Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations of Fever Due to Inflammatory Causes

Overview of Fever

Fever is a complex physiological response triggered by infectious and inflammatory processes. It plays a critical role in immune function and pathogen defense.

Definition and Physiological Role

Fever is defined as an elevation of body temperature above the normal range due to regulated thermogenesis. It is mediated by pyrogenic cytokines and involves hypothalamic thermoregulatory centers.

Classification

• Infectious Fever: Resulting from microbial invasion.
• Inflammatory Fever: Caused by non-infectious triggers such as autoimmune diseases.
• Neoplastic Fever: Associated with malignancies.

Pathophysiology

Fever is initiated when pyrogenic cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, activate the hypothalamus to increase body temperature.

Clinical Manifestations

• Elevated body temperature
• Chills and rigor
• Tachycardia
• Fatigue and malaise