation, leading to hyperthermia (elevated body temperature).
Conditions that can affect the hypothalamus include:
Head injuries or trauma
Brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
Brain tumors or strokes
Individuals experiencing unexplained high temperatures along with neurological symptoms like confusion, loss of coordination, or seizures should seek urgent medical attention.
9. Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions can sometimes cause increased body temperature as part of the body’s inflammatory response. Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, can lead to:
A sudden rise in temperature
Swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing
Hives and skin rash
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure
Immediate treatment with epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency medical care is necessary for anaphylaxis.
10. Cancers and Tumors
Certain types of cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, can cause persistent fevers due to the body’s immune response to abnormal cell growth. Tumor-related fevers may be accompanied by:
Unexplained weight loss
Night sweats
Fatigue
If a fever lasts for more than two weeks without a clear cause, a doctor should be consulted for further testing.
When to Seek Medical Help?
A temporary rise in body temperature is often harmless, but seek immediate medical care if:
Fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) and does not respond to medication
High temperature lasts more than three days
Symptoms like confusion, seizures, severe dehydration, or chest pain occur
There is a rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling, indicating a possible allergic reaction
A person with a weak immune system, elderly age, or chronic illness experiences prolonged fever
Prompt medical evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment before complications arise.
Why Choose Sahyadri Hospital for Fever and Hyperthermia Treatment?
Sahyadri Hospital is a trusted name in emergency and critical care, providing advanced treatment for conditions that cause high body temperature. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, the hospital ensures accurate identification of the underlying causes of fever or hyperthermia. With 24/7 emergency care, Sahyadri is well-prepared to handle life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke, severe infections, and neurological complications. The hospital’s expert medical team offers personalized treatment plans, including hydration therapy, fever management, and long-term care strategies to effectively manage recurrent temperature fluctuations and ensure optimal patient recovery.
Conclusion
An increase in body temperature can result from various factors, including infections, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, medical conditions, and drug reactions. While mild temperature fluctuations are common, persistent or dangerously high temperatures require medical evaluation and appropriate intervention.
Understanding the causes of elevated body temperature allows for early detection and effective treatment, reducing the risk of severe complications. If you or a loved one experiences prolonged or unexplained high fever, Sahyadri Hospital’s expert team is ready to provide the best medical care and ensure a full recovery.
For a quick response to all your queries, do call us.
