What is pyrexic?

Pyrexia, commonly known as fever, refers to an elevated body temperature above the normal range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F). Pyrexia is an adaptive response of the body to fight against infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, as well as non-infectious diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and drug reactions.

The onset of pyrexia is triggered by the release of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate the immune response. These cytokines stimulate the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls the body's temperature regulation, to increase the body's temperature.

Symptoms of pyrexia include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment of pyrexia depends on the underlying cause and may include medication to reduce fever such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as antibiotics for bacterial infections. Adequate hydration and rest also help in managing pyrexia.