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Is it a fever from stress

Czy to gorączka wywołana stresem?

Have you heard of fever from stress? Perhaps you are wondering whether it is even possible for the body to react with a fever if it is not attacked by an illness? We are hastening to give you the answer. Stress-induced fever is possible. Whether it is caused by temporary stress or chronic stress, it affects the functioning of our body. You can find out what you need to know about fever caused by stress in order to protect your body in our article.

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How stress affects the body

Stress is the body's reaction to a stimulus that may pose a threat. In a stressful situation, the organism prepares to defend itself - to escape or fight. It mobilises all its strength to face the threat, and this is a normal reaction, independent of us. It enables us to avoid many dangers and is not in itself a negative thing. The problem is long-term stress, when we have no way of relieving the tension that builds up.

The processes that occur in the body under stress result from the production of so-called stress hormones (e.g. adrenaline, cortisol, thyroxine). As a result, under the influence of short-term stress we feel for example:

  • accelerated breathing and heart rate
  • increased sweating
  • decreased sensitivity to painful stimuli
  • dilation of the pupils
  • tension in the muscles.

Stress can also increase body temperature. Short-term stress has a mobilising effect, and once the stimulus has subsided, the body quickly returns to equilibrium. In the case of chronic stress, the body accumulates tension. However, this does not mean that a stress-induced temperature only occurs in the case of long-term stress.

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Fever from stress

Psychogenic fever is encountered when an elevated body temperature is the body's response to stress. The temperature can occur as a result of both sudden stress and chronic stress. Psychogenic fever is not accompanied by other symptoms of infection, such as a runny nose, cough or muscle aches.

Wondering what the link between fever and stress is then? Stress stimulates the immune system to fight back. Excessive secretion of stress hormones, mainly adrenaline and cortisol, is to blame. When stimulated, the immune system reacts as if threatened by a pathogen.

High fever and stress or subfebrile state and stress - how the body reacts to a stressful stimulus is an individual matter. If the body temperature is between 36.7 and 38°C, this is a subfebrile state. In this case the temperature should not be reduced. A temperature above 38°C is a fever, which should be treated with antipyretics or home remedies.

In the first instance, a persistent fever requires the exclusion of somatic causes. Even if you are experiencing the effects of stress, a temperature that persists for 2 weeks requires the cause to be established, as it may be indicative of for example:

  • ongoing inflammation in the body
  • cancer or autoimmune disease
  • presence of parasites.

Therefore, in the event of persistent fever, start by visiting your general practitioner, who will refer you to appropriate tests or to a specialist. Only once organic causes have been ruled out, take the next step and consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The investigation to find a link between fever and stress involves looking for psychological causes. A psychiatrist or psychologist will take a thorough medical history to establish, among other things:

  • how often a fever occurs that has no other cause (not caused by an illness)
  • under what circumstances an elevated temperature occurs
  • whether there are acute and chronic stress factors
  • how the patient copes with stressful situations
  • whether there is mental dysfunction in the family
  • whether the patient uses psychoactive substances
  • whether other, perhaps undiagnosed, mental dysfunctions or disorders are present.

Fever and stress in children

Children get a fever for a variety of reasons, not necessarily related to illness or infection. Strong emotions, overexertion, fear or stress can also cause an elevated temperature in a child. A fever caused by stress in a child usually passes after a few hours. Whether a doctor should be consulted depends on how young the child is and whether the temperature persists for more than 2-3 days.

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How fever affects the body

Whatever the cause, fever affects the body. If it lasts for a long time, it has a negative effect on health. Fever caused by stress also results in, among other things, the following:

  • accelerated metabolism
  • weakening of the body
  • slowing down of digestive processes
  • decreased energy
  • swelling due to salt retention in the body and water accumulation.

Fever from stress - can telemedicine help?

Yes, in order to cure psychogenic fever, it is necessary to find the source of the stress and tension and effective psychological help. n the process of regaining psychological balance and learning to cope with difficult situations, an e-visit is just as effective as a visit to a stationary office.

The advantage of a telemedicine consultation over in-patient advice lies in the accessibility of the specialist and the comfort of the visit itself. With an e-visit, you can consult a psychiatrist or psychologist from wherever you are. Even from abroad, if you happen to be on holiday. What is more, you do not have to wait in a long queue to see a specialist. A telemedicine service does not require a referral and is the fastest way to contact a doctor.

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Book your appointment today, our doctors online are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will respond as quickly as possible. Log in or register to book an appointment with the possibility of receiving an e prescription online. Don't want to wait for an appointment? Use our Express services (among others Sick leave L4 online Express) and see a doctor within 15 minutes after registration. 

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